Why Don't We Eat Cats, Dogs, and Horses?

Mr. Beat explains why Americans (as well as a growing number of folks from around the world) are disgusted by even the idea of eating cats, dogs, and horses.

Thanks to @TREYtheExplainer for collaborating with me! He is a talented creator AND just a really nice dude. Subscribe to him, and check out his video here

Produced by Matt Beat. All images and video by Matt Beat or used under fair use guidelines. Music by Electric Needle Room (Mr. Beat's band).

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I read this researching for this video. It's great.

Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism by Melanie Joy

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Sources/further reading:

Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear CowsAn Introduction to Carnism by Melanie Joy

Creative commons credits:

Sara Yeomans

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Why don’t Americans eat horses, cats, and….uh….dogs?

First of all, let’s remember that human beings are animals. Wow, look at those animals. So yeah, we’re omnivores who historically have eaten whatever we could in order to survive. That includes cats, dogs and horses...heck even other humans in some cases. However, historically we have been nicer to animals that are more like us. Specifically, mammals, especially mammals that we’ve had a working relationship with throughout history. And then obviously, those mammals we’ve had as pets. Horses, dogs, and cats all fit this category. Yes, even cats have been assigned as “working cats” to keep pests out of an area.

But you might be thinking...Mr. Beat, what about cows and pigs? Those are two mammals that Americans eat A LOT of. And this is true, but this is because of how the chain of meat production has made it so people can easily separate the meat from the actual animals. When you go to the grocery store, you buy hamburger patties or bacon, you’re not seeing this. But that’s just a small part of it. The bigger reason why Americans are generally not ok with eating horses, dogs, and cats, but ok with eating cows and pigs, is because they literally deny that cows and pigs have minds and can be intelligent and emotional creatures. Despite evidence that cows and pigs are likely just as smart as cats, dogs, and horses, Americans generally either deny that, or are ignorant of that and justify they only eat meat of animals that can’t think anyway so it’s ok right?

Now, the purpose of this video is to not turn you into a vegan. I’m not a vegan or vegetarian myself. I’m just trying to answer the question….(turning to cow) why do people eat you but not my pets?

In case you hadn’t figured it out by now, it’s culture.

Today, it is illegal in the United States to eat cats and dogs. However, in most states in the country and in some cases you can still legally kill and eat horses. But this is unthinkable to nearly every American.

#socialstudies #culture #vegan