Why are people who don't like animals treated like freaks?

wiredangler71 said:Look, back in the day, a dog always had a bigger purpose than just being a pet; they earned their meal. Cats? They just figured it out themselves and were useful while they were at it. Now, if you think your dog deserves a little bit of raw meat, you either have to forget how things work or someone else has to go out and produce it for you—which means another living creature is involved, just like your dog. But hey, you can always just choose to ignore that reality.

Hmm, that’s not really much of an explanation, is it?🤔 I can't exactly ignore it, I can only sort of live with it. My question was more about whether I'm being a speciesist if I feed my pets meat?? Personally, I'd say no, but then again, what's the difference if I'm eating the exact same meat I'm giving them?? I guess the only difference is there'd be fewer animals killed if I didn't eat it... Even for dogs, there's vegetarian food out there, but cats pretty much can't survive without meat... And I'm definitely not letting them fend for themselves outside. I did read a book on speciesism once, but as far as I remember, it didn't really touch on this specific thing.

Anyway, I'm asking for myself because I'm one of those people who loves animals and doesn't want to eat them, but I also know that one day I'll have my own dogs and cats at home... (I have them now, but since my mom buys their food and she's a meat-eater anyway...).

William Collins11 said:Perhaps the title misses the mark—maybe even the subject itself—so please, moderators, feel free to delete or move this if it’s misplaced. (Or if I'm repeating something already posted.)

To be clear, I am one of the people mentioned in the title. The reality is that I simply don't like animals; yet, whenever I admit this in social settings, people look at me as if I were—without any exaggeration—a cold-blooded killer. I truly don't understand why.

Growing up, I never wanted pets, nor did I ever own them... I just never felt that need for that kind of companionship.

Let me clarify one thing immediately—I am strictly against any form of animal cruelty, abuse, or killing. What I see online—people starving animals or beating them to death—it makes me physically ill; it's horrific. I don't hate animals in the sense that I want them all wiped out, but I simply do not love them.

For instance, the other day I was grabbing coffee with a friend and her group of acquaintances—people I barely know. She had this little poodle that wouldn't leave me alone for a single second. It was jumping on everyone, barking, whimpering... and everyone else thought it was "absolutely precious," while I found it so irritating that I could barely stay in my seat. Eventually, I ended up snapping at the dog and pushing it away—mostly because it was trying to lick my face. The reactions from the group were indescribable... they looked at me like I was some sort of monster, or someone mentally unstable. They couldn't fathom how I could yell at a dog or push it away... they pushed me to the point where I went home in tears.

The truth is, I just don't like it when animals jump on me, or lick me, or the smell, or the fur... I can't imagine having a pet in my house—not even a canary, let alone a cat or a dog.

Why does society label those who don't love animals as outcasts, or as cold and terrible people? (Perhaps I am exaggerating slightly, but that encounter truly shook me.)

Has anyone else here dealt with similar experiences?

Oh, don't worry—you aren't alone. Personally, I lose my cool with people walking their dogs and letting them jump all over everyone. For example, if I go out for coffee before a meeting or somewhere where I'm dressed nicely, and then someone sits at the next table with a dog that starts jumping on me or drooling in my lap—honestly, forget it! I'd much rather just get away from people like that!

Amy Young12 said:Look, I don't "melt" over babies OR animals.

But there is one thing I just don't get.
If a kid knocks over a flower, digs dirt out of a potted plant, smashes a glass off the table, or puts their feet right on the furniture—they get yelled at or they get a spanking. But if a cat jumps on the table or pees in a planter? You just gently move them away. 🙄

What’s the alternative? Should we just toss the cat out the window? Or perhaps give it a stern, judgmental look and explain, in fluent English, that well-bred, civilized cats don't use house plants as litter boxes or treat the dining table like a playground?🙄
There is a fundamental difference between a human infant and a pet.

Look, I’m a huge animal lover. I’ve got two dogs living in my apartment, I’ve been a vegetarian for 13 years, and I spend my free time volunteering at the local animal shelter... But is it okay if someone just doesn't care for animals? Yeah, absolutely.
I think those weird judgments people make (referring back to the OP's first post) come from this mindset where, the moment someone says they aren't an animal person, everyone immediately jumps to conclusions about them being abusive or just totally cold-hearted.

