From ancient arenas to modern stadiums, animals have played a central role in human sports and entertainment, captivating audiences and driving significant economic activity. Yet beneath the spectacle lies a web of ethical, economic, and cultural tensions. This chapter explores the economics of animal sports, analyzing the industry’s scale, the roles animals play, and the trade-offs between financial gain and animal welfare. It asks whether a future is possible where these practices are not exploitative but mutually beneficial. The chapter concludes with policy proposals aimed at reforming the sector: strengthening welfare regulations through global standards and enforcement; realigning economic incentives to reward ethical practices and penalize harmful ones; mandating transparency and data reporting to support accountability; supporting transitions in developing economies through education and alternative livelihoods; fostering innovation in ethical and virtual alternatives; and promoting public engagement to shift cultural norms. Together, these reforms aim to create a more humane, sustainable, and economically viable future for animals in sports.

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Animals in Sports

  • Nicoletta Batini,
  • Bruno Ćurko

摘要

From ancient arenas to modern stadiums, animals have played a central role in human sports and entertainment, captivating audiences and driving significant economic activity. Yet beneath the spectacle lies a web of ethical, economic, and cultural tensions. This chapter explores the economics of animal sports, analyzing the industry’s scale, the roles animals play, and the trade-offs between financial gain and animal welfare. It asks whether a future is possible where these practices are not exploitative but mutually beneficial. The chapter concludes with policy proposals aimed at reforming the sector: strengthening welfare regulations through global standards and enforcement; realigning economic incentives to reward ethical practices and penalize harmful ones; mandating transparency and data reporting to support accountability; supporting transitions in developing economies through education and alternative livelihoods; fostering innovation in ethical and virtual alternatives; and promoting public engagement to shift cultural norms. Together, these reforms aim to create a more humane, sustainable, and economically viable future for animals in sports.