P . A . W . S

By Anika

Have you ever noticed an animal in chains at the zoo? Or in a cage? Don’t you think it is unfair that so many animals are used to entertain us? Well, that is animal entertainment. To explain further, animal entertainment means to use animals in shows, performances and places like zoos and marine parks.

Here are some reasons why we shouldn’t encourage animal entertainment:

1. Animals Are Mistreated: They aren’t in the wild or their natural habitat, instead they are forced to live in cramped cages or chained up. These innocent animals are also subjected to constant travel and exposure to new people and surroundings which can lead to stress or frustration.
2. Training Is Cruel: People are insensitive toward the animals and sometimes during training abuse (whip, hit with sticks, shock with electric tools) them. Furthermore, Animals are punished when they make mistakes. This instills fear and confusion in animals.
3. Animals Also Have Feelings: One of the emotions experienced by animals is loneliness. This is because they often miss being with own kind and are locked up in tiny spaces. Additionally, animal entertainment can lead to stress, trauma, fear and even sometimes mental disorder.
4. Safety issues: Animals doing tricks aren’t something they would do by choice. They are often forced to do dangerous things that could injure or scare them.
5. Better Ways to learn about Animals: We can visit wildlife sanctuaries where rescued animals live, volunteer at organisations that rescue the animals or read books about their real lifestyle.

Doing this will mean so much to so many animals around the world. So it’s up to you to make small decisions which will lead to a big difference!