If someone doesn't want a pet in their house and feels indifferent toward them, so what? Nothing. It's fine.

A lot of people also can't wrap their heads around the fact that, at 32 years old, I don't feel any particular emotional connection to children. Does that make me "weird"? I don't know, and honestly, I don't really care.

Personally, I don't think it's strange when people don't love animals, as long as they aren't hurting them—but obviously, that's a different conversation entirely.

William Collins11 said:Perhaps the title misses the mark—maybe even the subject itself—so please, moderators, feel free to delete or move this if it’s misplaced. (Or if I'm repeating something already posted.)

To be clear, I am one of the people mentioned in the title. The reality is that I simply don't like animals; yet, whenever I admit this in social settings, people look at me as if I were—without any exaggeration—a cold-blooded killer. I truly don't understand why.

Growing up, I never wanted pets, nor did I ever own them... I just never felt that need for that kind of companionship.

Let me clarify one thing immediately—I am strictly against any form of animal cruelty, abuse, or killing. What I see online—people starving animals or beating them to death—it makes me physically ill; it's horrific. I don't hate animals in the sense that I want them all wiped out, but I simply do not love them.

For instance, the other day I was grabbing coffee with a friend and her group of acquaintances—people I barely know. She had this little poodle that wouldn't leave me alone for a single second. It was jumping on everyone, barking, whimpering... and everyone else thought it was "absolutely precious," while I found it so irritating that I could barely stay in my seat. Eventually, I ended up snapping at the dog and pushing it away—mostly because it was trying to lick my face. The reactions from the group were indescribable... they looked at me like I was some sort of monster, or someone mentally unstable. They couldn't fathom how I could yell at a dog or push it away... they pushed me to the point where I went home in tears.

The truth is, I just don't like it when animals jump on me, or lick me, or the smell, or the fur... I can't imagine having a pet in my house—not even a canary, let alone a cat or a dog.

Why does society label those who don't love animals as outcasts, or as cold and terrible people? (Perhaps I am exaggerating slightly, but that encounter truly shook me.)

Has anyone else here dealt with similar experiences?

Unless there’s some sort of past trauma involved, aversion to animals usually comes down to how someone was raised. If you grew up in a household where pets were treated as something dirty, you often end up with a learned dislike for them. For instance, you see that mindset quite a bit in parts of Canada, and then people who move to cities like Washington, D.C. might still steer their kids away from animals, warning them they're filthy or might bite. Kids pick up on that, developing a learned avoidance that actually goes against our natural human instinct toward animals. Think about it—we domesticated dogs long before we ever thought about eating other animals, mostly because of that sense of security. That coexistence actually helped us survive. Instinctively, most kids feel an inherent connection to animals, but then upbringing kicks in. In American culture, that aversion isn't as prevalent, so you find fewer people who can't tolerate them. Maybe that's why, specifically in places like Washington, D.C., people who don't like animals are so often treated like total weirdos.

Gerald Scott4 said:Look, I’m a huge animal lover. I’ve got two dogs living in my apartment, I’ve been a vegetarian for 13 years, and I spend my free time volunteering at the local animal shelter... But is it okay if someone just doesn't care for animals? Yeah, absolutely.
I think those weird judgments people make (referring back to the OP's first post) come from this mindset where, the moment someone says they aren't an animal person, everyone immediately jumps to conclusions about them being abusive or just totally cold-hearted.

If someone doesn't want a pet in their house and feels indifferent toward them, so what? Nothing. It's fine.

A lot of people also can't wrap their heads around the fact that, at 32 years old, I don't feel any particular emotional connection to children. Does that make me "weird"? I don't know, and honestly, I don't really care.

Personally, I don't think it's strange when people don't love animals, as long as they aren't hurting them—but obviously, that's a different conversation entirely.

I’m also cool with people not liking animals, provided they respect them and leave them alone. But what bugs me—and honestly, it happens way too often here in the States—is when people own pets but don't actually take care of them. Like, they just leave them tied up or stuck in a crate constantly without any attention or love, besides maybe some food. If you're just going to ignore them, why even have them? 🙂 Plus, the laws aren't exactly on the side of these animals as long as they're vaccinated and have a place to stay. I see it happen all the time around here, and unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it.😢

edit: One more thing for you, hope you catch this... I noticed you're a vegetarian and an animal lover too. How do you feel about not eating meat while your pets (I assume) definitely do?

