Animals in Sports

Nicoletta Batini () and Bruno Ćurko ()
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Nicoletta Batini: International Monetary Fund, Independent Evaluation Office
Bruno Ćurko: University of Split, Humanities and Social Sciences

Chapter 14 in The Economics of Non-Human Animals, 2026, pp 255-276 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract From ancient arenas to modern stadiums, animals have played a central role in human sports and entertainment, captivating audiences and driving significant economic activity. Yet beneath the spectacle lies a web of ethical, economic, and cultural tensions. This chapter explores the economics of animal sports, analyzing the industry’s scale, the roles animals play, and the trade-offs between financial gain and animal welfare. It asks whether a future is possible where these practices are not exploitative but mutually beneficial. The chapter concludes with policy proposals aimed at reforming the sector: strengthening welfare regulations through global standards and enforcement; realigning economic incentives to reward ethical practices and penalize harmful ones; mandating transparency and data reporting to support accountability; supporting transitions in developing economies through education and alternative livelihoods; fostering innovation in ethical and virtual alternatives; and promoting public engagement to shift cultural norms. Together, these reforms aim to create a more humane, sustainable, and economically viable future for animals in sports.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-17580-9_14

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