WHO ARE THE STAKEHOLDERS?
1. Handlers /Trainers
2. Owners of the facilities
3. Visitors
4. Wealthy Individuals
5. Lawmakers/Influential Politicians
2. Owners of the facilities
3. Visitors
4. Wealthy Individuals
5. Lawmakers/Influential Politicians
HOw can they make a change?
1. The trainers and handlers of the animals are the first to be accused of animal abuse because they are the ones who are responsible for the care of the animals. They are also the ones who can make a immediate difference. Since the handlers and trainers work directly with the animals, they are the ones who will have to change. Mike Lorch, president of the board at the Louisville Zoo, said during an interview, "Most handlers and trainers here [Louisville Zoo] are completely in it for the animals. Personally, the people I know would bend their backs to provide the best care. The Louisville Zoo has very strict guidelines to follow regarding the well-being of the animals; however, you have to watch out for smaller, local zoos and especially circuses. This is where a majority of neglect and abuse are found."
2. The owners of the zoos, circuses, and marine mammal parks are another major stakeholder. The owners are supposed to look over the business, and it is their job to make sure the animals are being treated properly. Many owners may be unaware of animal abuse occurring within the business until a scandal occurs. If the abuse is caught on video or shown to the public, sales would drop significantly. As the owner, losing money is not on his or her agenda; therefore, they have to able to communicate with the general public and the employees on proper animal care. After all, they are responsible for their businesses and everything that goes with it.
3. The only reason the animal entertainment industry stays in business is due to the monetary support from the visitors. Many parents take their children to different forms of animal entertainment; therefore, it is important to inform families of the cruelty that happens within the industry. As previously stated, visitors are the people that allow these places to exist. Without people visiting these facilities and forms of entertainment, the owners and trainers/handlers would not have jobs. Therefore, the visitors are the backbone of the industry and can have a major influence.
2. The owners of the zoos, circuses, and marine mammal parks are another major stakeholder. The owners are supposed to look over the business, and it is their job to make sure the animals are being treated properly. Many owners may be unaware of animal abuse occurring within the business until a scandal occurs. If the abuse is caught on video or shown to the public, sales would drop significantly. As the owner, losing money is not on his or her agenda; therefore, they have to able to communicate with the general public and the employees on proper animal care. After all, they are responsible for their businesses and everything that goes with it.
3. The only reason the animal entertainment industry stays in business is due to the monetary support from the visitors. Many parents take their children to different forms of animal entertainment; therefore, it is important to inform families of the cruelty that happens within the industry. As previously stated, visitors are the people that allow these places to exist. Without people visiting these facilities and forms of entertainment, the owners and trainers/handlers would not have jobs. Therefore, the visitors are the backbone of the industry and can have a major influence.
4. Wealthy individuals have the potential to play a big role in pretty much anything they desire. Whether it be a celebrity or politician, most wealthy individuals are credible and their opinions are well-respected. With monetary donations, better living conditions and environments can be provided for the animals in captivity. Having nicer facilities would attract more people to come visit and could reduce the amount of insufficient space or neglect towards the animals. As previously stated, many wealthy individuals are well-liked, credible, and highly respected. Therefore, if a poplar celebrities started campaigns or protests against animal abuse, it would easily gain a lot of followers simply because that people believe in them.
5. Lawmakers are the best way to make an immediate change regarding restrictions and forced action. There are several laws protecting some animals, but they are very simple and primitive. These laws include:
- AWA(Animal Welfare Act): Created in 1966, it is the only federal law that regulates the treatment of animals in research and entertainment. The regulations are very primitive. Violators end up with a fine. Many different places have violated this, but the penalty is so minuscule, it does not matter.
- Lacey Act - This prohibits the trading of any animal obtained illegally. If obtained illegally, there is no selling or buying of any form without violating this.
- ESA(Endangered Species Act): This protects animals that are listed as endangered in any form.
Most animals are not protected other than the basic regulations of the AWA. It is important that lawmakers understand the severity of the abuse animals in captivity undergo. Lawmakers need to create stricter laws in order to protect all animals.
5. Lawmakers are the best way to make an immediate change regarding restrictions and forced action. There are several laws protecting some animals, but they are very simple and primitive. These laws include:
- AWA(Animal Welfare Act): Created in 1966, it is the only federal law that regulates the treatment of animals in research and entertainment. The regulations are very primitive. Violators end up with a fine. Many different places have violated this, but the penalty is so minuscule, it does not matter.
- Lacey Act - This prohibits the trading of any animal obtained illegally. If obtained illegally, there is no selling or buying of any form without violating this.
- ESA(Endangered Species Act): This protects animals that are listed as endangered in any form.
Most animals are not protected other than the basic regulations of the AWA. It is important that lawmakers understand the severity of the abuse animals in captivity undergo. Lawmakers need to create stricter laws in order to protect all animals.