Evaluating the Case Against Pet Cloning

The cause that opponents of pet cloning support is indisputably a worthy one: namely, the protection of animal welfare. And because this type of animal cloning appears, at least at first glance, to have no noble ends, the public and most animal ethicists have been content to let the cause, rather than the arguments, carry the day. There is an overwhelmingly negative view of companion animal cloning among the lay public, animal advocacy organizations, and professional ethicists. But how sound are their arguments against pet cloning? Can they withstand careful scrutiny?