Exploitation of animals for amusement

Maltreatment of animals for entertainment

Nature

In addition to the exploitation of animals in cruel sports, zoos, menageries and circuses are increasing in number as more people with few qualifications enter the business of displaying exotic animals. Animals may be confined for long periods in small cages. They may have untreated wounds, exhibit neurotic symptoms, or be chained. Animals ranging from mice to dogs may be fed alive to carnivores. The animals may be improperly fed, mixed with others when they are naturally solitary, or deprived of any means of distraction (in the case of primates in particular).

Background

The exploitation of animals for amusement has drawn global scrutiny since the late 19th century, when public concern emerged over the treatment of performing animals in circuses and menageries. International awareness intensified in the 20th century with exposés of cruelty in zoos, marine parks, and blood sports. Growing scientific understanding of animal sentience and welfare, alongside advocacy campaigns, has led to increasing recognition of the ethical implications and widespread nature of this issue worldwide.

Claim

The use of animals for entertainment involves their forced captivity, degradation, depersonalization, stress and suffering. They are deprived of their natural habitats, isolated from their normal social environment, prevented from fulfilling their reproductive cycles, and required to adapt to human vagaries and abuses.

Passing koalas around a crowd of tourists in zoos causes unacceptable stress to the animal.