Lemmikloomapidamine: õigustused ja vastuväited

Abstract

In the present article, a pet is defined as an animal kept with humans for the purpose of satisfying psychical needs. In this sense a pet is opposed to other domestic animals that satisfy more direct needs: food, hunting, guarding, catching mice, etc. Keeping pets has become massive only recently and thus needs to be analysed. The phenomenon of pet-keeping is discussed from both the point of view of humans and animals. A person satisfies different needs by keeping pets: the rudimental need to keep animals, the need to be close to nature, the parental instinct, the need for subjugation, need for adventure, social needs. The criteria of animal well-being is considered realisation of genetical predispositions in everyday environment. Based on this, it must be said that as a rule the keeping of animals not synanthropic as pets oppresses their well-being since only the most primary of the animal's needs are satisfied. This may not be noticed by the animal's keeper due to the communication barrier between the human and animal, as well as because animals commonly "make a good face to a bad game". If the keeping of an animal not synanthropic is unavoidable, it is recommended to choose more intelligent, i.e. more adaptable species. However, such species regularly require very expensive care. If possible, synanthropic species should be preferred. The well-being of a synanthropic animal as a pet may be maximal. Other animals could effectively be observed in their natural habitat instead of in imprisonment.