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wild_animal_suffering [2025/11/15 18:55] – administratorwild_animal_suffering [2025/12/04 12:26] (current) – administrator
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 ===== Introduction ===== ===== Introduction =====
  
-Many people have a naive and rosy view of the kind of lives animals are living in the wild. Some people strongly believe, and this includes sometimes wildlife rescuers and rehabbers, conservationists and people who think of themselves as nature or animal lovers, that non-human animals living in the wild live in some kind of paradise. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Animals living in the wild live lives that are far from idyllic, and most of them have to deal with the reality of constant threat of tremendous suffering. Although many people accept the fact that animals experience suffering, the willingness to help, to minimise or eliminate suffering, remains rather an exceptional act of kindness. Also, for reasons remaining mostly unclear, many people assume that wild animals do cope better with suffering than domestic animals or our beloved pets. However, there is no reason or scientific foundation for this assumption. ((Animal Ethics, The situation of animals in the wild, http://www.animal-ethics.org/wild-animal-suffering-section/wild-animals.))+{{ :common_gull_nestlings.jpeg?200|}}Many people have a naive and rosy view of the kind of lives animals are living in the wild. Some people strongly believe, and this includes sometimes wildlife rescuers and rehabbers, conservationists and people who think of themselves as nature or animal lovers, that non-human animals living in the wild live in some kind of paradise. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Animals living in the wild live lives that are far from idyllic, and most of them have to deal with the reality of constant threat of tremendous suffering. Although many people accept the fact that animals experience suffering, the willingness to help, to minimise or eliminate suffering, remains rather an exceptional act of kindness. Also, for reasons remaining mostly unclear, many people assume that wild animals do cope better with suffering than domestic animals or our beloved pets. However, there is no reason or scientific foundation for this assumption. ((Animal Ethics, The situation of animals in the wild, http://www.animal-ethics.org/wild-animal-suffering-section/wild-animals.))
  
 ===== The Impact of Cats on Wildlife ===== ===== The Impact of Cats on Wildlife =====
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 When following discussions about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, there are two commonly discussed topics, which frequently result in a heated and emotionally driven argument. The first one, which is better being discussed in separate and dedicated blog posts, is about the impact domestic cats and their ‘owners’ have on wildlife. When following discussions about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, there are two commonly discussed topics, which frequently result in a heated and emotionally driven argument. The first one, which is better being discussed in separate and dedicated blog posts, is about the impact domestic cats and their ‘owners’ have on wildlife.
  
-[[cats_cars_and_wildlife|Cats, Cars and Wildlife]] +  * [[cats_cars_and_wildlife|Cats, Cars and Wildlife]] 
-[[top_reasons_to_keep_cats_indoors|Top Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors]]+  * [[top_reasons_to_keep_cats_indoors|Top Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors]]
  
 ===== Wild Animal Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release ===== ===== Wild Animal Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release =====
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 From this viewpoint, releasing animals back into the wild is ethically seen a doubtful way to show compassion and to reduce wild animal suffering. However, so far at least, there are no better alternatives available. But when it comes to releasing animals back into the ‘wild’, then these animals should be at the very least in perfect health. They should never be released prematurely or with, for example, a suboptimal plumage. Sadly, this still happens quite frequently, a move which is often being ‘justified’ with high demands and pressures put onto chronically underfunded wildlife rescues and rehabbers. However, to give these animals truly the chance they deserve, no shortcuts must be taken. Adhering to the highest standards of care is crucial, and only when doing so, lives will be truly saved. From this viewpoint, releasing animals back into the wild is ethically seen a doubtful way to show compassion and to reduce wild animal suffering. However, so far at least, there are no better alternatives available. But when it comes to releasing animals back into the ‘wild’, then these animals should be at the very least in perfect health. They should never be released prematurely or with, for example, a suboptimal plumage. Sadly, this still happens quite frequently, a move which is often being ‘justified’ with high demands and pressures put onto chronically underfunded wildlife rescues and rehabbers. However, to give these animals truly the chance they deserve, no shortcuts must be taken. Adhering to the highest standards of care is crucial, and only when doing so, lives will be truly saved.
  
-Euthanasia is certainly the first choice when it comes to avoid suffering, but only as long as one bears in mind that the animals concerned are not objects or possessions, but sentient beings. This implies that other options, as outlined above, should always be taken seriously in consideration, which will obviously depend on species specific necessities and practicalities. +Euthanasia is certainly the first choice when it comes to avoid suffering, but only as long as one bears in mind that the animals concerned are not objects or possessions, but sentient beings. This implies that other options, as outlined above, should always be taken seriously in consideration, which will obviously depend on species specific necessities and practicalities. 
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-Bibliography +
- +
-    1. Animal Ethics, The situation of animals in the wild, http://www.animal-ethics.org/wild-animal-suffering-section/wild-animals  +
-    2. Offwell Woodland & Wildlife Trust, Ecological Survey & Habitat Restoration Site, Lifespan of Birds, How long does a bird live?, Dr Mike Hounsome, http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/bird_lifespan.htm  +
-    3. Bekoff, Marc, and Jessica Pierce. 2009. Wild justice: the moral lives of animals. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. +
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