Cruelty In Zoos

Animal Cruelty “The idea that some lives matter less is the root off all that is wrong with the world” –Paul Farmer. Animal cruelty is when you cause harm or suffering onto an animal for any reason other than self-defense. This includes neglect or violence against animals. Using animals for entertainment or sports is also considered animal cruelty. Some claim that using animals in activities such as horse racing, dog fighting, and circuses is considered to be animal cruelty because the animal suffers. Others believe that as long they are treated right it is not cruelty and it if fine to use them as entertainment. This paper will examine view point one, two, and my view point on does the use of animals for entertainment or gaming constitute

Firstly, for the opposing side, zoos support wildlife. Firstly, some people do not see zoos as torture to animals. For example, Jorge Milian, author for the Palm Beach Post, shares that Hanna, director of the Columbus zoo, thinks zoos are necessary and indispensable (Milian). Thus, zoos are not as bad as they seem from the outside. Secondly, it has been suggested that zoos help animals. For instance, Hanna reports ‘”But it’s vital the we have the Palm Beach Zoo… every one of them. We’re saving animals’ lives every single day by the thousands. That’s really what we’re doing”. Therefore, zoos are saving animals’ lives not endangering them. Thirdly, Hanna acknowledges that the animal-rights proponents have their heart in the right place but are misguided. To illustrate, Hanna tells that 98% of animals in more than 200 zoos across the U.S were born into captivity, so would not survive on their own. Hence, the animals that were born into the zoo need to stay in the zoo in order to survive. For all these reasons, zoos are not causing animals to

Specifically, I feel like a lion being used for entertainment is wrong. For example, Jonah Bromwich, journalist for New York Times, shares that the only reason we are allowed to share space with loins is because they are physically abused, disciplined with whips and bars (Bromwich). Thus, they are forced to participate or will be hurt. Secondly, lions are literally torn apart to be able to work with humans. For instance, Colleen Kinzley, Director of the Oakland Zoo, reports “And I know that, in the case of these animals, many of them have had their claws and teeth removed in order for people to be able to work around them”. Therefore, these lions will never be able to be set free because their survival skills are taken away. Thirdly, lions kept in captivity cannot be introduced to the wild. To illustrate, Bromwich tells “The lions will not be released into the wild once they land because many have suffered injuries that would prevent them from hunting”. Hence, they will never be able to live how a lion is supposed to live. For all these reasons, lions are suffering when brought into this