Pets should not be “family”

Unavoidable disclaimer: this is NOT a condemnation of any single pet owner. This is a condemnation of the cumulative effects on society of certain pet-related strategies, and of those who impose or tolerate those strategies. Don’t take it personally.I’ve never had or even wanted a pet myself, for several reasons, but I do see and understand that pets are a big source of sincere joy for many people, and I have NOTHING against that, in principle. At the same time what pet ownership has become today honestly worries and saddens me.Usual notice before getting started: If you like what you find here, thanks in advance for your subscription (possibly but not necessarily paid) or, even better, one-time donations for any amount, or consulting, writing or speaking work.My first, most obvious cause of concern around pets is people spending thousands of Euros, getting in debts too, not just to get purebreed pets of questionable origin (more on this in a moment) but to treat them as much as…