Assingment One

Week One. Paper due by midnight, July 8, 2002.

Animal Rights Activist would like to see the end of the use of animal for human gain whether it be fore medical research, food, pleasure, etc. There are many animal rights organizations with very large budgets that posses a lot of power. Recently, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have been successful in persuading McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy's to adopt new guidelines that regulate their suppliers of beef, pork, and poultry. While their campaign tactics are brutal (Murderking, Wicked Wendy's, Shamewa) they have proved to be effective.

Adequately discuss each of the questions below and email your discussion to me a week from today. See specification for document in course syllabus.

What is the purpose of these animal rights groups? (15 points)

How are they able to be so powerful? (10 points)

Why do humans consume meat? (15 points)

Animal rights groups claim that if we stopping feeding grain to cattle, swine, and poultry then there would be enough grain to solve world hunger. What do you think? Provide support for your argument. (20 points)

As mentioned earlier, PETA has mounted successful campaigns against McDonalds, BK, etc. Describe the new guidelines that have been adopted by these companies. Will these new guidelines effect the meat industry? Explain. (20 points)

The Naked Chicken debate: Review the articles (an others if you want), below and form an opinion on the development of the "Naked Chicken". Why was it developed? Who will benefit? Will the naked chicken cause more problems than it solves? Is it suitable for the US? Use the Discussion board on Blackboard to discuss this issue. (20 points). Each significant contribution you make to this discussion is worth 5 points.

The Featherless Chicken: "Cruel, Obscene, and Absurd"

A truly funky chicken - Denver Post artcile

Discuss the use of animal in research and product testing. Include the pros and cons and alternative methods used to reduce animal use.