As an adult, I refuse to go to zoos, circuses or rodeos. I've learned of some abuse behind the scenes over the years, and being an animal lover, I don't want to support anything that abuses or stresses animals. Even a simple dog trick show makes me wonder. What do you think, entertainment or animal cruelty??
Do You Think Zoos, Circuses, Rodeos, etc. Are Entertainment or Animal Cruelty?
- Thread starter SeaBreeze
- Start date
I agree with you SeaBreeze. Even when I was young and we went to the San Francisco Zoo, I didn't like seeing animals in cages. I know zoos have very large enclosures now but in some ways it bothers me. I have not and never would attend a circus or rodeo.
I had someone tell me once it was cruel that my cats were indoor only so people have differing opinions on this.
I had someone tell me once it was cruel that my cats were indoor only so people have differing opinions on this.
hollydolly
SF VIP
- Location
- London England
I have always hated zoos and circuses with a passion and after going to one of each when I was a child I flatly refused ever since. I have never been to a Rodeo and despite living in Spain for many years I never attended a Bull fight either..it wouldn't be the matador fighting with the bull it would be me beating the matador...believe me!!
On the other hand I have been to safari parks where animals roam free within huge (acres of land) open enclosures..but caged animals? nooo way!!
ETA...I also have a real issue with people who keep animals in cages indoors..like snakes or Parrots and even budgies...what a terrible life for animals who in their natural habitat travel potentially hundreds of miles every day!!
On the other hand I have been to safari parks where animals roam free within huge (acres of land) open enclosures..but caged animals? nooo way!!
ETA...I also have a real issue with people who keep animals in cages indoors..like snakes or Parrots and even budgies...what a terrible life for animals who in their natural habitat travel potentially hundreds of miles every day!!
Ina
Well-known Member
- Location
- Harris County, NE of Houston, Tx.
Sea, i like to go to the Houston Livestock Show that comes before the rodeo. The kids and teenagers work all year pampering their animals, and then sell them as breeding stock to the larger ranches. The money the kids get at the animal's auction generally goes to an education fund for their own futures. I don't think the kids would agree to having their prized animals harmed.
AprilT
Well-known Member
- Location
- A galaxy far far away
I'm not fond of nor have I ever been all that fond of most of these places for various reason. I was taken to these places often in childhood and really would rather have visited somewhere else. I think some do good for some of the animals, providing care for those that may not have survived had they not been brought to some of these places that do have the best interest of their animals in mind. But mostly, I don't enjoy seeing the animals in cages knowing thats it for them, they'll never get to roam freely. There are pluses and minuses for some of them at times, but, mostly it just makes me feel sad when I think on it too much.
Well Kitties, cats are not wild animals, and they are much safer indoors. My cat is very good, comes when I call him by name, and is neutered. I let him go out daily for an hour or two, and he normally just stays in our yard. But, having said that, I know I'm taking a chance, there are coyotes in the area and of course, he could get hit by a car if he left our property.
We even let him loose when we go camping, he stays with the dog and near our camp. I don't think it's cruel at all to keep cats indoors. Years back my husband built a little run into the yard for our Burmese. It was made out of small square wire, and extended from our small basement window. The cat was able to enjoy the grass, bugs, etc. without risk of danger. Cats that are able to look out windows, etc. have a pretty good indoor life. Now, people who kennel their pets all day, that's another story.
We even let him loose when we go camping, he stays with the dog and near our camp. I don't think it's cruel at all to keep cats indoors. Years back my husband built a little run into the yard for our Burmese. It was made out of small square wire, and extended from our small basement window. The cat was able to enjoy the grass, bugs, etc. without risk of danger. Cats that are able to look out windows, etc. have a pretty good indoor life. Now, people who kennel their pets all day, that's another story.
I agree too, SeaBreeze. I never go to zoos, although I did go to the city zoo as a child. An animal sanctuary with lots of space is much better. The city I live in has a huge zoo and the animal pens are extremely large but I still feel bad for the animals stuck in the cages, especially lions and tigers pacing like crazy in there.
I consider using animals in circuses and rodeos cruel and wish it would be outlawed, especially after all the reported incidents of horse deaths in chuck wagon race accidents. I would never go to a rodeo either, but have been to circuses as a child too. All I remember is dancers standing up on horses that are galloping around the ring, elephants and of course monkeys. I think it all depends on how the animals are treated and cared for. But then, of course these animals are much better off than the ones that end up in the slaughter house, but that's another subject.
I consider using animals in circuses and rodeos cruel and wish it would be outlawed, especially after all the reported incidents of horse deaths in chuck wagon race accidents. I would never go to a rodeo either, but have been to circuses as a child too. All I remember is dancers standing up on horses that are galloping around the ring, elephants and of course monkeys. I think it all depends on how the animals are treated and cared for. But then, of course these animals are much better off than the ones that end up in the slaughter house, but that's another subject.
