Should humans be allowed to use animals as objects of sport and entertainment?

United States
November 5, 2006 8:32pm CST
This disscussion should be about various uses of animals for sport, pleasure, and entertainment. While this discussion should not be about whether it is right for human beings to farm and eat other animals - this is covered in the disscussion on animal rights and vegetarianism. Neither it should be taken as about zoos, which are covered even otherwise. Examples from different cultures around the world might be: 'blood sports' such as fox and stag hunting, and fishing; forms of entertainment using performing animals, such as circuses; and sports in which animals perform for human enjoyment, such as horse racing and bull fighting. Views on these issues are often very culture-specific - e.g. some Spanish people may find it easy to accept bull fighting, or some British people may feel more sympathy with fox hunting - these practices can form part of a national culture. Nonetheless animal rights advocates find these to be the most indefensible ways that humans treat other animals. There are two parts to the proposition case: first, it is wrong in principle to exploit non-human animals in any way; secondly, there are many examples of how animals are made to suffer in the context of sports and entertainment. As in any good debate, both sides should pay attention both to principled arguments and to concrete examples throughout the debate.This discussion could be done, as it is here, as an overview of a whole range of uses of animals in sporting and entertainment contexts. Alternatively, one particular issue, such as hunting, circuses, or horse/dog racing, could be taken as the main focus.
1 response
@pendragon (3348)
• United States
17 Nov 06
No I don't think animalks should be used for sport/entertainment. I wish I knew who allowed humans to do something o not, I've got a long list of complaints for them.