Why should animals be treated better?

Answer 1

This is a difficult question to answer because the term "better" is relative to a state that is not defined in the question. However, there are a set of minimal standards that most developed countries have agreed upon.

First, all captive and domestic animals should be provided adequate quantities of water and a wholesome food or foods that is appropriate for the species, life stage, activity level and reproductive status.

Second, all captive and domestic animals should be provided with adequate protection from the environment, such as adequate housing in cold or inclement weather and shade and cooling from excessive heat.

Third, all captive and domestic animals should, in as far as possible, be provided with relief from pain, illness and injury. In some cases this may necessitate humane euthanasia due to unrelenting pain or progressive disease or injury.

Fourth, all captive and domestic animals should be provided with species appropriate social opportunities and environmental enrichment. This may be as simple as having a small group of the same species (often seen in fish that swim in schools) or as complex as providing toys, an environment to explore and novel experiences (such as what may be provided to primates in zoologic collections).

There is significant debate about what other standards should be set for animals, including the debate about how much humans should interfere with the lives of animals.