It seems that domesticated animals have clearly been fooled by man’s ingenuity. If I were a goat, chicken or cow and knew my fate, I would surely die kicking and screaming. But it’s not like that. The heifers even let us drink the milk that should go to their calves every day without complaining, and the same for all those mother hens and their eggs. Other pets are simply beasts of burden: they pull things or we ride them. In exchange they get a barn to sleep in and pretty much all the hay they can eat. Does that seem like a fair deal to you?

As you well know, pet farms are domesticated animals that are naturally harmless and allow themselves to be touched and petted by multitudes of small children. Some of the kids may even scream or cry, but it doesn’t bother the zoo animals. Popular animals include kids (older ones butt), sheep, piggies, llamas, and the occasional exotic groundhog (or at least guinea pigs). Some of these animals are just babies, and others seem naturally unable to defend themselves in any way.

But is this fair to the animals? Some animals can be easily traumatized by the sight of people, not to mention hundreds of small children touching them all day long. Sure, they get used to it, but you don’t know what this does to an animal’s state of mind. It’s true that some types of animals seem to like being petted, but do we really know that, or is it just our way of making ourselves feel better by putting animals in cages for our own amusement?

I’m sure some people see it as harmless fun for kids, but overcrowded pens can lead to overcrowding, dirty conditions, and disease. These diseases could potentially be contracted by children who touch their mouths. Sure, parents make kids wash their hands, but they’re watching 100% of the time.

I think petting zoos deserve another look at what exactly are the benefits and potential problems.