Title: Ethical Dilemmas: Reporting an Unregistered Dog Breeding Operation & Dealing with Controversial Views in a Writing Group
Summary:
In the first dilemma, the questioner is concerned about an apparently unregistered dog breeding operation run by their neighbors. While the dogs do not appear to be mistreated, there are more than the allowed limit, and continuous breeding takes place in a townhouse that already houses a family of six. The dilemma lies in deciding whether to report the neighbors and potentially jeopardize their main source of income, or to turn a blind eye to the dogs’ welfare. The ethicist suggests that following rules to protect animals is important and advises reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities.
In the second dilemma, the questioner runs a writing group that has a no-politics rule. However, one member’s historical fiction about the Civil War reveals pro-Confederate, racist, and white supremacist views, leading to the departure of other group members. The questioner is unsure how to handle this situation as talking to the member might not have any effect. The ethicist suggests informing the member about the group’s discomfort with his views and reminding him that the group’s purpose is to focus on writing. If the situation remains unproductive, the questioner can consider starting a new group with clear guidelines about discussing racism.
Additional Piece: Addressing Ethical Dilemmas with Sensitivity and Accountability
Ethical dilemmas can be challenging to navigate, often requiring us to strike a balance between different moral considerations. In the case of the unregistered dog breeding operation, it’s essential to prioritize the welfare of the animals while also considering the livelihood of the neighbors. Reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities is the responsible action, as it aims to enforce regulations designed to protect animals and prevent potential harm caused by overbreeding.
However, it is important to approach such situations with empathy and sensitivity. Understanding the potential consequences for the neighbors, such as losing their main source of income, can evoke conflicting emotions. In this case, it might be worth exploring if there are ways to support the neighbors in transitioning towards a legal and ethical dog breeding operation. Connecting them with resources or organizations that can help them navigate the regulations could be a constructive approach.
Similarly, addressing controversial views in a writing group requires tact and open communication. While establishing guidelines that discourage political discussions can foster a harmonious environment, it’s crucial to recognize that writing itself can often reflect or delve into political themes. Therefore, creating space for respectful dialogue and acknowledging diverse perspectives can promote growth and understanding among group members.
In both scenarios, the key is finding a balance between addressing ethical concerns and treating individuals with respect and dignity. By engaging in open conversations, offering support, and promoting accountability, we can strive to make ethical choices that uphold the well-being of all involved parties.
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I live across the street from an apparently unregistered dog breeding operation run by our neighbors. Our house overlooks the courtyard where our neighbors let their dogs out sporadically during the day. The dogs do not appear to be abused or malnourished, but there appear to be more than 26 in total, exceeding the limit in our state for both owning and selling without a license. And they continually breed the dogs. All of this takes place in a two-story townhouse that also houses a family of six. So the rooms must be reduced; I guess dogs spend most of the day in the basement, because it’s the only space imaginable for them.
These neighbors are a family that doesn’t speak much English and I don’t know what the job prospects would be for the two parents outside of dog breeding. I’d hate to see them lose their main source of income (that’s my main reason for not reporting them), but it seems this comes at the expense of the dogs’ welfare. We’ve heard that other neighbors have reported this family in the past, so I’m also not sure if stopping this dog breeding operation is a lost cause or if I’m telling myself this to justify my own inaction. What is the ethical thing to do? —Name withheld, Pennsylvania
From the ethicist:
You shouldn’t just assume that your neighbors cannot legally earn a living, no matter how limited their English. The fact is that an operation of the type you describe should probably register with the USDA and (given the statutes where you live) be licensed by your state Department of Agriculture, which has an inspection program.
If your neighbors have previously been reported to the appropriate authorities, there is little point in going to them yourself; they have presumably shown that they are willing to ignore the law. All you can do is make your own report and hope for the best. Rules designed to protect animals deserve your support: animals can do all sorts of things, but what they can’t do is defend themselves.
Thoughts? If you would like to share an answer to today’s dilemma with the ethicist and other subscribers in the next newsletter, please complete this form.
one extra question
I run a local writing group. It is held at our library branch and is open to all. We long ago established a norm of no politics. I work hard to run the group democratically. My problem is that we have a member whose historical fiction about the Civil War makes it clear that he holds pro-Confederate, racist, and white supremacist views. He doesn’t realize that his comments are offensive to other members of our group. Thanks to him, both new and old members have stopped coming. I suspect that talking to this member won’t have any effect, because he thinks his views are normal. That I have to do? — Name withheld
From the ethicist:
You haven’t kicked anyone out of the group, but your Confederation buff has kicked people himself, which isn’t much of a trade-off. He would tell him that the members have left because they find his views disgusting and that if he stays, he will encourage the members to speak their minds about it. You can’t complain that you’re the one violating the no-politics rule, because your fiction clearly has its own politics. If the result is an unproductive forum, you can start a new one and tell it that it’s not welcome. You’ve made it clear that the group’s goal is to help each other with their writing, not to discuss or debate their racism.
But here’s a question to ask the group: Was it a good idea to have a no-politics rule in the first place? I understand that your group of writers could not use disputes over public policy proposals. Still, because writing can be political (for one, writers should be willing to address the political lives of their characters), discussions of writing will surely touch on politics as well. You should be able to maintain your focus as a writer without trying to impose large zones of silence.
readers respond
Last week’s question was from a reader who had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer and most likely only had two years to live. He wrote: “I have not told this to my wife, son or any of my friends. I don’t want to have to put up with two years of pity. I would rather enjoy life with everyone as I always have and then break the news only when the time comes. …Am I wrong to hide this from the people I love?”
In his response, the ethicist noted: “The decision to disclose your situation is, of course, up to you. But living with a secret can be isolating, and sharing the news with your wife and child could at least help ease that burden. And your loved ones would want to feel that they did everything they could to support you during this time; They may later be saddened to learn that you faced your diagnosis alone. … By depriving your loved ones of the facts, you deprive them of the opportunity to face the future together with you. Since their diagnosis also affects their lives, I hope it allows them to accept this important truth.” (Reread the full question and answer here.)
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my sister had melanoma for four years before he died, leaving three children. He didn’t want to burden them with his terminal diagnosis until the very end; now they feel very betrayed. Our own mother behaved in a similar way with her cancer, which has always bothered us. The letter writer’s family will probably want to know as well. — patricia
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One of the most important What is often overlooked as the end of life approaches are the wishes and desires of the person actually approaching the end of their life. Ultimately, this is a decision of the letter writer. As harsh as it may seem, you owe nothing to anyone. Dignity is different for everyone. — denise
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If you get involved in intimate relationships based on trust, then yes, you owe it to those people to inform them of your terminal diagnosis. I have witnessed firsthand and myself felt the sense of betrayal that comes from hiding something so fundamental. Inevitably, those who are kept in the dark wonder how they themselves fell short. You are not “saving” anything for anyone. If anything, it makes the duel much more complicated. — nancy
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Tell your family early let them “learn” to do the things you have done for them. My husband is in the same situation with a cancer diagnosis. With his help and guidance, I am learning how to pay the bills, how to do more in the garden, how to do some repairs around the home, and eventually hopefully understand our investments. Without this preparation, his passing would totally destroy me; With his help, I’ll still be devastated, but I’ll be able to carry on on my own. — Maria
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With terminal cancer, telling your loved ones gives them a chance to tell you how much they love you and is a way to show them your own love. It may seem like a burden, but as an act of love, it can also be very rewarding. And you can still warn everyone that you’d rather not get constant questions about how the disease is progressing. Allowing others to love us is very important in this short life. — thymus
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