10/3 Post: Defining Ethics

     Todays post is about the ethics in the community of my field.  Unfortunately, in the field of zoology, along with a lot of fields in sciences, there is no written or formal set of ethics to be followed.  Each scientist is kind of responsible for judging for themselves, along with a combination of morals and public guidance, whether their actions would be considered ethical, and follow those guidelines throughout the rest of their work.
    Although there are not solid guidelines for zoologists to follow, some common ethical questions in the zoology field relate the treatment of animals and scientific research and testing of them.  Many of the animals of zoology are caged or captured animals that are either being trained, rehabilitated, used for research, or for community entertainment purposes such as zoo's.  It is very important that all of the animals are treated with respect and are living in good conditions suitable for their species.  When the animals are involved in research, it should never be something that is physically or mentally harmful and should be for a good purpose.  The animals should always be treated with great care no matter where they are or what they are being used for.
     These beliefs are very much like my own when it comes to animals.  I feel that animals should be treated with the utmost respect.  We share the world with the animals and I think that it is important for people to realize that they have as much a right to life as we do.  I also believe that we have a responsibility to help those animals which were harmed because of us.
     In college, I plan on doing many things that will prepare me for a possible career in zoology while following the guidelines above.  The first thing is getting an overall degree in it so I am able to get a good job and learn all I can about the field and the important aspects of it.  I will also do some sort of research dealing with animals here so that I can learn the proper way to do it and keep the animal safe.  A third thing would be participation and finishing this blog because it has taught me so much about this field and the important ways of helping animals.

Works Cited:

Buckeridge, J. "Ethics and Zoology."Acta Zoologica Sinica (2004): vol. 50, n. 5, pag. Abstract. Web.  7 Oct. 2013