What Qualifies as a Suitable Pet?
How can we define pet animals, and which species make the ideal pets? It is difficult to ascertain where and when the term “pet” first originated as an umbrella term to refer to captive animals kept as companions instead of food sources or working animals; however there are various accepted definitions such as:
Domesticated animals (domesticated, domestic, tamed) are defined as any animal which has been domesticated through training; kept primarily as companions for human companionship or protection; or treated luxuriously as opposed to being kept for performance, agricultural value, or research;
Animal lovers and animal rights activists, among other groups, define a “pet” as any species that enjoys being handled and stroked and exhibits affectionate behaviours. But this definition raises many issues; to qualify as an appropriate species the animal needs all the attributes described as meeting this criteria plus more, leading to much discussion between biased pet trade, animal rights advocates at one end, professional bodies and experts at the other, leading to much controversy between all three.
No animal on Earth cannot conceivably be kept captive, yet that doesn’t guarantee they will thrive and live through the experience. The pet trade would like us to believe that any species can be made suitable by simply domesticating or captive breeding them, with support from internet pet sites, social media channels and books dedicated to pet care; these are used cynically introduce new ones onto the market with little consideration given for animal welfare or ethics; professional bodies and welfare organisations suggest we focus more on animals who may not fit this mold than focusing on those suitable ones!
Assuming the term’suitable’ applies only in relation to pets is something of a misnomer; there simply cannot exist such an ideal match as this definition refers to being appropriate or right for someone or something specific and no species or individual animal can claim to fulfill all your wishes and circumstances as an ideal environment for any given animal.
Today’s pet market offers an ever-increasing array of animals. Gone are the days of only keeping dogs, cats, rabbits or small rodents; their replacement by exotic reptiles and unusual species encouraged by pet stores, websites and media.
“Only domesticated dogs and cats possess the characteristics necessary to fulfill the role of an ideal pet”
Most pets are considered companion animals; as their name suggests they provide us with company and comfort. Unfortunately, however, some individuals push these boundaries further which often leads to suffering for animals involved.
Domesticated dogs and cats offer us comfort, affection, and devotion that make for lasting friendships – unlike reptiles or fish. Thus it could be argued that pet keeping should only involve these species, yet we see little likelihood of this occurring in practice.
Any referendum or vote restricting pet ownership to dogs and cats would gain my full support.