Honestly, I find the idea of keeping animals in an apartment completely unthinkable. Animals deserve a massive backyard or some kind of outdoor space—a proper shelter, their own little house, and dedicated spots for food and water. That’s just how it should be...
It honestly makes my skin crawl when people walk their dogs and don't bother picking up after them, leaving someone else to step in it. Or when they stroll down a main sidewalk and then sit down for ice cream or pizza while their dog is scratching and drooling just a few feet away; it all feels so unhygienic... not to mention those who kiss a dog on the snout and then immediately go kissing their child.🙄 At the end of the day, a human is a human, and a dog is an animal! I truly believe a dog can't be a person's friend; a true friend can only ever be another human!

Sarah Garcia84 said:Honestly, I find the idea of keeping animals in an apartment completely unthinkable. Animals deserve a massive backyard or some kind of outdoor space—a proper shelter, their own little house, and dedicated spots for food and water. That’s just how it should be...
It honestly makes my skin crawl when people walk their dogs and don't bother picking up after them, leaving someone else to step in it. Or when they stroll down a main sidewalk and then sit down for ice cream or pizza while their dog is scratching and drooling just a few feet away; it all feels so unhygienic... not to mention those who kiss a dog on the snout and then immediately go kissing their child.🙄 At the end of the day, a human is a human, and a dog is an animal! I truly believe a dog can't be a person's friend; a true friend can only ever be another human!

I wanted to bold certain parts, but I couldn't decide which ones since the whole post deserves it.🙄
The sheer bitterness in your tone actually makes me feel a little sorry for you.
I'm not going to get into a huge argument, but I'll just say this: one of my two dogs was an abandoned stray. People were literally searching the neighborhood for him because neighbors called saying they saw him, and he would have been put down at the local shelter after 60 days. And here I am, such a heartless bitch that I decided to adopt him into my apartment... and now the poor thing is stuck in an apartment, oh the tragedy! 🙂, surely God will punish me for having the audacity to save a dog from certain death. 🤣

You are the textbook definition of what we were talking about—an animal hater. Because based on your post, you clearly aren't indifferent at all. Take care. 👋

Sarah Garcia84 said:Honestly, I find the idea of keeping animals in an apartment completely unthinkable. Animals deserve a massive backyard or some kind of outdoor space—a proper shelter, their own little house, and dedicated spots for food and water. That’s just how it should be...
It honestly makes my skin crawl when people walk their dogs and don't bother picking up after them, leaving someone else to step in it. Or when they stroll down a main sidewalk and then sit down for ice cream or pizza while their dog is scratching and drooling just a few feet away; it all feels so unhygienic... not to mention those who kiss a dog on the snout and then immediately go kissing their child.🙄 At the end of the day, a human is a human, and a dog is an animal! I truly believe a dog can't be a person's friend; a true friend can only ever be another human!

Well, this is probably going to gross you out.😍 One of my exes had a dog that slept right in the bed with us.😍

But before you start lecturing me about hygiene, just so you know—he’s a doctor.🙂 I'm sure he wouldn't put himself at such terrible risk.🙄

neongardener2 said:I’m also cool with people not liking animals, provided they respect them and leave them alone. But what bugs me—and honestly, it happens way too often here in the States—is when people own pets but don't actually take care of them. Like, they just leave them tied up or stuck in a crate constantly without any attention or love, besides maybe some food. If you're just going to ignore them, why even have them? 🙂 Plus, the laws aren't exactly on the side of these animals as long as they're vaccinated and have a place to stay. I see it happen all the time around here, and unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it.😢

edit: One more thing for you, hope you catch this... I noticed you're a vegetarian and an animal lover too. How do you feel about not eating meat while your pets (I assume) definitely do?

I agree with your whole post.
As for the question... yeah, they eat meat. It feels wrong to me to dictate their diet based on my own personal standards just because I have the ability to do so. That would feel like I was just venting my frustrations at meat-eaters by forcing my dogs to be vegetarians simply because I have "power" over them.😁
I don't judge meat-eaters or lecture them; I think everyone knows best how to follow their own conscience.

