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Animals in Sports

Author

Listed:
  • Nicoletta Batini

    (International Monetary Fund, Independent Evaluation Office)

  • Bruno Ćurko

    (University of Split, Humanities and Social Sciences)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicoletta Batini & Bruno Ćurko, 2026. "Animals in Sports," Natural Resource Management and Policy,, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nrmchp:978-3-032-17580-9_14
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-17580-9_14
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