Why Is It Acceptable to Use Animals for Entertainment?
Why do people find it morally acceptable to use animals for entertainment? The practice often involves maneuvers such as showing an animal performing tricks while being rewarded with food. Is the satisfaction of making an animal guess what it needs to do for a treat more ethical than simply providing it with a job and care?
My Dog Deelybopper and the Joy of Tricks
Take my dog Deelybopper, for instance. She was a 100% mutt with unknown breed mix but possessed a natural aptitude for tricks. I was not particularly bothered about her breed, but I trained her in all sorts of fun tricks because it brought joy to both of us.
Dogs, like most social animals, thrive on consistent interaction and training. Learning a new trick can be a proud moment for them as they receive pats, treats, and praise. They often initiate such interactions, seeking the approval and positive reinforcement from their human companions.
The Emotional Aspect of Animal Entertainment
Does it truly count as an ethical dilemma when someone holds food in the air to make an animal guess what it needs to do to earn a treat? The emotional expression of the animal, especially a dog, is a key consideration. Dogs are not mere objects; they feel joy, frustration, and satisfaction just like any other living being.
Benefits of Animal Interaction for Both Parties
When we engage in interactions with social animals such as dogs, cats, and horses, both benefit from the exchange. Dogs, particularly working breeds, become miserable if left idle, and they greatly appreciate having tasks and responsibilities. Cats and horses also enjoy being engaged in play and work, as it provides them with stimulation and a sense of purpose.
For example, a horse with a competent rider enjoys the work and gets to know the rules well, especially in sports like polo and showjumping. Similarly, a dog that has an innate herding instinct finds joy in chasing and bringing back a tennis ball, or engaging in other forms of physical activity, without the need for treats. This engagement is not just fun for the animals but also helps them release pent-up energy.
Animals as Caretakers and Workers
Learning tricks for entertainment is not the only way animals seek attention. Even in the absence of formal training, animals naturally engage in behaviors like herding, retrieving, pointing, guard duty, chasing, and even hunting, as it aligns with their instincts. These activities bring a sense of satisfaction and purpose to their lives.
Consider my dog, who herds instinctively and is thrilled to chase any animal that enters the yard. She enjoys playing with a tennis ball for a significant amount of time without any treats, as the enjoyment of the task is rewarding enough. Even when I provide a treat, she eagerly seeks ways to get it, showcasing her desire to be productive and engaged.
Unlike some humans who prefer to maintain a lazy lifestyle, animals are inherently driven to engage in activities that fulfill their needs and make them feel fulfilled. This natural inclination towards work and play is essential for their overall happiness and well-being.
Therefore, the act of training animals for entertainment, especially when it is done with care and consideration, is not only ethical but also beneficial for the animals themselves. It provides them with a job, care, and opportunities to be active and engaged, which aligns with their instincts and natural behavior.