Is the value of an animal dependent on the culture in which you live?

Question

In the Philippines (and other countries, including Muslim countries) dogs generally have little to no value as pets. In countries like the United States dogs are man's best friend and people get incredibly attached to them.

In the Philippines the most loved pet is the chicken (specifically fighting roosters). Generally other animals like goats, pigs and cows are more favored as pets than dogs.

My question then is if the value (non monetary, but rather as a pet) of an animal is dependent on the culture, or if some animals are inherently more "important" than others?

Answer 1

I also struggle with the idea that a chicken can be as valuable as a pet dog (in pet terms). Here in the UK chickens, pigs and cows etc are treated like livestock and most commonly housed in farms. Chickens are mostly bred/raised for their meat and eggs, this is how most people perceive them to be valuable to humans -- they are good for meat. I don't agree, I love cows, pigs, sheep and chickens and I'd love to own them as pets but I live in the city which is not possible. However we don't value our dogs for their fighting potential, as you do your chickens.



For many years dogs have formed an unconditional companionship with humans, as well as helping us in so many ways, rescue dogs, sniffer dogs, aiding the blind deaf and physically limited, I could go on! We need dogs, they don't need us. I do believe it's to upbringing and culture. When I'm walking my dog along the street it's not just once that a muslim has shooed her children to the other side of the road pointing at my dog as if she's an uncontrollable, dangerous animal (I'd like to add the children are aged from 3 years old), the children will stare at her in fear and run away screaming while my dog happily plods along attached to a LEASH, by my side with her tail contently swaying. I'd hardly believe these children have had much experience with a dog, they've just learned this fearful behavior.



I believe any animal should be just as respected and important as our working animals as they all help us in one way or another. They certainly have the potential anyway.

Answer 2

I think it's do to with certain cultures and countries in which they are living. If one country has a certain religion or faith they might love one animal more than another, so every country has their on preferred animal in my opinion. In Britain in my house especially we have 6 cats but in another country there will be someone who has more or less animals that will be different to ours. It also depends on you yourself as what kind of animal person you are brought up to be

Answer 3

I believe the answer to your question is yes and I also believe that you proved it yourself.