As a scientist, I can say that dolphins are known as a "charasmatic species" which means that they are cute and cuddly so people feel bad about killing them. Both sides make valid points, but I have to say that it made me a little sick to see it happening (I admit my own hypocracy in this statement!)
ON THE OTHER HAND....dolphins and apes are the ONLY animals other than humans to be able to self-recognize (meaning that they can recognize themselves in a mirror). They mourn for the dead and help the sick in their pods feed and breathe, which makes them more evolved and therefore CLOSER to humans than other mammals. Also, cattle, pigs, and sheep are farm raised, which has no impact on wild populations (dolphins require several years to reach sexual maturity, which could impact their numbers).
I do feel bad when killing fish and I always make sure to eat what I take. I am as humane as possible when doing it. I also realize that it is a necessity of life and it is very natural to kill your own food (better than just buying it off a shelf in the store!) Cheers to those of you who brought up the realistic points about cultural differences and comparisons to livestock. Good points. I think its just human to identify with those rubbery bastards!
