Animals in Human Society
Roles in Human Society
Animals have played a massive part in human life for millions of years. From horses carrying men into battle, to sheep provided wool for warmth.
Roles included;
Task B: Roles of animals in human society
Tutor: Rose Scofield
By: Maddie Kincaid
Date: 17/06/2014
- Food - meat and dairy products
- Materials - wool from sheep
- Work - agriculture
- Transport - Pulling sledges and carts
- War - Carrying men into battle
- Sport - racing
- Media - advertising
- Medicine - testing on animals
Commercial uses of animals
- Dairy products from cows, sheep and goats have been used for years as a source of food
- Meat products from cattle, sheep, pigs, deer, poultry and game are widely used and more rare meats such as dog and horse are often eaten in some cultures
- Fur products from possums, fox, rabbits, mink and stoats are widely used however nowadays it is far more controversial due to animal welfare.
Working Animals; Horses
Working Animals; Dogs
Dogs have been used for millions of years for many different things. Some of these include:
- Guide dog - assisting people with difficulties, such as blindness, deafness and other disabilities.
- Hunting dog - Used to assist humans out hunting, either collecting the kill or using their incredible sense of smell to hunt it out.
- Sledge dog - These are used in countries like Alaska and Canada and are bred primarily with the ability to pull a sled of sleigh for long periods of time whilst dealing with freezing conditions.
- Service dogs - These include police dogs which are used for sniffing out drugs or catching escapee convicts.
- Working dogs - Refers to dogs that work within agriculture, herding sheep and cattle and guarding livestock.
- Agriculture - Used for ploughing paddocks and pulling carts.
- Competing - This is a massive industry that earns billions each year. It includes; Racing, Showing, Three Day Eventing, Show Jumping, Dressage etc.
- Disabilities - Horse Riding has also proved positive with disabled people, there are many clubs that offer riding for the disabled.
- Hunting - Horses are widely used in hunting. They also escort race horses in local racing.
Animal Welfare; Five Freedoms
1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2. Freedom from Discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
Animal Welfare - commercial products
Media and Advertising
- Dairy products - key welfare issues that affect dairy cows include; selective breeding, lameness, mastitis and uncomfortable living conditions.
- Meat products - Unfortunatley meat products are still being over produced. We are still over farming and over fishing with a massive percentage going to waste. Importing meat is also causing British farmers to loose money and no longer make a profit which is highly damaging. This is due to british farmers trying to use organic farming making it more expensive, and imported meats being so cheap. The issue with imported meats is that there is a risk of not knowing what you are actually eating, for example, the horse meat scandel of 2013.
- Fur products - The welfare of these animals are not always taken into consideration. For example the Angora rabbit who is still alive when their fur is ripped from their bodies. They can feel everything, yet this horrific method is still being practised.
Animals have been used for media and advertising frequently. Cute puppies or gorgeous black horses are often seen in adverts. For example, Andrex toilet tissue or Lloyds TSB bank.
Animals also carry a symbolic value, like the lion head on a door to represent protection.
Working animal welfare
Working animals tend to be looked after appropriately. This is because if the animals are unhealthy and unfit they are often unable to work and do their job to a high standard. However, this is not always the case. Working dogs are often kept outside in small cages and are not allowed any interaction that does not involve work. Working horses also suffer abuse, using aids such as spurs and whips that can be used excessively. Or even more extreme such as sticking pins in boots so the horses don't hit jump poles and makes them jump higher.