Your Dog Is Upset That You Keep Calling Him A "Pet"

The editors of the new Journal of Animal Ethics say that people should stop using the terms “pet” because it’s derogatory. They continue:

“Again the word ‘owners’, whilst technically correct in law, harks back to a previous age when animals were regarded as just that: property, machines or things to use without moral constraint … We invite authors to use the words ‘free-living’, ‘free-ranging’ or ‘free-roaming’ rather than ‘wild animals’ For most, ‘wildness’ is synonymous with uncivilized, unrestrained, barbarous existence. There is an obvious prejudgment here that should be avoided.”

Seriously, guys. You’re traumatizing the free-ranging creatures who choose to inhabit your home. Or you would be, if they knew English.