By Spring 2025 Section of Animals and Society

This is a fully online asynchronous semester of the class and each week we record video discussion posts about the topics we covered that week. In lieu of discussion posts the week we discussed animal experimentation, students either wrote haikus or made memes. (You can see the haikus here!) Here are some of the the memes. Enjoy! ​

By the Spring 2025 section of Animals and Society 

​however, it could be coming to an end much sooner than later. A recent study was conducted by the American Bird Conservancy and what they found regarding bird populations was shocking. The numbers show that we have lost 2.9 billion birds since the year 1970.  Of these birds, 90% came from species that live right in our backyards. These include commonly known Minnesota birds such as sparrows, warblers, finches, and swallows. 

​You may read the reasons for the rapid decline in bird populations and think “What does that have to do with me? I don’t use pesticides or let my cat outside.” The answer I have to that is thank you for doing your part in helping the bird populations increase as those things do make a difference. The idea is that if we all make one small change in our lives to help the birds then we can collectively make a difference.  These are some ideas that we can do at home which can largely create an impact on bird populations. This list includes easy and small changes along with bigger changes. The choice is which is the most economically doable for us and what we have time for.

​Sydney is a Sociology student at Minnesota State University Mankato.  She is an avid bird lover and cat lover. When she isn’t studying, she is spending time with her cat and two parakeets. She grew up in a family that values birds as many of her family members own birds and all enjoy watching outdoor birds.

​According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, an estimated 10,000 big cats live in captivity in the United States. The number of lions is unknown, but the World Wildlife Fund estimates 5,000 captive tigers are in the United States. However, only 6% of these captive tigers are in zoos, with many residing in research facilities, breeding facilities, or are privately owned (World Wildlife Fund). While many organizations focus on stopping big cat captivity, already captured tigers and lions cannot be released into the wild because they would not survive due to their lack of essential survival skills. There are many factors affecting these nonhuman animals’ well-being, including how they are housed, how they are treated, and what they are fed. Three ways caretakers can improve lion and tiger capacity is by providing large enclosures, a natural environment, and implementing a natural feeding schedule.

Lions are a social species, they live in prides ranging from one to twenty-one females. The female lions and their offspring stay together year-round while male lions temporarily join the pride for breeding. Conversely, tigers spend time in solitude in the wild when they do not have dependent cubs. Tigers tend to be territorial and aggressive towards their own species when they are not breeding (Galardi et al., 2021). As a result, it is common for these nonhuman animals to exhibit stereotypy behaviors in captivity, these behaviors are patterns of movement that have no function or goal. They often include pacing, head bobbing, and fur licking. Stereotypy behaviors are rarely seen in the wild, meaning they are an indication of stress in the captive nonhuman animal (Pitsko, 2003).

Alternatively, lions who were provided with larger, more stimulating enclosures such as safari enclosures were not significantly affected by the presence of visitors, and their behavior did not differ on non-visitor days (Goswami et al., 2023). ​Another reason to implement large enclosures is the ability to provide more natural social housing. Galardi et al., 2021 studied a pride of 21 lions and a streak of 10 tigers at the Fasano Zoo Safari in Italy. When housed in larger groups, the tigers created smaller social groups and did not share enclosure spaces with more than one or two other tigers. Lions in larger exhibits were able to create two prides who coexisted. The zoo had large safari enclosures, which made this possible because of the sufficient space provided. The enclosures studied were much larger than typical zoo enclosures and included refugia, trees, shrubs, ponds, and shaded areas (Galardi et al., 2021). This suggests by housing lions and tigers in larger spaces they may be more comfortable and may exhibit less stereotypy behavior.
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Furthermore, natural vegetation and materials similar to the big cats’ wild environment can increase their movement levels and provide enrichment. Historically, zoos have had concrete floors, which were thought to be more hygienic, however, studies have found they are less sanitary and cause more odors. Using wood chip floors in the enclosure can lower the chances of parasites and sore footpads (Pitsko, 2003). Moreover, in the wild, lions and tigers receive sensory information that is not provided in captivity. They should be provided with vegetation, water features, rocks, and other natural features that promote natural behavior. According to Pitsko (2003) “The presence of a pool, stream, tub, pond, or other water body increased exploratory behaviors and strongly reduced stereotypic pacing” (p. 31). Additionally, she found that when tigers at T & D’s Cats of the World were given a tub of fresh water, they used it every day and even engaged playfully with the water.

Another factor important to tiger and lion enclosures is shade. Zoos in North America experience vastly different weather than the natural habitat of tigers and lions (Young et al., 2013). In Pitsko's (2003) study of 8 tigers, the tigers spent 90% of their time in the shade during hot summer days. Additionally, when a research team observed two lions and two tigers at the Toronto Zoo in Ontario, Canada, they found that the cats cooled themselves by limiting activity, lying in the shade or on cool surfaces, and going in the water. The female lion in the study chose to lay on a gunite rock on hot days and a natural rock when it was cooler, proving that the type of materials present in the enclosure is important (Young et al., 2013).

