I read an interesting essay on the ethics of keeping pets the other day that seemed to completely ignore the possibility that cats and dogs would probably be endangered species by now if they were not domesticated. I mean, sure we destroy an insane amount each year, but would having almost none of them be better?

I find our ethics with regard to animals so weird. Animals cherished enough to be pets, we (in N. America) do nothing useful with their bodies, since commercial use of them is considered outre. Yet they are bought and sold and destroyed by the millions. It's so messed up.