Animal Mistreatment in Business: Ethical Challenges and Solutions

Yuanfang Wang and Peng Chan

International Business Research, 2017, vol. 10, issue 5, 159-168

Abstract: Animal mistreatment in businesses around the world is becoming a hotly debated topic. Many animal welfare laws protect wild animals and pets, but make exemptions for animals in farms, zoos or labs. There are economic benefits behind animal mistreatment since businesses can maximize profits by, for example, raising animals in crowded spaces, or forcing them to perform shows. However, ethical arguments on this issue reveal that animal mistreatment may actually cost more than humane animal treatment. Furthermore, consumer awareness on animal mistreatments is increasing, so this poses both a threat and opportunity to businesses. As society puts more and more value on sustainable green business today, inhumane animal treatments may harm a company's reputation and reduce its sales. Businesses should be aware of this trend and examine new humane alternatives to their traditional practices in order to stay competitive in the market.

Keywords: animal abuse; business ethics; corporate social responsibility; environmental sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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