In addition, gorge feeding may be a better alternative to daily feeding for lions and tigers. In the wild, lions work together in prides to hunt larger prey while tigers hunt in solitary. Typically, both lions and tigers spend significant time feeding on large prey and usually do not eat every day in the wild. However, in captivity, they are given small meals throughout the day, which is very different from their natural instincts. Gorge feeding consists of feeding nonhuman animals large meals less often, such as giving them naturally deceased full carcasses twice a week (Amundrod, 2023).  A study by Amundrod (2023) found that gorge feeding reduced pacing in tigers and lions. It also increased feeding time, similar to non-domesticated lions' and tigers' feeding habits.

Amundrod (2023) states, “Imagining the animals were more content and satisfied after gorge meals, they might sleep more when lying instead of lying awake.” (P. 29). Likewise, feeding large cats whole nonhuman animal parts may enhance animal health by increasing teeth and jaw muscle health (Pitsko, 2003).  By converting to a gorge feeding schedule caretakers can
stimulate lions' and tigers' instincts and promote natural feeding.

Ultimately, although we may not be able to go back in time and prevent these large cats from experiencing captivity, we can push for better conditions that would improve their life. Lion and tiger housing facilities need to improve their enclosures by providing large safari-like spaces, natural vegetation, and a natural feeding schedule. Studies have shown that these factors can decrease stereotypy behavior and stress in these nonhuman animals. Additionally, you can help lions and tigers by becoming involved in rescue and wildlife organizations.
Below I have listed some organizations to look into.

• https://www.wildcatsanctuary.org/
• https://carolinatigerrescue.org/
• https://panthera.org/
• https://www.internationaltigerproject.org/
• https://lionrecoveryfund.org/
• https://www.worldwildlife.org/
• https://bigcatrescue.org/​

​Jadeyn Morrow is a sophomore at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, and playing volleyball. Her favorite non-human animals are her cats Chloe, Sneakers, and Pheobe.

 My cats Nigel, Whip, and Buzz are decently good brothers to each other. Even if there’s a hiss or swat attempt, my house is far from the plot of the Lion King. Want to know why? They were properly introduced when they were brought home. Reported by Forbes in 2024, 46.5 million households in the United States are home to a cat. A study in 2019 surveyed 547 people with a result of 42% of people having 2 or more cats in a house. The importance of the way cats get introduced directly impacts the way they behave towards each other and in their environment. Cats first interaction is imperative and without the correct set up, they risk having behavioral issues in their home.

There are some things one should think about when deciding to bring a new cat into a home with a prior resident cat. The most important is probably the personality of the resident cat. Are they sociable and friendly to visitors? If they have been in contact with another cat, how did they act towards it? Things like this could be a peek into how the resident cat will react to another animal in their home. Another thing to ponder is age. Senior cats do better alongside other senior cats because of the lifestyle they may share. Lastly, something to take into account before adopting is the size of the environment these animals will be introduced in. Cats are very territorial and do not take well to strangers in their area. Making sure they have enough space to spread out is very beneficial to the introduction process.

According to the American Humane, there is a 5-6 step process to cat introductions.

Cats are very territorial animals. Like their relative, the African Wild Cat, housecats have a special system of protecting their spaces. They use behaviors like urine marking, scent rubbing, and scratching. If it is possible for the adoptee to find something with the new cat’s smell to bring home, it could help the resident cat become more familiar with the unknown cat’s smell easier.

Bringing a new feline home is both overstimulating for the new animal and the resident cat. Creating a “quarantine” zone for the new cat allows the animal to feel a sense of safety in their new home. It can be very simple to turn a bathroom or bedroom into this sanctuary. Putting things like a litterbox, food, water, toys, and a bed will solidify the new cat’s ability to better integrate into the home. It’s also nice to go socialize with the cat while they’re in their safe zone. My cat Whip did not like being in his safe room and he would cry until someone would sit with him. Buzz and I would watch TV when he was first brought home. Doing this allows a bond to grow with the new animal too! There are also devices to assist in the process as well. Feliway is a synthetic hormone diffuser that disperses a pheromone that helps calm cats which allows for the beginning of the introduction to go smoother and safer.

Another way to further comfortability in the introduction process is to feed cats on opposite sides of the sanctuary door. Setting up food or small treats for both cats on either side creates a positive association with the unfamiliar animal. It also allows for a way to help the cats understand that this new peer they’re around is not a threat to their resources. Cats should be eating well and not having any behavioral incidents towards each other before moving onto step 4.

The biggest step of the introduction process is switching the cat's locations. Moving the resident cat into the new cat’s “quarantine zone” and the new cat into the remainder of the house allows for both animals to further familiarize themselves with each other. It also gives the new cat time to establish themselves in their new home. Over days, you can open or close new doors in the home so the new cat has the chance to decide on where to go by themselves. Keep feeding them on opposite sides of the door as well. If there is a negative reaction, allow the cats to swap locations again so the new cat can go back to their original safe space.

