Killing Owls Runs Afoul of More-Than-Human Rights

Abstract

Jay Odenbaugh offers a wildlife management solution to the dilemma involving competing owl species. However, the topic of rights is curiously absent from this proposal. In this response, I argue that killing owls is morally and legally wrong whether approached from the perspective of animal rights or rights of nature. I contend that no matter which approach is taken, the conflicting state of various owl populations does not necessitate a duty to kill some portion of them. Instead, we should translate our grief over our moral failings into political action in the hopes of securing a better future for all.