Question

12. Recent developments have resulted in the ability to clone cats. Many people argue that cloning offers pet owners comfort in a time of need. Others argue that there are many homeless pets at shelters in need of homes, and that adopting one of these animals is a better solution for owners who have lost a pet. Do you think that the cloning of pets is acceptable? Explain why or why not.

Answer 1

Cloning is a process of producing genetically identical organisms through the techniques of biotechnology. Reproductive cloning of animals involves the somatic cell nuclear transfer in which the nucleus from an adult donor cell is transferred to an egg cell from which the nucleus has been removed. It is then incorporated into the uterus of a surrogate animal.

Pet cloning is not acceptable because of the following reasons-

(1) Its a very expensive procces with a high rate of failure.

(2) The clones produced tend to develop health problems. Large Offspring Syndrome (LOS) with very large organs is observed showing problems with blood flow and breathing with respect to heart and lungs, renal failure and other complicated issues.

(3) The clones are susceptible to skeletal abnormalities, higher rates of infection and tumour development. This results in a high mortality (death) rates.

(4) Since a surrogate mother is involved in the process of cloning, they experience a lot of health problems while carrying the embryos and sometimes it can be even killed.

Thus, cloning of pets is not acceptable as it affects both the cloned animal and the surrogate mother which is not preferred. Instead, adopting a homeless pet will provide shelter to another animal with a better nourishment.

Answer 2

I do not think cloning of pets is acceptable because it disregards the value of a pet's life by making it so easy to make another pet.