​If the two cats appear to not have any behavioral or habitual issues, it may be time to let the two animals see each other. A way to do this safely is to open the door to the sanctuary and replace that boundary with a gate. A gate creates a way for the animals to get to see the other cat, but still gives them the ability to stay where they feel comfortable. If this step goes awry, it’s okay to close the door and give it some time. Cats welcome other animals in a manner different than a dog would per say. It’s good if they ignore each other, show interest in getting closer, or seem to just tolerate the presence of the other cat. Make sure they always have some kind of supervision at first as well. And wa-lah, you did it!

Hopefully the process worked for your animals, but there is always a chance that things can go wrong. Cats who are quickly forced together with no time to adapt can develop stress signals. Cats in the process of introductions can have signals like hissing, growling, swatting, or spitting. Long term behaviors can include aggression, resource guarding, hiding, or territorial fights. According to animal behaviorist Patricia B. McConell, it can take up to 6 months for cats to settle in with each other. If you fear your animals have become aggressive with each other, separating the animals and restarting the introduction process again can be beneficial. In some cases however, animals may need to be rehomed if all methods of fixing the issue have failed. Creating a safe and comfortable environment during introduction allows animals to respond properly. Respect your cat & understand how a new friend will affect them.

“Cat to Cat Introductions.” Cat to Cat Introductions, www.humanerescuealliance.org/IntroducingtoResidentAnimals/posts/cat-to-cat-introductions#:~:text=Often%20cats%20will%20hiss%2C%20spit,inappropriate%20elimination%2C%20mewing%20or%20hiding.  Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
Grigg, Emma K, and Lori R Kogan. “Owners' Attitudes, Knowledge, and Care Practices: Exploring the Implications for Domestic Cat Behavior and Welfare in the Home.” Animals : an open access journal from MDPI vol. 9,11 978. 15 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/ani9110978.
“How to Deal with Territorial Cats: ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance.” ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, ASPCA Pet Insurance, 17 Sept. 2018, www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/how-to-deal-with-territorial-cats/#:~:text=Territorial%20Cat%20Behavior%3A%20The%20Basics,cats%20to%20exhibit%20territorial%20behavior. 
“How to Introduce Cats the Right Way.” PetMD, www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/how-to-introduce-cats. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
“Pet Ownership Statistics 2024.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 25 Sept. 2024, www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-ownership-statistics/#:~:text=66%25%20of%20U.S.%20households%20(86.9,fish%20(11.1%20million%20households). 
Steve, Duno. “Company for Your Cat?” Modern Cat, 24 Sept. 2024, moderncat.com/articles/company-your-cat/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20a%20young,more%20than%20happy%20to%20oblige.
Trisha, McConnell B. “Introducing Cats.” The Other End of the Leash, 10 Aug. 2020, www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/introducing-cats. 
 
Photos:
Photo by Kenneth Surillo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-adorable-cats-20172644/
Photo by Tranmautritam: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-lying-on-bed-with-two-cats-2215599/

Jace Maddock is a Graphic Design major & Marketing minor studying at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In her life, she has shared her home with 13 animals. If Jace isn’t painting or taking photos, she’s probably showing you pictures of her 3 rescue cats.

Research involving animals for medical purposes is increasingly being considered unethical and ineffective, with people divided over whether it's really necessary for research. Many people think it's important for scientific and medical progress, but others question how reliable the results really are and if it’s worth the suffering of animals. ⁤⁤Humane alternatives to animal testing are becoming readily available as technology advances, making animal testing increasingly unethical and no longer necessary.

According to the Humane Society International, animal testing is described as “procedures performed on living animals for purposes of research into basic biology and diseases, assessing the effectiveness of new medicinal products, and testing the human health and/or environmental safety of consumer and industry products” [1]. Scientists prefer working on animals due to their genetic, anatomy, and physiology similarities with humans. Typically mice, rabbits, dogs, fish, monkeys, and pigs [2]. Millions of animals each year endure horrific treatment such as being beaten, blinded, blown up, tied up, nailed down, sliced open, shot, starved, forced to inhale tobacco smoke, drink alcohol, and consume hard drugs such as heroin. They are often left to suffer for extended periods, and very few are given pain relief or any form of care throughout the process. Almost all of these animals are killed during or after the experiments and their bodies are just discarded in the trash [3].

There are a lot of concerns about ethics, effectiveness, and necessity surrounding animal testing in medical research. Even though some argue that animal testing is essential for scientific advancement, in reality, it often causes unnecessary suffering to animals and fails to reliably predict human outcomes, with 92% of drugs passing animal tests ultimately failing in human trials. There are more accurate and ethical options through tissue bioprinting, organoids, and Organ-on-a-Chip technology. Something you can do at home is go to this link: Center for Humane Economy - Support the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 and send an email to your legislator by filling out the form. The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 aims to advance medical development by promoting alternatives to animal testing. It would reduce the reliance on animal models for testing, while also accelerating the approval process for new drugs and enhancing ethical standards in research.

