Ethics in Pet Funeral Practices: The State of Liminality
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Keywords
Animal cemetery, cemetery, sociality, spirituality, pet cemetery, human-animal relations, nature-culture, ethics
Abstract
Social perceptions towards animals have, in recent decades, undergone important evolutions, towards a more inclusive view, focused on the recognition of the intrinsic value of all living forms.
In this context, pet burial cemeteries are a testament to the human bond with the animal and the intensity of the emotional response that its breaking evokes, as well as an opportunity to reflect on, and improve, our understanding of the evolution of this extraordinary relationship.
The most significant cultural and social changes on the subject will be highlighted in this article, through a historical overview of animal burial.
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