How do I define “proper”? Popular consensus. It is unjust to steal from another because the popular idea is that it’s wrong to steal. I would also argue that it’s wrong to intentionally inflict harm on another thinking, feeling animal (human included). If you have any doubt whether animals think, simply observe an animal’s behavior. Cognitive awareness are indeed recognizable. If you have any doubts about whether animals feel, toss a ball for your dog and watch the reaction in its eyes. Do you suppose it might yelp if kicked or cut? Hmm, I wonder why?

The level of our technological development has made many animal tests obsolete, unnecessarily expensive, inaccurate, and unjustified. The actions performed on animals would be viewed a complete outrage and horrendous crime if conducted on humans. Why is it different because “they’re not human”? It isn’t. That attitude is misguided arrogance from somebody believing they’re better than something else.

If at some point I as an individual, or we as a race, are to be evaluated for character (no biblical prophecy here, as I’m also agnostic), then we should be doing everything we can to be of the best character we can be. Subjugating our co-inhabitants to slavery and torture, in my opinion, is definately not of good character.

Everyone needs to check out http://www.leapingbunny.org to see which cosmetics companies do not test since PETA’s list isn’t totally correct which is depressing. I just found that out recently. I’ve been emailing and writing companies telling them to stop testing.