Can Animals Give Consent?

[SaltwaterHeart]

A bit of a background for this question:

I enjoy learning about sexology, which is the study of human sexuality, sexual interests, and behaviors. I find sexuality to be a fascinating topic, because of how many different and unique sexual interests there are; and I like learning about them for the sake of learning, not for the sake of doing.

Lately, I have taken an interest in learning about zoophilia, which is, "Psychology . an abnormal fondness or preference for animals;" or, "the state of being zoophilous." Zoophilous means, "having an affinity for animals." In short, though it can be unique for everyone, zoophilia means having a romantic love or preference for animals.
One thing that is commonly brought up, in the documentaries and specials about zoophilia, is whether or not animals can consent to having sex with a human. Some have said no, domestic animals cannot consent to sex specifically, because they are trained. Others have said that animals, particularly livestock, are not asked for consent before being killed for meat, or before pulling a cart.

So, my question for all y'all is: Can animals give consent TO ANYTHING? Are there specific cases where an animal can or cannot give consent? Does the species matter, due to a higher or lower intelligence? And, if you believe that animals can consent, how would they show it?
Keep in mind that this is not a discussion about if zoophiles are right or wrong in regards to what they feel. That was just background information. This is about animals, and if they can consent.

 

[keith99]

Given the specific issue how a male dog can give consent is obvious.

For many other situations consent by action is equally obvious. But there is one important caveat. If a dog eats something they have given consent. They have not given informed consent. If it contains something not obvious there is a significant difference between consent and informed consent.

 

[KitKatMatt]

Animals can definitely consent to at least some things. I have a lot of cats, not all of them consent to petting. I know this because I'll get clawed when I attempt to pet them, or snapped at, or I will notice the signs of anxiety in the more reserved ones.

For humans, the popular definition of consent is "a clear and enthusiastic YES". Since animals speak a different language (ones that usually consist mostly of body language, scent, and certain vocalizations), it may be difficult to actually tell when an animal is consenting to anything unless you are well aware of how to read their particular language. And even then, we're still kind of guessing.

 

[keith99]

Animals can definitely consent to at least some things. I have a lot of cats, not all of them consent to petting. I know this because I'll get clawed when I attempt to pet them, or snapped at, or I will notice the signs of anxiety in the more reserved ones.

For humans, the popular definition of consent is "a clear and enthusiastic YES". Since animals speak a different language (ones that usually consist mostly of body language, scent, and certain vocalizations), it may be difficult to actually tell when an animal is consenting to anything unless you are well aware of how to read their particular language. And even then, we're still kind of guessing.

I'm pretty sure the puppies always 'consented' to being walked. At least that is what I make out of them running towards me and then pushing past each other to get the leash clipped on and then dragging me out once they were both leashed up and the door opened.

Be that as it may there are still people who don't get it. I used to cross country ski starting at where the road closes for the winter on Angeles Crest Highway. I once met a dog musher and we talked a bit. His dogs really enjoyed it, so much so that the only problem he remembered is once no anchoring the sled well enough when hitching them up and having them pull out the anchor and leaving without him. (He was lucky, at least he was on a one choice only trail, elsewhere that mistake could be costly).

 

[Darkhorse]

We may or may not be sure about their "consent", but we can certainly be aware of their objections to whatever they don't like.

This answer is meant generally, not specifically limited to sex.
The Bible forbids humans having sex with animals.

 

[Rubiks]

I suppose animals hypothetically could consent to sex, but you'd have no way of knowing when they "consent"

 

[wanderingone]

Consent to...?
Animals cannot provide an informed decision when the issue is between human and animal.

For example... the fact that one can manage to get a horse to run around a track does not mean they "consent" to it. the fact that one can manage to create an environment that causes dogs or chickens to fight doesn't mean they "consent" These things mean that when the food and affection provider who provides all of their needs puts them in a certain environment they do what the food and affection provider has trained them to do.

 

[Strathos]

Consent to...?
Animals cannot provide an informed decision when the issue is between human and animal.