[1]       Humane Society International, “About Animal Testing,” Humane Society International, Oct. 21, 2012. https://www.hsi.org/news-resources/about/
[2]       A. Domínguez-Oliva, I. Hernández-Ávalos, J. Martínez-Burnes, A. Olmos-Hernández, A. Verduzco-Mendoza, and D. Mota-Rojas, “The Importance of Animal Models in Biomedical Research: Current Insights and Applications,” Animals, vol. 13, no. 7, p. 1223, Mar. 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071223.
[3]       “Shibboleth Authentication Request,” Mnsu.edu, 2024. https://login.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/time-stop-science-product-testing-on-animals/docview/3044337244/se-2?accountid=12259 
[4]       A. K. Kiani, “Ethical considerations regarding animal experimentation,” Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene, vol. 63, no. 2 Suppl 3, pp. E255–E266, Oct. 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2768.
[5]       J. Bailey, “Does the Stress Inherent to Laboratory Life and Experimentation on Animals Adversely Affect Research Data?,” Alternatives to Laboratory Animals, vol. 45, no. 6, pp. 299–301, Dec. 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/026119291704500605.
[6]       E. Akkaya and H. Reşit Güngör, “The dark side of the animal experiments,” Joint Diseases and Related Surgery, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 479–483, Jul. 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.52312/jdrs.2022.719.
[7]       A. Akhtar, “The flaws and human harms of animal experimentation,” Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics, vol. 24, no. 04, pp. 407–419, Oct. 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0963180115000079.
[8]       D. M. Azilagbetor, D. Shaw, and B. S. Elger, “Animal Research Regulation: Improving Decision-Making and Adopting a Transparent System to Address Concerns around Approval Rate of Experiments,” Animals, vol. 14, no. 6, p. 846, Jan. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060846.
[9]       J. C. Graham et al., “Fostering Animal Welfare and Advancing 3Rs Principles through the Establishment of a 3Rs Advisory Group,” Animals : an Open Access Journal from MDPI, vol. 13, no. 24, p. 3863, Dec. 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243863.
‌[10]     Animal Testing: Fostering Animal Welfare with Cutting-Edge Drug Testing. (2023, Oct 19). BioSpectrum,https://login.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://www.proquest.com/magazines/animal-testing-fostering-welfare-with-cutting/docview/2879047922/se-2
[11]     J. Barbuzano, “Organoids: A new window into disease, development and discovery,” Harvard.edu, Nov. 07, 2017. https://hsci.harvard.edu/organoids
[12]     Marshall LJ, Bailey J, Cassotta M, Herrmann K, Pistollato F. Poor Translatability of Biomedical Research Using Animals - A Narrative Review. Altern Lab Anim. 2023 Mar;51(2):102-135. doi:10.1177/02611929231157756  Epub 2023 Mar 7. PMID: 36883244
[13]     W. Jarrett, “Sixty years on: the history of the thalidomide tragedy,” Understanding Animal Research, Dec. 02, 2021. https://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/news/sixty-years-on-the-history-of-the-thalidomide-tragedy

Sam Barland is a student at Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Earth Science and minoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Sam Barland is studying to get into the meteorology field and become a meteorologist. When not working or studying, Sam enjoys painting and volunteering to teach math skills to children.

Humans have used fur for over 120,000 years. Even though we have evolved and created a plethora of fabrics to fit every lifestyle, we still use the skin of non-human animals for decoration and fashion. Using non-human animals' fur harms humans, other animals, and the environment. With the vast array of fabric options we have today, wearing non-human animal skins is unnecessary and irresponsible.
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Over 100,000,000 non-human animals are killed each year in the fashion industry alone. Their furs are used for anything from coats to clothing trim. Some of the most common non-human animals used are minks, foxes, chinchillas, lynxes, raccoon dogs, coyotes, beavers, wolves, rabbits, and leopards. Whether caught by traps or farmed, these non-human animals experience immense suffering. 

The methods of farming non-human animals for their fur is cruel and causes mass amounts of suffering. Fur factory farms make up 85% of a $20.1 billion fur industry as of 2021. Even though they claim their practices are humane, their main priority is profit, as shown in their treatment of non-human animals. Non-human animals are crammed into tiny, wired cages inside huge dark barns or lined up outside. In one example from Russia, 2,000 non-human animals were kept in 700 cages, all in one shed.  During their lives, the animals who are kept on fur farms barely have enough space to walk much less run, swim, or nest. Many display signs of stereotypical behavior resulting from stress, such as walking around in circles, nodding their heads. Many go insane and will mutilate themselves or cannibalize their cage mates. If kept in a barn, the ammonia produced from their excrement will burn their eyes and lungs. If kept outside, they have no shelter from the elements. 

The other way non-human animals' fur is obtained is through trapping. Trapping is known for inflicting so much pain that non-human animals who become trapped will gnaw off their limbs to escape. They are stuck in the trap for hours to days, unable to find shelter, food, or water. They cannot even protect themselves from predators. There have been many documented torturous ways of killing trapped non-human animals, but most claim to shoot, stomp, or beat them. The USA, Canada, and Russia are the leading countries that trap non-human animals for fur. In 2018, almost 3 million non-human animals were killed for their fur in North America alone. One additional problem with trapping is that it can trap unintended non-human animals like pets or endangered animals. Unfortunately, there are no federal humane slaughter laws to protect these non-human animals from suffering. However, some countries and states have started to place restrictions and bans. 

