Knick Knack Paddy Whack, Give The Dog A Bone, Then Watch The Left Go Rolling Home
If you have ever believed that nothing is sacred to Democrats and the radical left, congratulations, you’re correct. Denying biological truths, believing free speech means agreeing with them, totally missing the point on what true diversity, equity, and inclusion consist of, and generally hating everything about Western culture are all cornerstones of their belief system.
Obviously, those are very general observations. The left loves to target what Americans love and then systematically tear those things down. The individual examples of everything they have attacked are “Too numerous to count” (TNC). Still, this latest example proves there is no bottom to their blind, nauseating whining about anything that passes through their rigidly narrow minds.
In an article that originally appeared in The Guardian and was then gleefully reprinted in Mother Jones, a magazine that I consider to be a left-wing rag, the newest guilt spear thrown by the left puts our pooches in the crosshairs.
According to the article, new research has found that dogs have “extensive and multifarious” environmental impacts, disturbing wildlife, polluting waterways, and contributing to carbon emissions. The study, which was conducted in Australia, reviewed existing studies. The report claims those studies show “the environmental impact of owned dogs is far greater, more insidious, and more concerning than is generally recognized.”
In the United States, studies have shown that deer, foxes, and bobcats tend to be less active in or avoid wilderness areas where dogs are permitted. Additionally, research indicates that insecticides from flea and tick medications can harm aquatic invertebrates when they wash off into waterways. Furthermore, dog feces can leave scent traces that impact soil chemistry and plant growth.
The carbon footprint of pets is quite substantial. A study conducted in 2020 found that the dry pet food industry has an environmental footprint roughly twice the size of the UK. Furthermore, the greenhouse gas emissions from this industry range between 56 to 151 million tons of CO2, which is comparable to the emissions of the 60th highest-emitting country.
The review’s lead author, Professor Bill Bateman from Curtin University, stated that the research was not intended to be judgmental. Instead, its goal was to increase awareness of the environmental impacts of keeping dogs as pets, a practice that has existed for several millennia in human history.
“To a certain extent, we give a free pass to dogs because they are so important to us … not just as working dogs but also as companions,” pointing out the “huge benefits” dogs have on their owners’ mental and physical health. Bateman observed that dogs play essential roles in conservation work, particularly in wildlife detection.
Bateman Conceded:
“Although we’ve pointed out these issues with dogs in natural environments … there is that other balancing side, which is that people will probably go out and really enjoy the environment around them – and perhaps feel more protective about it – because they’re out there walking their dog in it.”
Angelika von Sanden, a trauma therapist and the author of Sit, Stay, Grow: How Dogs Can Help You Worry Less and Walk into a Better Future, has observed that for many of her clients, the companionship of a dog plays a significant role in their healing process.
“Literally, it’s the only reason to survive, to get up, to still keep going. It gives them a reason to get up, a reason to get out, a reason to move around, and be in contact a little bit with the world outside.”
“Dog owners can get a bad name if they are not aware of the surroundings they are in and of other people around them.”
In the review, the bean counters attributed the extent of the environmental impacts to the number of dogs globally and also placed blame on “the lax or uninformed behavior of dog owners”.
Bateman emphasized that much of what we’re discussing can be improved by the behavior of pet owners. He noted that low compliance with leash laws is a significant issue. Stating:
“Maybe, in some parts of the world, we actually need to consider some slightly more robust laws.”
He then suggested that dog exclusion zones might be more suitable in some areas.
Bateman then raised the idea that sustainable dog food can be a way to lessen a pet’s environmental impact. However, he noted that:
“Sustainable dog food often costs more than the inexpensive options we typically buy, which have a higher carbon footprint.”
He concluded with this nugget of truth, “If nothing else, pick up your own dog shit.”
I’ve had seven dogs in my life, and all but one, who died in a tragic accident, lived to be at least 15 years old. I mention that because every one of them became family members, and when we lost them, it was the same as losing a human relative.
We did not see them as expendable, and we did not measure our love by the size of their carbon footprints. These climate freaks can measure and post all the phony data they want. Climate change is a hoax, and Americans love their pets, so we suggest you find something else to chastise.
Hey, here’s an idea: research the average carbon footprint for a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic, since the death of innocent children isn’t enough to stop the senseless killing, maybe the CO2 emissions will.
