Morals, Ethics, and Insects

I was recently asked, in a tongue-in-cheek way, if my photography was RSPCA approved. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a charity foundation, established in 1824, which promotes activism for animal welfare.

That is a magnificent question, and one that is very rarely asked. I apologise in advance that the answer is not simple or short;

Although I have not instigated, or been subjected to, an RSPCA inquiry into the ethics of my photography, I personally believe that I adhere to all of the guidelines that they put forth in their policies. That being said, it's worth pointing out that in most governments, including Australia (to my current knowledge), terrestrial invertebrates are rarely afforded any of the protections given to vertebrate species. Cephalopods and some larger crustaceans are acknowledged as being sentient on this continent and all other invertebrates fall by the wayside, despite mounting evidence that many possess incredible intelligence and sensitivity to injury.

While the RSPCA does use generalist terminology about the protections of the well-being of ALL wildlife, they don't make any effort to clarify their position on terrestrial invertebrates. One of the goals of Gone Buggo is to elevate societal understanding about the importance of these creatures which are often unrepresented in conservation as they comprise the bulk of the biodiversity crisis (an estimated 1 to 3 extinctions per week in Australia alone, predominantly invertebrates) and provide disproportionately large returns as ecological service providers.

Whether vertebrate or invertebrate, all photographs are taken with the utmost respect being paid to the subject. The frog, as an example, lives on my back patio, was photographed on my back patio, and hopped away on my back patio, and the holding of the ladle was orchestrated by gently lowering it over the pot as I put it in the set. Many of my earlier subjects were obtained whilst landscape gardening (destroying their habitat on private property and relocating them), and many of my recent subjects are encountered by chance while camping (I recently got a native bee out of my tent and shot it outside), or by collaborating with scientists or breeders who have captive specimens. I have had limited time, in almost 7 years of photography, to actively pursue a specific subject for photography.

No animals are kept illegally, all subjects are returned to suitable habitat, and stress and physical handling are avoided at every opportunity, which is, unfortunately, more than can be said for the rampant trade in unprotected wild-caught insects that I have trying to raise awareness of.

These are also the reasons why I do not offer live insect components in my educational efforts.

I don't think the RSPCA will be contacting me anytime soon, but I would personally appreciate the opportunity to work alongside them if they ever deemed insects to be worthy of their time.