Have you ever heard of an animal that asks to go to audition? Have you ever seen an ape prepare a monologue with hopes of scoring a lead on a television series? Of course not. These may seem like ridiculous questions with undoubted answers, yet many humans still seem to believe that animals are objects to use as a prop, character or spectacle to display for the purpose of entertaining yet more humans.
Many entertainment outlets have the ability to be held at fault for using animals in their shows or displays. Some examples include circuses, movies, television series and sporting events. In the world of "showbiz", it is common for entertainment companies, artists, producers and show staff to put on a great show, to entertain a crowd, invoke joy, and help the viewers escape reality. But at what cost do these goals come? Animals have no voice to say, "I do not feel like working today." They cannot say, "please do not take me away from my mother and send me to a cage where I sit alone and perform at your wish." Animals cannot state when they hurt, are upset or missing their families even when much research done on animal behavior has pointed to the facts that animals do indeed feel emotion and know more than humans give them credit for.
When animals are "cast" for a show or performance, a majority of the time the conditions are not so glamorous as many human actors may be used to. A majority of the time, animals are stripped from their mothers when they are infants. From there, they are taken to unfamiliar surroundings and forced into strict training exercises on exhausting schedules. Many animals are kept in unsanitary and uncomfortable environments with little social interaction or companionship. A variety of animals used are social beings. With the failure to allow their social interaction and lack of affection, these animals may turn anxious and depressed which can also lead to unpredictable behavior while on sets. While the presence of their cuteness or coolness may charm and excite spectators, lives for these innocent acting animals are anything but cool and fantastic.
Arguments may include that not every single trainer, or every single media production company or every sports team uses animals, and if they do, not all are bad people that neglect the animals that are on display. While the effort to argue this statement is respected, there is still many steps that need to take place for humane treatment to be a recognized truth among these entertainment displays. The American Human Association is an organization supported by the Screen Actors Guild. This organization is responsible for putting the stamp, "No Animals Were Harmed", on movies or show productions. In reality, the AHA does not monitor all steps of a humane process for animal actors. Unfortunately, this organization is also supportive in using apes and primates on sets regardless of what training exercises are used, many which include physical abuse.
Recently, animal advocates and other members of animal rights groups retaliated against a show that was on air, "Animal Practice". This show was accused of using animals to dress them up, make them do tricks, all after a life of separation and abuse. With the strength, love and drive of these animal lovers, the show was cancelled. Read more here: PETA's article: "Victory! 'Animal Practice' Cancelled
While there are baby steps towards a more humane and animal friendly world, the reality is we still have a long way to go to help get animals the rights that they should have. In our society within the modern era, computers, design, graphics, and models can be used instead of a live, feeling, breathing creature.
Everyone can do their part if they so choose, by not contributing to shows or displays where animals are used. Report any animal abuse that is ever seen and speak up on the behalf of those that have no voice.