The fur industry also has negative impacts on the environment. Multiple studies have shown that fur farming damages nearby ecosystems by introducing excess nutrients into rivers and lakes. This is called eutrophication, and it can cause a multitude of problems, like poor water quality, taste, and odor issues, high algal biomass, an increase of toxic algal blooms, and water column oxygen depletion, resulting in decomposing organic matter. These problems can lead to loss of habitats and the death of fresh water and land organisms. Fur farms produce a lot of waste. U.S. mink farms alone produce millions of pounds of feces annually.  In Washington state, mink farms polluted nearby creeks with over 240 times the legal limit of fecal coliform. In Nova Scotia, the degradation of water quality has been linked to mink farm pollution, raising the level of ammonia, orthophosphate, nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, and mercury. These chemicals can also pollute the atmosphere. Farming non-human animals for fur also attracts sea birds who carry these metals and chemicals to distant ecosystems. If waste is not managed correctly, eutrophication will continue, and we risk permanently damaging our water and ecosystems. 

This article from Good On You discusses fur alternatives, sustainable clothing, and places to purchase these items. One alternative discussed is GACHA, a 100% biodegradable and compostable material. Fashion week events have banned the use of fur, and so has 69% of luxury brands. Some brands that have been a part of this ban are Gucci, Michael Kors, Versace, Stella McCartney, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, House of Fluff, and Ralph Luren. Companies are continuing to invent and improve fabrics that appeal to consumers. Supporting brands that don’t exploit non-human animals will encourage brands to invest more resources into sustainable and efficient clothing options.
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Along with businesses, governments are also straying away from fur. Austria, the Netherlands, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, and several other countries have banned fur farming, and 27 other countries have taken steps to regulate and discourage the practice. In 2021, Israel became the first country to ban real fur sales. In the United States, California became the first state to ban the sale of fur in 2019, with 14 towns and cities following. All of this has decreased the value of the fur industry by $9 billion from 2017 to 2021. If the turn away from fur continues, more innovative and sustainable alternatives will be created, and non-human animals won't be killed for clothes and fashion. 

Evans , Rachael. “Which Materials Will Keep You Warmest This Winter? The Answer May Surprise You.” ABC Everyday, ABC Everyday, 22 June 2022, www.abc.net.au/everyday/warmest-materials-fabrics-winter-clothing/101155486 

“Fur Farms.” PETA, PETA, www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/fur/fur-farms/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Humane Society International, www.hsi.org/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Håkansson, Emma. “Is Fur in Fashion Ethical or Sustainable?” Good On You, 21 Nov. 2022, goodonyou.eco/how-ethical-is-fur/.

“Inside the Fur Industry: Factory Farms.” PETA, www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/animals-used-clothing-factsheets/inside-fur-industry-factory-farms/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Kissinger, Jennifer A., et al. “Tracking pollution from fur farms using forensic paleolimnology.” Environmental Pollution, vol. 335, 15 Oct. 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122307.
Libera, N., et al. “Before and after mink fur farming: Water chemistry and sedimentary diatom assemblages in lakes from southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada.” Lake and Reservoir Management, vol. 40, no. 1, 2 Jan. 2024, pp. 18–35, https://doi.org/10.1080/10402381.2024.2306639.

OKAFOR, JENNIFER. “What Is Faux Fur Fabric? Sustainability, Pros, and Cons.” TRVST, 23 Sept. 2023, www.trvst.world/sustainable-living/fashion/faux-fur-fabric-sustainability/.

“SARS-COV-2 in Animals Used for Fur Farming: Glews+ Risk Assessment, 20 January 2021.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/WHO-2019-nCoV-fur-farming-risk-assessment-2021.1. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Srinidhi , Madurai K. “Fur, Faux and Foe; Animal Rights, Laws, and Ethics in the Fashion Industry.” Fashion Law Journal, 29 May 2023, fashionlawjournal.com/fur-faux-and-foe-animal-rights-laws-and-ethics-in-the-fashion-industry/.

Stone, Kristin. “The Fur Trade.” Humane Society International, 27 Oct. 2023, www.hsi.org/news-resources/fur-trade/.

University of Massachusetts Amherst. "New textile unravels warmth-trapping secrets of polar bear fur." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 April 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230410111625.htm>.
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“Wool, Fur, and Leather: Hazardous to the Environment.” PETA, www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/animals-used-clothing-factsheets/wool-fur-leather-hazardous-environment/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Max is a Junior at Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology. When he isn’t working towards his goals, he enjoys listening and playing music, kayaking, crafting, hanging out with his cat and dogs, and trying new things.

