Any attempt to justify our exploitation of non-humans based on their lack of 'human' characteristics begs the moral question by assuming that certain characteristics are special and justify differential treatment. Even if, for instance, humans are the only animals who can recognise themselves in mirrors or can communicate through symbolic language, no human is capable of flying, or breathing under water without assistance.

What makes the ability to recognise oneself in a mirror or use symbolic language better in a moral sense than the ability to fly or breathe under water?

The answer, of course, is that we say so and it is in our interest to say so.

Gary L. Francione: Animals and us: Our hypocrisy, NewScientist.com, June 4, 2005.

Mule deer visiting our Boulder garden.

Geese at Fairview Lake, Boulder.

Are these tracking devices embedded by animal lovers or terrorists?