IntroductionMany households have dogs and cats as pets. Unfortunately, there are also many dogs and cats that live on the streets. There are too many homeless dogs and cats, and not enough people are willing to take care of them. Some people think that all dogs and cats should be neutered or spayed to prevent overpopulation. Others think that it is unnatural to spay and neuter all dogs and cats. Today our debaters will discuss whether all dogs and cats should be neutered or spayed. Let’s see what they think.
Henry (Constructive)All dogs and cats should be neutered or spayed. Homeless dogs and cats roam the streets eating trash in order to survive. These poor animals are also highly prone to diseases and accidents. If we spayed or neutered all dogs and cats, we could control the population of dogs and cats so that there would not be any homeless animals on the streets. Furthermore, research shows that there are many health and behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering. For example, spayed or neutered dogs have a lower chance of contracting certain diseases.
Ashley (Constructive) All dogs and cats should not be neutered or spayed. It is unnatural. Animals are naturally made to reproduce. If we spayed or neutered all of them, then dogs would eventually go extinct. Responsible ownership is the key to controlling the overpopulation of dogs and cats. Owners need to take care of their dogs and cats to make sure there are no unwanted litters. They also need to take responsibility for their pets so that there are no abandoned or lost animals.
Henry (Rebuttal)Responsible ownership is an important part of controlling the overpopulation of dogs and cats. But neutering or spaying all dogs and cats is the best solution to completely end the problem. Professional breeders can raise dogs and cats that are not neutered or spayed. They can control reproduction based on people’s demand for pets. That way, dogs and cats would not become extinct and we would not have an issue of homelessness on our hands. All other dogs or cats should be neutered or spayed.
Ashley (Rebuttal) Think about those poor dogs and cats! Animals are genetically programmed to reproduce. It would be cruel of us to prevent them from having puppies and kittens. There are other ways to prevent overpopulation. We should look at all other options before considering the spaying or neutering of all dogs and cats. Why should humans have the right to decide whether dogs and cats can reproduce or not? It is inhumane and unfair for us to do this to all dogs and cats.
Judge’s CommentsHenry is the winner of today’s debate. Ashley committed the debate fallacy called argumentum ad misericordiam, which is Latin for “appeal to pity.” Debaters commit this fallacy when they try to appeal to their opponent’s emotions. They strive to make their opponent feel guilty or pity for their position. Ashley’s rebuttal argument focuses on appealing to her opponent’s emotions. She uses words such as cruel, inhumane, and unfair. However, no amount of special pleading can replace a solid argument.