Although it is easy for pugs to win over our hearts with their undying affection, squishable faces, and silly snorts, there is an upsetting truth lying underneath their adorable exteriors. Selectively breeding pugs to get this adorable look has resulted in pugs experiencing debilitating medical issues at the hands of humans. Selectively breeding pugs to the point of deformation and persistent medical issues is both unethical and irresponsible.
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Pugs’ current appearance has been made possible through generations of selective breeding that focuses on aesthetic appearance over medical wellbeing. Pugs are easily recognizable because of their wrinkled skin, large eyes, and flat faces, but pugs didn’t always look this way. Originally, pugs had long legs, longer noses, straight tails, and a slim build. Over time, the presence of baby-like and enlarged features on dogs gained popularity, so people began selectively breeding pugs to enhance these qualities. While the breed’s flat face, bulging eyes, wrinkled skin, and tendency towards obesity are often considered cute by the public they pose serious health concerns. Luckily, there is growing awareness of these severe health problems, but there is still not enough being done to minimize these issues. As pugs’ appearances continue to stray further from their original features, their health degenerates as a result. Pug caretakers claim to love their furry friends, but their demand for these disfigurements reflects sentiments of harm rather than affection.

Some people may argue their pug is relatively healthy and doesn’t suffer exponentially, but outlying cases like this do not speak for the majority of pugs and the statistics of their agony. Although non-pugs can suffer from similar issues, it is almost never to the same extent and is not nearly as common as it is in pugs’ cases. A study by the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London compared the health of pugs to non-pugs and found that of the 40 most common disorders across pug and non-pug groups of dogs, pugs had a higher risk of 23 out of the 40 (57.5%) disorders compared with a lower risk of only seven out of 40 (17.5%) disorders. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, which results in difficulty breathing, was the disorder with the highest risk in pugs, with the breed almost 54 times more likely to have the condition. The study also found that pugs are at higher risk of a shocking number of other conditions compared to non-pugs, including:

• Narrowed nostrils (x 51.3 more likely)
• Eye ulceration (x 13.0)
• Skinfold infections (x 11.0)
• Ear discharge (x 9.6)
• Allergic skin disorder (x 5.9)
• Demodectic mange (x 5.6)
• Retained baby teeth (x 4.3)
• Obesity (x 3.4)

Another claim made to justify the current state of pugs’ appearances is the idea that they wouldn’t be as desired if they weren’t bred this way. Like many other dogs, pugs aren’t loved solely for their looks, but for their temperament and personality traits as well. Pugs have been described as sturdy little dogs with big personalities, a sweet temperament, good-natured spirits, spunk, and adaptability. Pugs do well in many different living situations, including homes with kids, older adults, other companion animals, in the city, or in the country. There is so much more to both human and non-human animals than their appearance!

By prioritizing the adoption of companion animals based on their individual personalities and needs rather than superficial characteristics, companion animal caretaking will become much more ethical and appropriate. When you shop for a pedigree or specific breed of dog, that dog often comes from a store, which sources from mass breeding facilities. These facilities are often unclean, crowded, and inhumane, and studies published during the past 23 years have suggested that dogs sold through stores and/or born in high-volume, commercial breeding establishments show an increased number of problem behaviors as adults.

If you agree that the selective breeding and selling of pugs should stop, but you still find yourself wanting to adopt a dog with the personality traits of pugs, you are in luck! The most common dog breeds found in shelters, which are pit bulls, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and boxers, have many personality traits in common with pugs; such as being good with kids, their friendliness, high trainability, loyalty, and countless other qualities. Settling for cruelty is never your only option. If you still have your heart set on getting a pug, you can work directly with a reputable pug rescue, such as Tiny Paws Pug Rescue, but be prepared to pay for their long-term medical care.

The selective breeding of pugs resulting in deformation and chronic health issues is not only unethical, but also irresponsible. In order to live in harmony with our companion animals, we must reassess our treatment and standard of care for them, as we are the stewards of their well-being. For years we have realized how detrimental our breeding practices have been to pugs, and it’s time for us to stand up for other animals who don’t have a voice and end their unnecessary suffering.

Best, Shivali. “What Your Pedigree Dog Breed Looked Like Centuries Ago: Dachshunds, Bulldogs and Basset Hounds Have Been Cruelly Overbred to Have Floppier Ears and Tiny Legs – as Vets Warn Obsession with Flat-Faces Has Left Pugs Enduring a ‘Lifetime of Suffering.’” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 18 May 2022, www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10828681/Vets-reveal-pugs-USED-look-like-amid-warning-breed-cruelly-overbred.html. 
​
“Finding Pugs: Tiny Paws Pug Rescue.” Finding Pugs | Tiny Paws Pug Rescue, www.tinypawspugrescue.org/. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024. 

McMillan, Franklin D. “Behavioral and Psychological Outcomes for Dogs Sold as Puppies through Pet Stores and/or Born in Commercial Breeding Establishments: Current Knowledge and Putative Causes.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Elsevier, 28 Jan. 2017, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787817300102.

“New Research Shows Pugs Have High Health Risks and Can No Longer Be Considered a ‘typical Dog’ from a Health Perspective.” RVC, www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/new-research-shows-pugs-have-high-health-risks-and-can-no-longer-be-considered-a-typical-dog-from-a-health-perspective. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024. 

