Even though animal captivity is common, it has never before been publicly viewed as animal abuse. Places such as zoos and animal parks have always been praised by the public because of the beautiful creatures that are out on display. This is exactly what’s wrong with animal captivity; none of these creatures deserve to be treated as inmates locked in a cell. Sure, there is the argument that they are just animals, but those animals have feelings too.

A great example of animal captivity is SeaWorld; people all over Florida visit this attraction and the main attraction is Shamu. Basically, SeaWorld has a full-grown orca whale in captivity with enough room to swim twenty feet.

Freshman Joseph Reneau,  blatantly said “I hate SeaWorld; I’ve heard how they mistreat their animals. I feel it’s unnecessary, if people abuse animals, they have problems.”

Some would agree with Reneau’s opinion and add in that animals deserve to be out in their natural environment instead of a show for entertainment.

Pet Rescue, a club here at Seminole High School actively tries to prevent animal cruelty. The president of this club, Ciera Ward says “I agree with places such as zoos and SeaWorld if they are helping the animals. But if the animal is healthy, it completely deserves to be in its natural environment.”

On the other hand, keeping animals locked up all day while people come and stare is not healthy and is mockery in its cruelest form. If there was an establishment where perfectly healthy humans were locked up in cages all day with small meals fed to them on a schedule and had random strangers come stare and take pictures, it would be shut down immediately because of how wrong and sick that is; it should not be any different for animals.

Junior, Shane Lawson, says “Animal abuse makes me sick to my stomach, I’m totally against it.”

Instead of paying money to establishments to see animals locked in cages all day, that money should be going towards foundations such as PETA, (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): The animal rights organization), who strive to protect animals.

Common attractions that involve animal cruelty are circuses, petting zoos, and fairs. Although these activities are fun for the people attending, it becomes stressful on the animals. Zoos might be a great learning experience for young students, but the animals should not have to suffer for a few kids to go on a field trip.

The main priority should be putting animals back where they belong.