What really angers me is high fenced "canned' hunting. Where ranchers charge hunters to kill animals who are fenced into a specific area. They can't run away or escape, due to the fencing. IMO, hunters who have to hunt in this manner should just stay home, I have no respect for them or the money-hungry jokers who run these facilities. http://www.bornfreeusa.org/a9d_hunts.php
"Canned Hunting in the United States
Imagine an animal running fearfully from a hunter, and quickly finding that everywhere it turns, there is a fence. Or, imagine an animal trustingly approaching a person after a lifetime of human interaction, only to be shot with a bullet or arrow, then suffering a slow, agonizing death. These scenes capture the manipulative "game" of a canned hunt.
Canned, "captive," "high-fence" hunts, "game ranches," or "fenced-in shooting preserves" are essentially private or commercial trophy hunts in which animals are raised or captured from the wild and released into a confined area to be hunted.
Hunters usually pay the ranch operator for a guaranteed successful hunt. Hunters may perch safely in tree blinds or huddle in vehicles, targeting animals that are caged, lured to feeding stations, or drugged before they are killed. Most disturbing is that fact that these canned hunts often include exotic and endangered species.
Where is this happening? Asia? Africa? ...Right here in the United States of America. African antelopes and lions are bred and hunted in Texas, wild red foxes are caught, released, and chased down by dogs in Virginia, and elk in Colorado are born, raised and shot in a pen.
Sadly, there are more than a thousand captive hunts in at least 28 states in the U.S. Of the 12 U.S. ranches holding current or recent government-issued endangered species permits, 11 are located in Texas and 1 is in Florida. The animal most commonly hunted at these ranches is the barasingha, or "swamp deer," native to India and Nepal.
Other targeted endangered or threatened species include Eld's bow-antlered deer, red lechwe, Arabian oryx, and several species of antelope. The going rate for a canned hunt varies; one ranch website advertises a guaranteed kill of a barasingha for $4,000[SUP]1[/SUP].
The ranch owners or operators often acquire these animals from breeders, dealers, auctions, or even zoos or circuses. While operations claim to offer only non-endangered exotic animals, illicit dealers in the exotic "pet" trade often enable the acquisition of endangered animals for hunting.
Another appalling truth is that there is currently no federal U.S. law that specifically bans, oversees, or regulates these activities. Discretion and authority over these private hunting activities are left to state wildlife agencies. Because canned hunts most often take place on private property, such as game reserves that are not governed by the same wildlife laws as public lands, requirements and restrictions are loose and vague.
On private lands, for example, there are no "bag limits" or caps on numbers of kills; canned hunters are not required to carry hunting licenses; and they do not need firearm experience. These lax requirements allow people with little experience to participate, often exacerbating the agony of the animals when multiple shots are required to kill them."
"Canned Hunting in the United States
Imagine an animal running fearfully from a hunter, and quickly finding that everywhere it turns, there is a fence. Or, imagine an animal trustingly approaching a person after a lifetime of human interaction, only to be shot with a bullet or arrow, then suffering a slow, agonizing death. These scenes capture the manipulative "game" of a canned hunt.
Canned, "captive," "high-fence" hunts, "game ranches," or "fenced-in shooting preserves" are essentially private or commercial trophy hunts in which animals are raised or captured from the wild and released into a confined area to be hunted.
Hunters usually pay the ranch operator for a guaranteed successful hunt. Hunters may perch safely in tree blinds or huddle in vehicles, targeting animals that are caged, lured to feeding stations, or drugged before they are killed. Most disturbing is that fact that these canned hunts often include exotic and endangered species.
Where is this happening? Asia? Africa? ...Right here in the United States of America. African antelopes and lions are bred and hunted in Texas, wild red foxes are caught, released, and chased down by dogs in Virginia, and elk in Colorado are born, raised and shot in a pen.
Sadly, there are more than a thousand captive hunts in at least 28 states in the U.S. Of the 12 U.S. ranches holding current or recent government-issued endangered species permits, 11 are located in Texas and 1 is in Florida. The animal most commonly hunted at these ranches is the barasingha, or "swamp deer," native to India and Nepal.
Other targeted endangered or threatened species include Eld's bow-antlered deer, red lechwe, Arabian oryx, and several species of antelope. The going rate for a canned hunt varies; one ranch website advertises a guaranteed kill of a barasingha for $4,000[SUP]1[/SUP].
The ranch owners or operators often acquire these animals from breeders, dealers, auctions, or even zoos or circuses. While operations claim to offer only non-endangered exotic animals, illicit dealers in the exotic "pet" trade often enable the acquisition of endangered animals for hunting.
Another appalling truth is that there is currently no federal U.S. law that specifically bans, oversees, or regulates these activities. Discretion and authority over these private hunting activities are left to state wildlife agencies. Because canned hunts most often take place on private property, such as game reserves that are not governed by the same wildlife laws as public lands, requirements and restrictions are loose and vague.
On private lands, for example, there are no "bag limits" or caps on numbers of kills; canned hunters are not required to carry hunting licenses; and they do not need firearm experience. These lax requirements allow people with little experience to participate, often exacerbating the agony of the animals when multiple shots are required to kill them."
Warrigal
SF VIP
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
Animal cruelty has just been exposed in the greyhound racing industry in Australia. Widespread live blooding has been occurring even though the practice is illegal.