Stregowski, Jenna. “Learn about the Loving and Charming Pug.” The Spruce Pets, The Spruce Pets, 15 Dec. 2023, www.thesprucepets.com/pug-dog-breed-profile-1117989#:~:text=Pugs%20generally%20have%20a%20very,the%20yard%20with%20their%20families.

“The 6 Most Common Dogs in Animal Shelters - and Why You Should Consider Taking Them Home.” PEDIGREE®, 12 May 2023, www.pedigree.com/dog-care-articles/6-most-common-dogs-animal-shelters-and-why-you-should-consider-taking-them-home.

temperature. This means that the shifting seasons, extended droughts, changing precipitation patterns, and increased extreme weather events occurring due to climate change are a severe threat to these vulnerable nonhuman animals. Without humans doing our part to end climate change, amphibian biodiversity will rapidly continue to decline.

However, amphibians are not the only animal group susceptible to extinction via climate change. Up to 54% of species are under speculation to become extinct from climate change. According to Earthday.org, by 2100, an estimated 50% of species will go extinct due to climate change. Their article covering this topic also provides a list of nonhuman animals threatened by climate change. This list includes, but is not limited to: bumblebees, Asian elephants, giraffes, oceanic birds, great apes, and monarch butterflies, among others. The majority of these species are breaching endangerment due to climate change induced habitat loss. As a willing and able species, the human population has an obligation to pick up the slack and provide these species with safe and protected environments without making them spectacles to observe. After all, humans are the primary producers for the greenhouse gasses that cause climate change. Why should so many species pay the price for our mistakes?

How has climate change gotten to this point and why aren’t people taking action to stop it?  According to a Harvard Business Review it is because ignoring it is easier and more cost effective: “Ignoring climate change in the short term has benefits both to individuals and to organizations. Individuals do not have to make changes in the cars they drive, the products they buy, or the homes they live in… Companies can keep manufacturing cheaper if they don’t have to develop new processes to limit carbon emissions”. We need to look beyond immediate profits and comfort.  If humans are not willing to solve climate change for nonhuman animals, we must do it for ourselves. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), “Individuals may experience greater risk from climate-related health effects because: they have greater exposure to climate-related hazards; [or] they are more sensitive to the effects of climate stressors…”. With all of this in consideration, it is clear that there are no long-term positives to ignoring climate change. There are only short-term positives that will develop into extreme and possibly even deadly blunders.

While all this information may appear overwhelming and the thought of switching to a new, sustainable lifestyle can seem daunting, there are a variety of things that you can do in your daily life to help reduce your contribution to climate change.Possibly the most important is spreading the word. This includes not only sharing the dangers of climate change with other people, but also making sure you keep yourself informed and up to date. After you’ve gained and shared accurate and timely knowledge, take action! The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) states that transportation accounts for more than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. By simply walking, carpooling or riding a bike to your next destination, you are contributing to the conservation of the planet. Another quick and easy action is to not waste your food. The US EPA also points out that the decomposition and waste of food produces copious amounts of methane that then contributes to and quickens the constant heating of our planet. By making accurate portions and composting any waste, you are reducing your output of greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the planet you call home.
         Overall, several types of species are growing closer to extinction each day due to climate change. If humans cannot be motivated by this fact alone, there needs to be a dependence on our innate selfishness in order for change to be initiated. Animals alone cannot save themselves from the misery of our actions. We need to do more to prevent climate change and save non-human and human species alike.

REFERENCES
​
Ecosystems Mission Area Species Management Research Program. (N.D.) “The State of Amphibians in the United States.” USGS. Retrieved on Oct. 18, 2023 from https://armi.usgs.gov/sota/.

Markman, Art. (2018, Oct. 11). “Why People Aren’t Motivated to Address Climate Change.” Harvard Business Review. Retrieved on Oct. 18, 2023 from https://hbr.org/2018/10/why-people-arent-motivated-to-address-climate-change.

Urban, Mark C. (2015, May 1). “Accelerating extinction risk from climate change.” Science. Retrieved on Oct. 18, 2023 from https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaa4984.

(2023, Oct. 31). “Fast Facts On Transportation Greenhouse Gas Emissions.” United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved on Dec. 2, 2023 from Fast Facts on Transportation Greenhouse Gas Emissions | US EPA.

(2023, Oct. 26). “Quantifying Methane Emissions from Landfilled Food Waste.” United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved on Dec. 2, 2023 from Quantifying Methane Emissions from Landfilled Food Waste | US EPA.

(2022, Nov. 07). “Human Health Impacts of Climate Change”. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved on Oct. 30, 2023 from Human Health Impacts of Climate Change (nih.gov).

(2020, Mar. 25). “Climate Change Endangers Wildlife.” U.S. National Park Services. Retrieved on Oct. 31, 2023 from Climate Change Endangers Wildlife - Point Reyes National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

(2019, Feb. 07). “10 Animals Threatened By Climate Change.” Earthday.org. Retrieved on Oct 25, 2023 from 10 Animals Threatened by Climate Change - Earth Day.

(N.D.) “How Do We Know Climate Change is Real?” NASA. Retrieved on Oct 20, 2023 from Evidence | Facts – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet (nasa.gov).

