Ethical Approaches

Deontological Approach

This approach focuses on the duty or obligation towards animals, considering the rights of the animals as paramount.
Rules are put in place to protect animals from harm, regardless of the potential benefits.
Examples include: not using animals for testing cosmetics because it harms the animals, not keeping animals in zoos because it infringes on their freedom, etc.

Utilitarian Approach

This is a more flexible approach, arguing that an ethical choice is one that maximises overall happiness or pleasure.
It involves weighing the potential benefits against the harm caused to the animals.
For instance, using animals for medical research to find a cure for a disease might be considered ethical if the cure could save many human lives.
Note that the welfare of the animals still matters here; cruelty without good reason is not okay.

Virtue Ethics Approach

This is not about rules or results but focuses on the character and intentions of the person involved.
High importance is placed on compassion, empathy and respect for animals.
Avoidance of cruelty would be a virtue, as would kindness to animals, and respecting animals’ natural behaviours.

Care Ethics Approach

This approach emphasises relationships and care for others, including animals.
It’s about responding with compassion to the needs of those who are vulnerable.
One might choose to adopt a rescue pet, for example, and make choices to optimise their life quality.

Ecocentric and Biocentric Ethics Approaches

These approaches consider the impacts not only on individual animals but also on ecosystems and species.
Ecocentric ethics stress the importance of all parts of an ecosystem - including non-living things like rivers and mountains.
Biocentric ethics, on the other hand, argue that all living things have inherent value and should be respected.
These approaches might support, say, reintroducing a predator species to a national park to restore balance to the ecosystem, even if individual prey animals could be hurt.

Keep in mind that there are often trade-offs and compromises to be made between these different ethical approaches when it comes to real-world animal management scenarios. As such, critical thinking and empathy are fundamental skills for those working with animals.