Discrimination at work again, or is it?

Mathew L. Wald of the New York Times gives us some insight about the difference policies that apply to humans and pets when they are given radioactive drugs. People have to freedom to go back and rest while under this type of medication while animals such as cat and dogs are required to be locked up in the hospital.

In October, Representative Edward J. Markey, Democrat of Massachusetts, complained to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that its policy on human thyroid patients was creating dilemmas for patients, some of whom are sent home immediately after radiation treatment to households with children or pregnant women. 

While it is understandable that humans are generally more civilized and can conduct themselves properly to keep the spreading of  radiation down to a minimum if not at all, the possibility still exists. It is true that cats and dogs are less obedient and stationary by nature and that their curiosity creates trouble. In this sense, I believe it is rightful to keep pets in a place separated from their respective owners. Whether or not this may traumatize the pets is another issue. Unless a system is developed so that a specialized pet home is required to be bought or something similar to this type of separation, bringing home radioactively induced pets is unwise.