on appealing to utility
I think it is wrong to hit animals. They are living creatures and deserving of respect.
But when somebody tells me they hit their animal, I argue hitting doesn't even work or that training is more effective.
I do this a lot. I set aside a humanitarian values-based argument, the thing I actually care about, the thing I actually want to achieve ... in favor of a utilitarian one.
I expect the utilitarian argument to be more effective - because then, regardless of the other person's values, they'll do the kinder thing. If they really want their dog to behave, they'll do training regardless how they feel about abusing animals.
Lately I'm second-guessing this approach and am trying to put my values first. Sure, I'll still talk about utility. But it is secondary to doing what's right.