How Do Animals Constitute Animal Cruelty

Growing up every kid remember visiting the zoo and seeing these amazing creatures. Sitting in the front row of a dolphin show in order to be splashed when their tail goes, THWACK! Everyone has most likely visited a zoo in their lifetime, but now places like SeaWorld and other animal entertainment facilities are receive negative press due to accusations of animal abuse. However, the use of animals as a form of entertainment does not constitute animal cruelty.

Animals are amazing creatures that have the ability to do amazing things. These abilities are showcased in establishments such as zoos, circuses, and fairs for this reason. In Indiana, the Indianapolis Zoo is one establishment that houses animals and has exhibits such as dolphin shows. Trainers teach the dolphins acts to perform and in reward, the dolphins receive a treat. This shows how not all animal entertainment establishments are a form of animal cruelty. The trainers use positive incentive to motivate the dolphins to listen to, and in no way are they mistreated. Moreover, zoos provide a positive educational experience that is not only beneficial to communities but also, to the animals themselves.

For instance, in 2007, the Animal Abuse Crime Database of Statistics released a chart that showed the percentages of different types of the 8,661 animal abuse cases that year. These animals were stabbed, hung, burned, and shot. However, there were no cases of abuse due to animal entertainment. Using animals as a form of entertainment is not abuse so long as no "physical maltreatment" is occurring (Webster). People love animals and that is why they pay a ridiculous amount of money to see them through a glass barrier protecting them, and why the video of a cat playing the piano gets millions of likes on