Sarah Garcia84 said:Honestly, I find the idea of keeping animals in an apartment completely unthinkable. Animals deserve a massive backyard or some kind of outdoor space—a proper shelter, their own little house, and dedicated spots for food and water. That’s just how it should be...
It honestly makes my skin crawl when people walk their dogs and don't bother picking up after them, leaving someone else to step in it. Or when they stroll down a main sidewalk and then sit down for ice cream or pizza while their dog is scratching and drooling just a few feet away; it all feels so unhygienic... not to mention those who kiss a dog on the snout and then immediately go kissing their child.🙄 At the end of the day, a human is a human, and a dog is an animal! I truly believe a dog can't be a person's friend; a true friend can only ever be another human!

Gerald Scott4 said:I wanted to bold certain parts, but I couldn't decide which ones since the whole post deserves it.🙄
The sheer bitterness in your tone actually makes me feel a little sorry for you.
I'm not going to get into a huge argument, but I'll just say this: one of my two dogs was an abandoned stray. People were literally searching the neighborhood for him because neighbors called saying they saw him, and he would have been put down at the local shelter after 60 days. And here I am, such a heartless bitch that I decided to adopt him into my apartment... and now the poor thing is stuck in an apartment, oh the tragedy! 🙂, surely God will punish me for having the audacity to save a dog from certain death. 🤣

You are the textbook definition of what we were talking about—an animal hater. Because based on your post, you clearly aren't indifferent at all. Take care. 👋

Where did I ever say that I hate animals? I simply stated that dogs should be treated like animals; is that somehow an insult?
I neglected to mention that, in addition to everything else, training is also essential for dogs, which sets them apart from cats...

Edward Murphy4 said:Well, this is probably going to gross you out.😍 One of my exes had a dog that slept right in the bed with us.😍

But before you start lecturing me about hygiene, just so you know—he’s a doctor.🙂 I'm sure he wouldn't put himself at such terrible risk.🙄

So what if he’s a doctor? Does that somehow excuse everything? Your boyfriend being a physician is about as relevant as how effective a miracle tonic is...🤣

I honestly think there’s something fundamentally broken about people who feel absolutely nothing for animals. None at all. You know the type—people who see a stray, wounded, or starving animal on the side of the road and don't feel even a tiny pang of empathy? Or the folks who spot a little hedgehog in their backyard and react like they’ve just stumbled upon a concrete pillar? They can't even show a kid the magic of the natural world, from the tiny grace of a butterfly to the majesty of a dog, a horse, or even an elephant. There is so much wonder out there 😲 but these people? They’re just strange 🤷

Jonathan Hayes85 said:I honestly think there’s something fundamentally broken about people who feel absolutely nothing for animals. None at all. You know the type—people who see a stray, wounded, or starving animal on the side of the road and don't feel even a tiny pang of empathy? Or the folks who spot a little hedgehog in their backyard and react like they’ve just stumbled upon a concrete pillar? They can't even show a kid the magic of the natural world, from the tiny grace of a butterfly to the majesty of a dog, a horse, or even an elephant. There is so much wonder out there 😲 but these people? They’re just strange 🤷

So I guess, except for the part you put in bold, I'm a weirdo to you? ☕

Jonathan Hayes85 said:I honestly think there’s something fundamentally broken about people who feel absolutely nothing for animals. None at all. You know the type—people who see a stray, wounded, or starving animal on the side of the road and don't feel even a tiny pang of empathy? Or the folks who spot a little hedgehog in their backyard and react like they’ve just stumbled upon a concrete pillar? They can't even show a kid the magic of the natural world, from the tiny grace of a butterfly to the majesty of a dog, a horse, or even an elephant. There is so much wonder out there 😲 but these people? They’re just strange 🤷

Yeah, I agree, but then again, we probably seem like weirdos to them too. And honestly, I'm not really worried about it 😍 As long as they aren't hurting them or encouraging others to be cruel, it doesn't matter if they love them or not.

Amy Young12 said:I’ve only got eyes for one kind of animal, and honestly? It’s usually served up on a dinner plate. 🤣
I can't even wrap my head around the whole dog and cat thing. If they start circling my chair while I’m trying to enjoy a coffee or a meal, my only move is to just get up and walk away.

Every single person who owns a dog uses the exact same line: "Oh, don't worry, he won't do anything."

