Pets

Emily Asked: Is the need for companionship a good justification for the domestication of animals?

I would characterize it less as a need than as a strong desire, but I do think it serves as adequate justification. While it may, prima facie, seem unethical, where is the actual demerit in domesticating an animal. Yes we would be taking them out of their natural environment, but let us consider what their natural environment is. The average day of a wild animal is a never ending hunt for food and frantic escape from predators higher up the food chain. If domesticating an animal means that it doesn't go hungry again, it always has a companion to look out for it when it gets injured, then it seems to be a mutualistic relationship, and not one of exploitation, certainly not a cruel and unethical act.

Question: Is the ethically gray ownership of animals enough justification to not save a stray, wild, animal and take it in and give it a home?