If you think about it, all animals were at one time or another wild. Pets that we bring into our homes (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) and livestock that we use for food (pigs, chickens, cattle, etc.) were free-range animals that had little or nothing to do with humans, once upon a time. And then we began to colonize the Earth, the agrarian revolution allowed us to form permanent homes, and the practice of domesticating animals became commonplace. Today, certain types of animals are expected to be domestic and indeed, many would not survive without the aid of humans as their natural proclivities for self-defense have been virtually bred out of the species. But what about animals that remain wild to this day? Although humans certainly have the means to subordinate any animals we wish, it might be more than just a bad idea; it may be completely unethical.
Now, for the layman, ethics are basically an issue of knowing what is right from what is wrong, and in the eyes of many people, might makes right. Unfortunately, this has led to widespread caging of wild animals for our amusement. Consider for a moment the entertainment industry. Bears, lions, monkeys, elephants, deer, raccoons, and virtually every type of animal that we would categorize as wild has been used as a spectacle for human audiences. While most are taken at birth and raised by humans, and are often docile for their handlers, it should come as no shock that many eventually show their true nature, which can often be harmful to humans even if is not meant as an attack. Remember the case of Siegfried and Roy a few years back in which one of their famed white tigers bit Roy’s neck? Experts agreed that the actions of the tiger were most likely protective in nature since the cat tried to drag Roy to safety by his neck after he fell, much as any mother tiger would do with a cub. Unfortunately, humans do not share the thick skin of a wild cat. This particular animal was saved from retribution by the victim, who is an advocate for wild animals in captivity, but most instances of animal “attacks” on humans result in euthanasia.
Further, it just seems wrong to take animals from their natural environment, no matter the reason. Clearly there are instances, such as rescue situations, when to leave them to the elements would mean almost certain death. In these cases, however, the animals are generally captured, cared for, and then released into the wild to resume their natural lives. Those who practice animal husbandry in this capacity are often very aware of their ethical responsibilities and do everything in their power to ensure that the animals do not become domesticated. However, if people persist in bringing wild animals into their homes, they should be aware that they are probably doing more harm than good. They are not only putting themselves in danger, should the animal attack, they are also endangering the animal, which will probably never live a full life as it would in the wild, and may face dire consequences simply for acting on its nature.
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