"If you don't love animals, you can't love people." 🤣
Man, I have heard that nonsense more times than I can count.

Even monkeys are only interesting to me when they're behind bars at the zoo. 😁

I've had owners tell me "he won't bite" more times than I can count—usually right before their massive beast starts snarling and lunging at me (one actually got me once). And of course, suddenly it’s my fault! They start blaming me: "You shouldn't have stood up," or "You shouldn't have run," or "Don't sit down!" Like, excuse me? I'm just living my life on a sidewalk. Dogs are animals, for God's sake; owners should be the ones adjusting to people, not the other way around.

Lisa Baker6 As requested by Sarah Garcia84:
It seems I’m a total outlier in your eyes—everything except for that one specific thing you mentioned. Or am I? ☕

Personally, I find people who offer zero inspiration or fascination—you know, the ones who don't contribute anything remotely positive to the conversation—to be total oddballs. They just seem completely detached from the real world around them. Is it just me? It feels like they're living in a bubble while the rest of us are actually dealing with reality.
They’re what makes life worth living. 🙂You know, if you're looking to dive into that world, there’s plenty out there. You've got cartoons, documentaries, magazines, books... the list goes on. What else do you need?
Ever since we started actually paying attention, it’s become pretty obvious that the world is just teeming with endless varieties of life. It's everywhere. You look around and see an infinite array of species, all sporting the most bizarre patterns and colors you could imagine. Each one comes with its own set of weird abilities, strange instincts, and entirely unique ways of surviving. It's almost overwhelming, isn't it? Just constant, chaotic biological diversity happening right under our noses. Blah, blah, blah.

crimsontinker99 As I was saying:
Yeah, I agree. But let’s be honest—we aren't exactly normal to them either, are we? We're just as much the oddballs in their eyes. And frankly? It doesn't bother me one bit. 😍 Does it even matter if they like them? As long as they aren't causing harm or leading others down a dark path, who cares?

Look, I didn't say they were psychopaths. I just find the whole thing bizarre. Since when did being an animal lover make someone a weirdo? Honestly, having that much extra empathy isn't exactly a burden. If anything, it broadens your perspective instead of narrowing it. Why would anyone want a smaller world?

Andrew Peterson6 said:I've had owners tell me "he won't bite" more times than I can count—usually right before their massive beast starts snarling and lunging at me (one actually got me once). And of course, suddenly it’s my fault! They start blaming me: "You shouldn't have stood up," or "You shouldn't have run," or "Don't sit down!" Like, excuse me? I'm just living my life on a sidewalk. Dogs are animals, for God's sake; owners should be the ones adjusting to people, not the other way around.

Honestly, this drives me insane. Back when I had a dog, I never let anyone get close if he was panting like crazy or just looking miserable. You know the type—jumping all over your jeans and leaving slobber everywhere? Even if the dog wasn't even remotely dangerous, I wouldn't allow it. If things actually looked sketchy, sure, I’d grab a muzzle. But otherwise, what's the big deal?🤷
You can't explain that part either, and you won't. Honestly, if it were actually understandable, they wouldn't be acting this way in the first place. Would they? 🙂

I don't even know what my deal is, honestly... I'm just not an animal person, even if I think having a kid is the best thing ever (not in some weird way, obviously). My favorite thing to see is when some high-maintenance girl walks into a Starbucks, looking totally flawless, hair perfect, outfit on point, and then she just starts slobbering all over her dog 🤮 🤮 🤮 🤮 🤮. Seriously, I can't even look. That whole scene just leaves me scarred. If I lived out in rural Montana or something, sure, I’d get a dog or a cat because they kind of feel like part of the scenery out there, but living in an apartment? No way in hell. And this idea that if you don't like animals, you must hate people? That’s just plain stupid. I’ve seen plenty of examples in my own life that prove otherwise, and there’s even stuff from history—like that famous vegetarian guy back in the 1940s over in Europe who loved his dog more than any actual human being 😉.

Maybe I’m just a freak, and honestly, I don’t care. 😁

I love wandering through the zoo, stopping by a cage to stare at the animals—and I always find myself wondering how they even manage to get food into a tiger. 😁 Are they cute? Not even close.

If a fly or a mosquito starts buzzing around my head being a little nuisance, there’s no debating it: I want them gone.

