Introduction
Animals are widely used for sports and entertainment purposes. For example, killer whales (Orcas) held in captivity have been used for entertainment purposes for a long time. Use of killer whales in sports and entertainment industries has been overlooked and this has encouraged the practice (Farnham par3). My research validates the claim that killer whales are widely used in the sports and entertainment industries.
My research question will focus on determining whether the use of killer whales for entertainment is ethical. My research question is: should killer whales be used for sports and entertainment? This practice should be illegalized because it exposes orcas to injuries, mistreatment, and poor living conditions. In addition, it exposes trainers to injuries and even death. This research undertaking seeks to reach out to proprietors of circuses and other sporting events that use killer whales for amusement. In addition, it intends to reach out to animal rights activists who have done little to address the issue.
Review of sources
I have reviewed literature from several textbooks and current articles from the internet that address the issue. Sources reviewed to support the proposition that killer whales should not be used for entertainment and sports. According to Hile (77), the use of killer whales in entertainment should be illegalized because their rights are violated. He explains that the rights of killer whales are violated during capture and training. In addition, conditions under which they live are unfavorable because they are different from conditions found in their natural habitats. Atkinson and Young (65) argue that animals are severely mistreated and mishandled.
Animal welfare is an important aspect for consideration. This argument is advanced by Webster (84) who argues that the use of animals in sports and entertainment goes against the promotion of their welfare. Killer whales are removed from their natural habitats and transferred to artificial environments. This affects their growth and well-being. Information from online sources explores this topic deeply. According to Harris, transfer of whales form natural habitats, and bullying during training are reasons why they kill their trainers (par6).
The source discusses how killer whales are treated during training and explains why they develop aggressive behaviors towards trainers. Killer whales have killed several trainers in the past few years. Removing them from their natural habitats affects their behaviors. The author also discusses the reasons why whales should not be used for entertainment. These reasons include reduced lifespan, attacks on trainers, collapse of dorsal fins, pregnancy complications, and aggressive behaviors.
A plan to collect information
Sources reviewed contain sufficient information to address the research topic. However, I need to do additional research from sources that support the use of killer whales for sports and entertainment. In addition, I plan to interview a proprietor of one of the establishments where killer whales are held in captivity and used for entertainment.
Overview of challenges
One of the challenges is how to book an appointment with a sport proprietor because they are usually busy and unavailable. In addition, I expect some resistance from them because these events are their source of income and will do anything to stop anyone who opposes them. This could be overcome by seeking help from animal rights activists who will help me to secure an interview with one of the proprietors.
Conclusion
I hope that the reader will be able to address the issue realistically and realize that killer whales have rights that should be respected. It is important to treat them with respect because like humans, they have rights too. I understand that my readers might be fans of circuses and animal sporting events. However, I believe that I will successfully present my case and persuade them to join hands in illegalizing use of killer whales for entertainment. This work is important because the use of whales for entertainment has been ignored and needs to be addressed.
Works Cited
Atkinson, Michael, and Young, Kevin. Deviance and Social Control in Sport. New York: Human Kinetics, 2008. Print.
Farnham, Rebecca. Animals in Sport Entertainment. 2012. Web.
Harris, Paul. Sea world “humane” regime turned captive whale Tilikum into killer, claims documentary. 2013. Web.
Hile, Kevin. Animal Rights. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2009. Print.
Webster, John. Animal Welfare: Limping Towards Eden. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2008. Print.