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 international scrutiny since the late 19th century, when public concern emerged over the treatment of performing animals in circuses and menageries. As global awareness grew, particularly through exposés and animal welfare campaigns in the 20th century, the issue gained prominence. Increasing documentation of animal suffering in entertainment industries—such as zoos, marine parks, and racing—has since intensified debate and prompted legislative and ethical reconsideration worldwide.

Incidence

The exploitation of animals for amusement remains widespread, with millions of animals used annually in circuses, marine parks, zoos, and tourist attractions across the globe. This practice spans continents, involving species from elephants and tigers to dolphins and primates, and persists despite growing public concern and regulatory efforts. The scale of the issue is underscored by persistent reports of inadequate welfare, forced performances, and unnatural living conditions.
In 2023, authorities in Thailand investigated the use of elephants in tourist shows in Phuket, where animals were reportedly subjected to harsh training and forced to perform tricks for visitors, drawing international criticism and renewed calls for reform.

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.

Counter-claim

The so-called “exploitation of animals for amusement” is vastly overstated and not an important problem. Countless issues—poverty, disease, and human rights—demand our attention far more urgently. Animals in entertainment often receive excellent care, and their use brings joy and education to millions. Focusing on this minor concern distracts from real global crises. Prioritizing animal amusement over pressing human needs is misguided and disproportionate.