In the book "Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy," author Matthew Scully explores the moral implications of practices once deemed necessary but now increasingly questioned. He poses critical thoughts on how society often justifies actions as 'necessary evils,' suggesting that these rationalizations can linger long after their original justification has faded. This perspective urges readers to reconsider the ethics surrounding our treatment of animals and the permanence of such actions.

Scully's reflection asks us to examine what remains when the justification for a harmful practice is no longer valid. This inquiry challenges individuals and society to confront uncomfortable truths about their responsibilities towards other living beings. The quotation highlights the importance of recognizing when a practice becomes obsolete and the need to foster compassion and mercy in our interactions with animals.