Commercialized cloning disappointing, wasteful

By Courtney Carlo 2005

After the death of Nicky the First, his heartbroken owner decided to have him cloned. Hence, Little Nicky was created. Last month, a biotechnology research organization handed over the real live copycat to its new owner. The cat is the first clone created for a commercial purpose. Commercialized cloning is the latest trend for those who have more money than brains,; several more cats are on the way, and doges are promised by the end of the year to grieving pet owners.

One of the reasons a dog or cat holds such a dear place in its owner’s heart is because of its personality. Personality includes behavioral, temperamental and emotional attributes possessed by a creature. Because most of these characteristics are shaped by events experienced by the organism, clones will be a disappointment.

If you fell in love with Fluffy because of that cute little bald spot on her belly, clone that darn cat or even better, save $50,000 and have her stuffed. But if you loved Fluffy because she was so spunky, get another animal with a different personality quirk to love.

It seems rather crazy to spend so much money on an animal that can never replace the first pets. I’m not one to tell these people how to spend their money, but doesn’t it seem more than a little ridiculous to spend $50,000 on a single cat when the money could be put to use saving the thousands of homeless animals that die every day?

The amount of money it takes to create one cat could be spent on opening a whole new shelter with the purpose of rescuing hundreds of cats and other homeless pets.

Supporters of commercial cloning argue that when a remarkable animal comes along that happens to be a mixed breed, the only way to preserve the animal is through cloning. But even if the animal is that phenomenal, why create a second? Doing so would only lessen the value of the original. The original is special because it is unique. Creating carbon copies would make the qualities common and, therefore, less valued.

As it becomes more routine, the cost will lessen and everyone will be able to clone their favorite Fido. Why stop at only two look-a-likes? Once the ideal dog is found, everyone will be able to have a copy.

Commercialized cloning is not healty for our society or grieving pet owners. Trying to resurrect a deceased pet is denying death. People need to realize that when something is dead, it’s gone and nothing can bring it back. The best thing is to move on and get a new, unique pet, not spend thousands of dollars and many months trying to recreate something that can never return.