Criticism Pours In on Celebrities and Media Revealing Breed Cats
Continuous Breeding and Births to Create Desired Appearance Constitutes Abuse
Experts Point Out Reducing Demand for Breed Cats Will End Supply from Breeding Farms
Experts Say "Animal Dignity Should Be Prioritized Over Human Satisfaction"
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] "Isn't the cat that idol A is raising a pedigree cat? With such a busy schedule, they probably can't properly manage genetic diseases..."
Recently, on an online community, suspicions arose that the pet cat revealed by A, a member of an idol group, on Instagram might be a pedigree cat, leading to a flood of criticism toward A.
As awareness of animal rights increases, criticism is growing toward famous celebrities and the media who publicly display pedigree cats. It is pointed out that the entire lives of cats are sacrificed solely for breeding due to the selfishness of pet shops and others trying to produce pedigree cats sold at high prices.
The perspective of cat lovers toward adopting pedigree cats is not favorable. Kim (25), who adopted two stray cats three years ago, said, "There are many things to prepare before bringing in a pet cat, and through that process, you naturally learn about pedigree cats and pet shop consumption," adding, "Choosing pedigree cats despite knowing the unethical breeding process and consumption structure is a collection of human-centered selfishness and contradictions."
She continued, "Those who have influence over the public, such as celebrities, should be even more aware of the issues. If the exhibition of pedigree cats continues, the cycle of pet shop consumption will never be broken," expressing concern.
An unauthorized breed cat breeding facility in Gwangju, revealed by the animal protection organization Beagle Rescue Network on Facebook on March 24. Photo by Beagle Rescue Network Facebook.
The horrific conditions of pedigree cat breeding factories have also come under scrutiny. In March, 45 cats were found confined in seven cramped iron cages at an unlicensed pedigree cat breeding facility in Gwangju. According to the animal organization Beagle Rescue Network, most of the cats suffered from diseases such as eye infections and skin diseases, and the floor was piled with excrement and filth. It was even reported that a mother cat was confined alongside a kitten that had died with its paw severed, adding to the sorrow.
While there are critical opinions about pedigree cats, some argue, "Why not just adopt a pedigree cat and raise it happily?" However, pedigree cats often suffer from specific genetic diseases such as deafness or joint stiffness. This is because forced breeding within the same breed is repeated until the desired appearance that people like is achieved, thereby modifying the genes.
As demand for adopting pedigree cats increases, the supply through breeding farms also rises, creating a vicious cycle. More people wanting to buy pedigree cats means more cats suffer from lifelong repeated pregnancies and births at breeding farms.
Kim Young-hwan, CEO of the animal rights group CARE, pointed out, "People who sell animals have commercial motives, so naturally, if demand increases, supply will also increase."
On May 29th, a post asking about the breed of a cat owned by a celebrity was uploaded on an online community. Photo by Online Community Capture.
Some argue that the media exposing pedigree cats to the public should be criticized more than the individual celebrities adopting them. It is pointed out that in a situation where a mature companion animal culture has not been established, exposing pedigree cats on broadcasts inevitably leads to increased demand for them. Earlier this year, when idol group member B appeared on a reality variety show and revealed their pet cat, posts asking about the cat’s breed appeared on various online communities.
Experts emphasize that the dignity of animals should be valued over human satisfaction. Kim Young-hwan, CEO of CARE, said, "If you apply the act of modifying animals to suit one’s taste to human children, it would be absurd," emphasizing, "There needs to be recognition that animals have inherent dignity just like humans."
He also suggested the need to establish ethical standards for how animals are treated in the media. Kim advised, "If pedigree cat adoption is repeatedly exposed in the media, there is a risk it will be accepted as normal and natural. If pedigree cat adoption is seen as an object of admiration, a tendency to follow it will naturally arise," adding, "The media needs to consider viewing animals as members of the community."
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