Spider Suffragettes and Lobster Labor Leaders
Katherine Mangu-Ward | June 25, 2007, 4:57pm
The Daily Mail reports:
The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is investigating whether invertebrates - the family of animals that includes insects, spiders and molluscs - should get the same protection under the law enjoyed by dogs, cats and horses if they are kept in captivity.
The current state of the law is manifestly unjust--I triple-dog-dare you to read the next sentence with a straight face:
"While it is illegal to mistreat a goldfish, there is nothing to stop people mistreating pet tarantulas or lobsters kept in restaurant aquariums."
But don't worry, some things with eight arms will still be beyond the long arm of the law:
While [restaurant owners] would still be able to boil the crustaceans alive to kill them, they would have to make sure they are kept in clean, warm uncrowded tanks up to that point.
Similarly, while little boys will not be punished for pulling the legs off a back-garden spider, people with pet tarantulas will have to ensure they are kept warm and well-fed.
More on animal rights here.
Update: The original image expired, so I replaced it with something that demonstrates the appropriate human love for our invertebrate friends.
highnumber | June 26, 2007, 2:41pm | #
If I see a fencer, I avoid it if I can. I give the fencer every opportunity to avoid me. If I do encounter a fencer at close distance, I remain calm. Attacks are rare. Chances are, I am not in danger. Most fencers are interested only in protecting food, children or their "personal space." Once the threat is removed, they will move on. I remember the following:
Identify myself
I let the fencer know I am human. I talk to the fencer in a normal voice. I wave my arms. I help the fencer recognize me. If a fencer cannot tell what I am, it may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing fencer is usually curious, not threatening. I may try to back away slowly diagonally, but if the fencer follows, I stop and hold my ground.
I don't run
I can't outrun a fencer. They have been clocked at speeds up to 35 mph, and like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Fencers often make bluff charges, sometimes to within 10 feet of their adversary, without making contact. I continue waving my arms and talking to the fencer. If the fencer gets too close, I raise my voice and act more aggressive. I bang pots and pans. I use noisemakers. I never imitate fencer sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.
If attacked
If a fencer actually makes contact, I surrender! I fall to the ground and play dead. I lie flat on my stomach, or curl up in a ball with my hands behind my neck. Typically, a fencer will break off it's attack once it feels the threat has been eliminated. I remain motionless for as long as possible. If I move, and the fencer sees or hears me, it may return and renew its attack. In rare instances, particularly with black fencers, an attacking fencer may perceive a person as food. If the fencer continues poking me long after I assume a defensive posture, it likely is a predatory attack. I fight back vigorously.
