For the Canada Day holiday, we'll have another open discussion. This week we'll talk about animal welfare from a Humanist perspective.

Despite the name, Humanists are not only concerned with the welfare of other humans but of all life. But how do Humanist ethics suggest we approach issues of (non-human) animal welfare?

Some possible points of discussion:

• Vegetarianism & veganism
• The treatment of animals in factory farming
• The use of animals in biomedical research and cosmetic testing
• The keeping of animals in captivity at zoos and aquariums, including those deemed "unreleasable"
• Hunting for sport or trophies
• Puppy mills and other commercial breeding activity
• Traditional practices like indigenous hunting and fishing

Here's a 2012 article written by BCHA Executive Director Ian Bushfield for the Vancouver Humane Society.

All are welcome to attend. Join us at 10 am for BYO coffee, tea, and socializing. At 10:30 am we start our presentation and discuss topics of interest to our members.

The BC Humanist Association was formed in 1984 and we have a regular attendance of over 30 people at our Sunday meetings.

Click here for more details on how to find the Centre. Our events are independent of the Seniors' Centre and are open to people of all ages and backgrounds.