The defense of using animals in the circus

False arguments for using animals in a circus refuted
There is no problem, as long as the animals are well cared for.
This is a tautology by definition. Who determines when animals are well taken care of? Some people consider that to be by providing good food, drink and housing and others consider living in natural conditions a minimum requirement.
The circus has an educational function.
The circus does not demonstrate how an animal behaves in nature, it merely shows the tricks the trainer has taught them. Furthermore, the circus suggests that humans have control over all wild animals, which is an entirely false impression.
Prohibiting wild animals in the circus is not a solution for the animals, but (controllable) regulations would be.
It is an animal right not to be exploited in an unnatural environment. This cannot be compensated by regulations.
Prohibition of wild animals in the circus would mean loss of a culture.
Throughout history, many unjust cultures have been prohibited and lost. The practice of using wild animals is relatively new and there is a future for acts without use of animals.
Training is stimulating for the animals.
Circus animals perform the same tricks for long periods of time, often unwillingly.
Circus animals get more exercise than animals in a zoo.
This may be true, but in both situations animals suffer under the unnatural conditions of being locked up in small spaces.
Circus animals have become adjusted to being held in captivity.
Circus animals often display disturbed behavior. This means that they do not react well to captivity.
Animals do well in the circus because they live longer than animals in the wild.
Animals in the circus live longer because they are not hunted; they always have good and sufficient food available to them and there is medical care to heal or prevent disease. However, animals in captivity cannot do as they please and so they have less pleasure in their lives.
The animals may not have much room, but neither do the people who work in the circus.
People can chose themselves how long they stay in a small space, animals do not have this choice.
If animals are taken out of the circus, it is no longer a circus but a touring theatre company.
Circus means circle. It merely refers to the environment. It does not mean that animals should be in it. And what is wrong with a touring theatre company?

See also: Unavoidable welfare problems with circus animals; Tigers are fed up with it and strike back.
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Test yourself: which fallacy is this?

Ten statements about animals that you hear all the time. Can you spot the fallacy? After each answer you read why it does not hold.

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This article is part of a series on fallacies and demagogy

Some arguments used in debate on the topics in the title simply are invalid. That goes for pro and contra.

We selected a few of the most rigid arguments from different situations and placed an appropriate counterargument.

Because a more clear and honest way of reasoning helps improve the circumstances animals live in. Apart from the specific issues there are the types of arguments in general.

Fallacies are deliberately or accidentally used in a debate.

So be aware of the principles and the integrity of an opponent.

How do you respond to fallacies? Six tips

Give the other person the benefit of the doubt. Start by assuming a misunderstanding, not deliberate deception. Even someone who keeps using fallacies may simply be badly informed or emotionally involved.

  • Mind the context. In a friendly conversation a gentle approach works better than in a formal debate. Adapt to your relationship with the other person and to the aim of the conversation.
  • Stay calm. Fallacies are often meant to stir up emotions. Keep your own emotions in check.
  • Identify the fallacy. Try to understand where the reasoning goes wrong. Do this for yourself, not to catch the other person out.
  • Answer the fallacy. Ask clarifying questions or explain why the argument does not convince you. Avoid technical terms.
  • Stay on topic. Bring the conversation back to what it is about and keep it on a rational level.
  • Be prepared. If you know you will talk to someone who often uses fallacies, gather some facts and arguments beforehand.

See also how to respond to animal-unfriendly behaviour of others.

Non-valid arguments (deceptive arguments) for different groups