I'm playing a political simulation right now.  It's a simple game where you get to decide on what actions to take in order to create a nation of your own liking.  Right now, I've managed to create a Benevolent Dictatorship society with superb civil rights.

I'm having trouble reconciling an issue with my ideology though.  I've always believed that government should stay out of people's lives in order to move the country forward.  Based on this principle, I have trouble deciding if the government should pass anti-cruelty laws.

I mean, should the government have the right to coerce people in order to prevent animal cruelty?  If animals are non-sentient private properties, it follows that animals don't have rights.  Therefore, should the government stand idly by as you burn your cat alive?

I think the most logical answer is YES.

The government doesn't have the right to tell people what to do with their own property but it's society's job to prevent animal cruelty.  Blah, I'm still not convinced.  I think I should read more about this issue... blah blah blah...

Below is the issue that I'm talking about:

The Issue

Several animal rights groups have protested the continuing use of fur as a material for clothing.

The Debate

1. "This is an outrage!" cries Samuel Steele, president of the Be Nice To Animals society. "The manufacture of fur apparel is unethical, cruel, and disgusting! People just don't seem to realise that millions of animals die each year in fur farms, crammed into tiny cages and suffering the most terrible treatment just so someone can look appealing and rich! This is a sick practice and must be stopped! The same can go for leather shoes and snakeskin belts too."
   
   
   
2. "You can't mean that, surely?" snorts Elizabeth Dredd, adjusting his hat, made from real Dragon hide. "It's the people's choice what they wear. I don't think it's fair that the majority of the public should be deprived of fur clothes because some people are a bit queasy. In fact, if the government would allow us to stock rarer animals, we could produce even finer products. In the end, it's up to the consumer, don't you think?"
   This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.

The Government Position

The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 2.