You'll note that all the talk is about the industry, not the cruelty to the live rabbits or cats used to blood the dogs.
I see a lot of Greyhounds put in shelters when the owners are done using them for racing, many Greyhounds I see at the local park have been adopted by caring people. They are such gentle dogs, it's so sad. The live baiting I wasn't aware of, disgusting! There's a reason I often say I like animals more than humans.
Falcon
DV8
- Location
- So. California
Don't like circuses for that reason, but I rather enjoy going to a zoo, if it's clean and the animals have plenty of room and
say, pools for them. If they're caged.....FORGET IT!
say, pools for them. If they're caged.....FORGET IT!
Butterfly
SF VIP
- Location
- Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
I've never liked these kinds of activities and I don't go to them. I've always hated circuses, in particular; but I don't like zoos either, or rodeos. I think circuses in particular are abusive to animals, and just creepy in general. My parents took me to one as a little kid and it really creeped me out.
I also think dog racing should be banned.
I also think dog racing should be banned.
rkunsaw
Well-known Member
- Location
- Clarksville, Arkansas,USA
I like zoos, circuses, and rodeos. Many animal species would be extinct if not for zoo breeding programs. You PC people just want to take all enjoyment out of life. You enjoyed these things when you were young but want to prevent youngsters from enjoying them now.
We never let our dogs or cats in the house. It's not their natural environment.
I've been a hunter all my life. "Canned hunts aren't even related to hunting.
We never let our dogs or cats in the house. It's not their natural environment.
I've been a hunter all my life. "Canned hunts aren't even related to hunting.
hollydolly
SF VIP
- Location
- London England
Hang on that sounds a little bit hypocritical RK, with all due respect...
First you say that animals should be kept in cages in zoos etc to prevent them becoming extinct...then conversely you then admit that you don't keep domesticated animals inside the house (in essence a large cage) because it's not their natural environment...well neither is a cage for a wild animal ten times their size..animals who have never been domesticated and never should be locked up in cages and small enclosures ...but it's ok for them to be locked up as far as you're concerned but not your little tabby cat or little pooch ?
Huh?..explain that to me and everyone please?
And incidentally , if you'd read mine and other posts further back in this thread you will see that some of us not only did not enjoy the circuses et al when we were little but one visit was enough for us to actively dislike the cruelty that comes with animals made to perform for the ''fun' of human beings...
rkunsaw
Well-known Member
- Location
- Clarksville, Arkansas,USA
Do dogs and cats belong in a house? Is it okay to make them wear clothes and collars? Do dogs and cats deserve to be neutered and declawed?
Does the PC crowd want all animals to be free or just the ones they don't own themselves?
What about cattle, sheep and chickens? Should they all be turned loose to roam in their natural environment?
Does the PC crowd want all animals to be free or just the ones they don't own themselves?
What about cattle, sheep and chickens? Should they all be turned loose to roam in their natural environment?
Declawed no, neutered yes. Overpopulation of dogs and cats causes many kittens and puppies to be killed or abandoned. You would honestly leave your dog or cat outside when temps are -20?
Animals kept penned up in zoos have a shorter lifespan than those in their natural environment.
Cattle, sheep and chickens should be roaming free in a very large enclosure with the option to go into a barn, etc. when weather is too bad.
You despise those who are PC or liberal for being people who care about those who can't take of themselves.
hollydolly
SF VIP
- Location
- London England
No animal desrves to be locked in a cage simply for the amusement of humans that's the point I'm making.
Our family dogs roam free on acres of our land and are kennelled at night in kennels each 10 feet by 12 feet per animal to keep them warm and safe from harm not for the amusement of visitors
Sheep, cattle and chickens are raised for food..and free range animals are allowed to wander in acres of fields until they are killed for food. I'm just as against battery farming as I am circuses and zoos..
Our family dogs roam free on acres of our land and are kennelled at night in kennels each 10 feet by 12 feet per animal to keep them warm and safe from harm not for the amusement of visitors
Sheep, cattle and chickens are raised for food..and free range animals are allowed to wander in acres of fields until they are killed for food. I'm just as against battery farming as I am circuses and zoos..
Ditto.
rkunsaw
Well-known Member
- Location
- Clarksville, Arkansas,USA
I was using the freedom of my dogs and cats to point out the hypocrisy of those who don't want some animals 'caged' but want to cage their own animals.
It doesn't get 20 below here but my animals always have a place to keep warm. They are even let in the house in extreme weather.
Most people with dogs and cats don't have acres for them to roam.
My main concern is people who try to decide what others should do. If you don't want to go to circuses, zoos, or rodeos fine, but don't condemn those who do. Just too many people in this world trying to tell others what they should do.
It doesn't get 20 below here but my animals always have a place to keep warm. They are even let in the house in extreme weather.
Most people with dogs and cats don't have acres for them to roam.
My main concern is people who try to decide what others should do. If you don't want to go to circuses, zoos, or rodeos fine, but don't condemn those who do. Just too many people in this world trying to tell others what they should do.