The dramatic increase of caviar production demonstrates how many Sturgeons are being farmed. To harvest the female sturgeon’s roe, they are slit open which kills the sturgeon. Then, the roe is extracted to be cleaned, salted, and packaged in a tin to become caviar. Although there are better ways to farm sturgeon eggs, most sturgeon farms find the slit process “more efficient.” ​

After reading the above quote by owner and founder of the California Caviar Company, I wondered, How can one eat another non-human animal knowing they are on the brink of extinction? Because that is what we are doing when we eat caviar. Sturgeons are one of over 150,300 species now on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red list because humans have proclaimed their roe (fish eggs) as a “luxurious” treat, and they continue to kill and mistreat these fish for this “delicacy.”  

Sturgeons are classified in the Acipenseridae genus family. They are a species of fish that primarily live in fresh water and can grow up to 7-12 feet and weigh about an average of 48 pounds. They once dominated the northern hemisphere and were so populated their roe would wash over the shores of beaches and lakes. According to Insider Tech, the sturgeon’s roe used to be so plentiful in the 19th century  they would even be provided as a free snack by saloons.  

Sturgeons, specifically the beluga sturgeons, are the biggest freshwater fish in the world. For example, “The largest Beluga ever caught weighed 1,571 kg (about 3463.46 lb.) and was 7.2 m long”. That is about half the size of an elephant. Beluga sturgeons are larger than other species of sturgeons, and because of that humans have marked the beluga sturgeons as the most valuable. Their large size means they have roe comparably larger to other sturgeon species roe and that is what makes them so valuable because of this they have been inhumanely farmed and poached.  

The high demand for caviar markets has caused a decrease in the sturgeon population and now 16 of the 27 sturgeon species are critically endangered. Due to sturgeons being heavily populated around the 1960’s, humans started to overfish them for their meat and roe. This caused their population to greatly decrease, negatively affecting caviar production and making it less accessible and rarer. The population of sturgeons declined by 89 percent from 26,000 in 1960s to 2,800 in 1990s in the Caspian Sea. The demand for caviar has also led to sturgeon farming. One study found that “[a]t present (2012), the total caviar output from aquaculture is estimated at 260 tons, a production that could increase to 500-700 tons within the next 10 years”. The dramatic increase of caviar production demonstrates how many Sturgeons are being farmed. To harvest the female sturgeon’s roe, they are slit open which kills the sturgeon. Then, the roe is extracted to be cleaned, salted, and packaged in a tin to become caviar. Although there are better ways to farm sturgeon eggs, most sturgeon farms find the slit process “more efficient.” After reading the above quote by owner and founder of the California Caviar Company, I wondered, How can one eat another non-human animal knowing they are on the brink of extinction? Because that is what we are doing when we eat caviar. Sturgeons are one of over 150,300 species now on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red list because humans have proclaimed their roe (fish eggs) as a “luxurious” treat, and they continue to kill and mistreat these fish for this “delicacy.”  

Sturgeons are classified in the Acipenseridae genus family. They are a species of fish that primarily live in fresh water and can grow up to 7-12 feet and weigh about an average of 48 pounds. They once dominated the northern hemisphere and were so populated their roe would wash over the shores of beaches and lakes. According to Insider Tech, the sturgeon’s roe used to be so plentiful in the 19th century  they would even be provided as a free snack by saloons.  

Sturgeons, specifically the beluga sturgeons, are the biggest freshwater fish in the world. For example, “The largest Beluga ever caught weighed 1,571 kg (about 3463.46 lb.) and was 7.2 m long”. That is about half the size of an elephant. Beluga sturgeons are larger than other species of sturgeons, and because of that humans have marked the beluga sturgeons as the most valuable. Their large size means they have roe comparably larger to other sturgeon species roe and that is what makes them so valuable because of this they have been inhumanely farmed and poached.  

The high demand for caviar markets has caused a decrease in the sturgeon population and now 16 of the 27 sturgeon species are critically endangered. Due to sturgeons being heavily populated around the 1960’s, humans started to overfish them for their meat and roe. This caused their population to greatly decrease, negatively affecting caviar production and making it less accessible and rarer. The population of sturgeons declined by 89 percent from 26,000 in 1960s to 2,800 in 1990s in the Caspian Sea. The demand for caviar has also led to sturgeon farming. One study found that “[a]t present (2012), the total caviar output from aquaculture is estimated at 260 tons, a production that could increase to 500-700 tons within the next 10 years”. The dramatic increase of caviar production demonstrates how many Sturgeons are being farmed. To harvest the female sturgeon’s roe, they are slit open which kills the sturgeon. Then, the roe is extracted to be cleaned, salted, and packaged in a tin to become caviar. Although there are better ways to farm sturgeon eggs, most sturgeon farms find the slit process “more efficient.” 

​Patrick Moua is a senior at Mankato State University, majoring in Art Education. His focus is painting but he also enjoys exploring all mediums of art. He spends his summer working with children and enjoying the outdoors. His sisters have a great passion for all animals and that passion carried on over to him.