For example... the fact that one can manage to get a horse to run around a track does not mean they "consent" to it. the fact that one can manage to create an environment that causes dogs or chickens to fight doesn't mean they "consent" These things mean that when the food and affection provider who provides all of their needs puts them in a certain environment they do what the food and affection provider has trained them to do.

Pretty much

 

[Paradoxum]

I think consent is much more complicated than a simple line that applies to all beings all the time.

From what I understand, consent is specific to a particular activity, and depends on the state of the being making the decision.

We say children of a particular age can't consent to sex, but I think most people would accept that mentally disabled people should be free to have a sex life. To give a legal example, I'm pretty sure it has been ruled before, that a fairly severely mentally disabled woman was free to have a sex life, but wasn't responsible enough to decide where to live (in care or not).

So one must ask, 'consent to what, and by who exactly'. Consent isn't a thing without reference to the act and mental state of the creature involved.

In the case of sex, I think it makes sense to think a being can consent to sex once that being becomes sexual (some time in puberty).

For animals, I'd say they can consent to sex if they are adult (and probably in their equivalent of teenage years). So yes, human-animal sex can be not-rape. I think that would be particularly clear if the animal is on top, and could stop if they wanted.

 

[KitKatMatt]

I'm pretty sure the puppies always 'consented' to being walked. At least that is what I make out of them running towards me and then pushing past each other to get the leash clipped on and then dragging me out once they were both leashed up and the door opened.

Be that as it may there are still people who don't get it. I used to cross country ski starting at where the road closes for the winter on Angeles Crest Highway. I once met a dog musher and we talked a bit. His dogs really enjoyed it, so much so that the only problem he remembered is once no anchoring the sled well enough when hitching them up and having them pull out the anchor and leaving without him. (He was lucky, at least he was on a one choice only trail, elsewhere that mistake could be costly).

That's kind of what I'm saying. Animals can definitely show consent to certain things. You generally know when an animal is not consenting to a certain activity (the dog will stay put when you try to walk it, will growl, snap, etc).

That being said, humans and animals also have misunderstandings all the time between their own species and definitely between those of other species. That's why I'd be hesitant to say that we ALWAYS know when an animal is enjoying something (it took me a long time to realize that one of my cats really hated to go outside, the thing was that he never showed many obvious signs so it was hard to miss. He behaves much better now that I don't make him go out).

 

[loveofourlord]

That's kind of what I'm saying. Animals can definitely show consent to certain things. You generally know when an animal is not consenting to a certain activity (the dog will stay put when you try to walk it, will growl, snap, etc).

That being said, humans and animals also have misunderstandings all the time between their own species and definitely between those of other species. That's why I'd be hesitant to say that we ALWAYS know when an animal is enjoying something (it took me a long time to realize that one of my cats really hated to go outside, the thing was that he never showed many obvious signs so it was hard to miss. He behaves much better now that I don't make him go out).

Well I guess the question of can a animal conscent to sex with humans is different from can they have informed, or should they be allowed. If the animal acts on it's own hard to say it didn't conscent. BUt the issue then becomes should we allow such acts, and we get into the grounds of where we draw the lines.

I know what my gut feeling says,.

 

[KitKatMatt]

Well I guess the question of can a animal conscent to sex with humans is different from can they have informed, or should they be allowed. If the animal acts on it's own hard to say it didn't conscent. BUt the issue then becomes should we allow such acts, and we get into the grounds of where we draw the lines.

I know what my gut feeling says,.

Well, I live in a state where it's legal currently. I'm not sure if that's what you mean by "allow". I don't know if we've had any problems with it in Texas.

When it comes down to it to me, personally, I have to ask "is it emotionally or physically harmful to the animal". Emotional harm could come from forcing an animal to engage in something it didn't want to do, or something that scares them. Physical harm is self explanatory.

I won't go any further into this issue though, I don't think we're actually allowed to discuss the subject now that I think of it... there was a thread a while back that something happened with, but I can't remember what.

 

[DennisTate]

It is interesting that Dr. Ken Ring found that one near death experience in six involves a meeting with a deceased pet.

Animals may be far more intelligent than we tend to realize.