One of the signs of a capitalist economy, based on concern for the interests of others, is the emergence of concern for pets, and from there of concern for other animals. And it’s happening in China, as the New York Times reported today.
When I’m back home, I’ll try to find some of the historical essays I read years ago on the emergence of philanthropy and of concern for animals in capitalist economies (most notably Britain, which is still the most extreme in popular support for the well being of animals) and post the citations here. (If anyone could help me with emails or postings on the topics, I’d be much obliged.)
I’ve always thought that how people treat their companion animals is a test of how people will treat other people. It doesn’t mean that people who show compassion to animals will always be respectful of the rights of other humans, but still, people who are indifferent to animals generally are probably going to be indifferent to human animals.