Defenestrating Thoughts from the Bivouac

So obviously I’m very excited about this “misallocation of capital/talent/etc” concept. It’s really useful.

And some new government guidelines in England are a clear example of “misallocation of effort”; or more specifically, “Doesn’t the government have anything better to do?”

”A new washing machine or [potted] plant comes with instructions, currently most pets do not. We think the new codes of practice will improve animal welfare and prevent animal suffering through education.”

Here are some of the guidelines for interacting with pets:

• A dog should not be disturbed when eating as this can cause “food-related aggression”.
• Dogs should not be fed at the table as this can lead to begging
• “Curious” animals such as cats should be kept away from windows or tumble dryers
• Don’t take a dog for a walk during the hottest part of the day or feeding it less than an hour before vigorous exercise in order to avoid “bloating”
• Owners should groom dogs with long hair at least once a day
• Dogs should have teeth cleaned with dog chews or canine toothpaste as part of routine care
• Training of dogs should be done through “positive reinforcement” rather than punishment
• Cats are not vegetarians and adults do not need bowls of milk

Yikes. Obviously these are good things to know. But does the government have committees and forums to come up with this? Isn’t this known or at least easy to learn when you get a pet?

I have to agree with the folks that said the “over the top” rules “take people for fools”.

Part of the justification is the rules will ensure that “no one will be able to claim ignorance as an excuse for mistreating any animal.”

Really? Ignorance is never an excuse for a committing a crime.

And if the laws and guidelines get longer and longer, people will be able to say, “Well you had 200 pages of guidelines on how to treat animals and it didn’t mention not using mayonnaise to brush the animal’s teeth.” And the stupid courts will say, “That’s true, we need to update the guidelines, you’re free to go.”

If the system treats people as stupid, eventually you will get stupid people. And that’s not good.