Rattlesnake Roundups: Uncontrolled Wildlife Exploitation and the Rites of Spring
Titel:
Rattlesnake Roundups: Uncontrolled Wildlife Exploitation and the Rites of Spring
Auteur:
Franke, Joseph
Verschenen in:
Journal of applied animal welfare science
Paginering:
Jaargang 3 (2000) nr. 2 pagina's 151-160
Jaar:
2000-04-01
Inhoud:
Rattlesnake roundups have taken place in many parts of the United States since the late 1920s. In Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Georgia, thousands of rattlesnakes are captured, slaughtered, or used in competitive events in a way that counters the basic principles of good wildlife management and the humane treatment of nonhuman animals. Although the original purpose of these events was to destroy as many rattlesnakes as possible, the emphasis has shifted to generating profit. These events tie closely to the trade in rattlesnake skins, gall bladders, meat, and other rattlesnake products. Generating money for local civic causes is the real-or at least purported-purpose for holding almost all roundups. Rattlesnake roundups promote attitudes toward wildlife that encourage both exploitation and the view that cruelty, at least when applied to certain species, is an acceptable behavior. Instead of educating the public, roundups encourage risk-taking behavior and actually lead to human envenomations by rattlesnakes. It is difficult to effect change in these events because local culture and politics fully accept the roundups.
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