Animal videos have become a popular trend on social media and various online platforms. Watching a cute dog or cat do something adorable can instantly brighten anyone’s day. However, a recent study published in the Journal for Applied Animal Welfare Sciences revealed that many of these videos may actually be harmful to the animals featured in them.
Researchers analyzed 162 popular videos from platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. These videos were selected based on their popularity and potential risk to the animals, although they did not depict animal cruelty. While the findings may not represent all animal videos online, they shed light on the various types of harm animals may face in such content.
The study identified four main categories of videos that showed potential harm to dogs or cats. These included challenges that could impact the animal’s welfare, instances of provocation, videos focused on fun and entertainment, and anthropomorphism (such as pets wearing costumes). Disturbingly, a significant number of videos featured behaviors that could cause stress or injury to the animals.
In videos where humans were involved, behaviors like sexual assault/harassment, provocation, and frightening/scaring the pets were observed. The researchers also analyzed the body language of the animals in the videos, noting signs of stress like a tense face, displacement activities, and dilated pupils.
Some videos portrayed challenges like slapping a dog’s butt or scaring them, which may seem harmless but can actually distress the animals. Additionally, the study highlighted issues related to how certain breeds are bred, leading to health problems like brachycephalic pets or Scottish Fold cats with painful cartilage defects.
While animal videos are often viewed for their cuteness and entertainment value, it’s crucial to be mindful of the well-being of the animals involved. Recognizing signs of stress in pets and refraining from participating in challenges that may cause harm are essential steps to ensure their welfare.
Next time you come across an animal video online, pay attention to the animal’s body language and consider if they appear distressed. If so, you can choose to hide such content to avoid supporting harmful practices. Enjoying cute animal videos is fine, as long as the animals are not being harmed in the process. Remember, the well-being of the animals should always come first.