There is absolutely no way I would let some animal roam around my house, lounging on my couch, my bed, or my armchair, or weaving through my legs while I'm trying to cook in the kitchen. The mere thought makes my skin crawl, but hey, if you guys think that's normal, go right ahead. That's on you. ☕

Back when I was in elementary school, I saw a car hit a cat, and my heart didn't even skip a beat.
When a neighbor's dog got mauled by another dog, I felt a tiny bit bad for it only because I was used to seeing him trot through the yard at least twice a day. But did I cry? Nope.

I guess this whole discussion is really just about cats and dogs. 😁

Jonathan Hayes85 said:

Lisa Baker6 As requested by Sarah Garcia84:
It seems I’m a total outlier in your eyes—everything except for that one specific thing you mentioned. Or am I? ☕

Personally, I find people who offer zero inspiration or fascination—you know, the ones who don't contribute anything remotely positive to the conversation—to be total oddballs. They just seem completely detached from the real world around them. Is it just me? It feels like they're living in a bubble while the rest of us are actually dealing with reality.
They’re what makes life worth living. 🙂You know, if you're looking to dive into that world, there’s plenty out there. You've got cartoons, documentaries, magazines, books... the list goes on. What else do you need?
Ever since we started actually paying attention, it’s become pretty obvious that the world is just teeming with endless varieties of life. It's everywhere. You look around and see an infinite array of species, all sporting the most bizarre patterns and colors you could imagine. Each one comes with its own set of weird abilities, strange instincts, and entirely unique ways of surviving. It's almost overwhelming, isn't it? Just constant, chaotic biological diversity happening right under our noses. Blah, blah, blah.

crimsontinker99 As I was saying:
Yeah, I agree. But let’s be honest—we aren't exactly normal to them either, are we? We're just as much the oddballs in their eyes. And frankly? It doesn't bother me one bit. 😍 Does it even matter if they like them? As long as they aren't causing harm or leading others down a dark path, who cares?

Look, I didn't say they were psychopaths. I just find the whole thing bizarre. Since when did being an animal lover make someone a weirdo? Honestly, having that much extra empathy isn't exactly a burden. If anything, it broadens your perspective instead of narrowing it. Why would anyone want a smaller world?

Honestly, this drives me insane. Back when I had a dog, I never let anyone get close if he was panting like crazy or just looking miserable. You know the type—jumping all over your jeans and leaving slobber everywhere? Even if the dog wasn't even remotely dangerous, I wouldn't allow it. If things actually looked sketchy, sure, I’d grab a muzzle. But otherwise, what's the big deal?🤷
You can't explain that part either, and you won't. Honestly, if it were actually understandable, they wouldn't be acting this way in the first place. Would they? 🙂

Then you have those people who don't even bother with a muzzle and just stroll through a crowded downtown plaza with their dog.

Amy Young12 said:Maybe I’m just a freak, and honestly, I don’t care. 😁

I love wandering through the zoo, stopping by a cage to stare at the animals—and I always find myself wondering how they even manage to get food into a tiger. 😁 Are they cute? Not even close.

If a fly or a mosquito starts buzzing around my head being a little nuisance, there’s no debating it: I want them gone.

There is absolutely no way I would let some animal roam around my house, lounging on my couch, my bed, or my armchair, or weaving through my legs while I'm trying to cook in the kitchen. The mere thought makes my skin crawl, but hey, if you guys think that's normal, go right ahead. That's on you. ☕

Back when I was in elementary school, I saw a car hit a cat, and my heart didn't even skip a beat.
When a neighbor's dog got mauled by another dog, I felt a tiny bit bad for it only because I was used to seeing him trot through the yard at least twice a day. But did I cry? Nope.

I guess this whole discussion is really just about cats and dogs. 😁

Then you have those people who don't even bother with a muzzle and just stroll through a crowded downtown plaza with their dog.

That’s exactly what I don't get—everyone here is claiming they aren't animal lovers just because they don't want a dog living in their apartment or whatever.

Your personal take on hygiene, or whether you're comfortable kissing a dog or an iguana on the mouth, doesn't actually define whether you love animals (wildlife, small critters, anything at all).

The topic is about people who don't love animals, not specific lifestyles involving pets. That part was just a side note that drifted into the conversation. 🙂