Mark Hovila wrote:

>When one speaks of killing another being not out of self-defense, but for
> one's own gratification or needs, real or imagined, it would seem to me
> hypocritical to speak of doing so "mercifully."

I think your comments have to do with semantics. Couping up animals and
feeding them poorly, and otherwise torturing them is surely unmercifull.
Killing animals quickly and painlessly for food is merciful, ie, it is
done with compassion.

My best, Ellie