Mobile Phones for Geese and Seals

prostoalex writes: "BBC News has two related articles about mobile phones and messaging being introduced to the animal world. The stories, aptly named Geese 'phone' home and Seals 'phone' home (kudos from this-title-is-so-original dept.) talk about 'tagged' animals that report about their location via the cellular systems. And if seal tracking is available only to the scientists in the field, following the geese online is open to anyone who contributes .75 British pounds to the research project."

Comments

animal cruelty?

[tps12]

I have to ask if the slashdot community finds this application of technology tasteful or moral. I will be the first to admit that cellular telephones have worked wonders for business people, emergency rescues, and friends meeting to see a movie.

But with this power came great responsibility. Once one carries a cell phone, one has "leashed" themself to whomever holds the number for that phone, whether it be colleagues, relatives, or a significant other. At the very least, wireless communication has been a mixed bag for humanity.

Is it right to foist such a double-edged sword on animals?