Hunting

Hunting
Clifton P. Flynn found that (2002) "at least for this sample, hunting related to harming animals in the wild and to property damage but not to other forms of animal abuse or violence against humans."  Carlisle-Frank et al (2004) also concluded "hunting appears unrelated to the abuse of a companion animal." (p. 4). 

As a result, hunting--as a culturally condonned activity--is often excluded from the definition of animal cruelty (Tallicet et al, 2005). Although non-"sporting" and illegal acts of hunting such as freeze-killing (night shooting with a shotgun; Green 2002) would not be excluded.

A rich mythology connects veneration of the wild and animals, with hunting and--in some cases--femininity (Singh, 2001).  However hunting is predominantly pursued by males rather than female in a ration of approximately 8 to 1 (Herzog, 2007).  

Hunting, up to the modern day, typically often involves a strong sense of being an integral part of the natural world rather than merely an exploiter of it (Franklin, 2001).

Hunting Bibliography:

• Carlisle-Frank, P., Frank, J.M., Nielsen, L. (2004). Selective battering of the family pet. Anthrozoos 17, 26-41.
• Flynn, C.P. (2002). Hunting and illegal violence against humans and other animals: exploring the relationship. Society and Animals, 10, 137-154.
• Franklin, A. Neo-Darwinian leisures, the body and nature: hunting and angling in modernity. Body and Society, 7, 57-76.
• Green, G.S. (2002). The other criminalities of animal-freeze-killers: support for a generality of deviance. Society and Animals, 10, 5-30.
• Herzog, H.A. (2007). Gender differences in human-animal interactions: a review. Anthrozoos 20, 7-21.
• Singh, K.S. (2001). Gender roles in history: women as hunters. Gender, Technology and Development, 5, 113-124.

Where to Draw the Line

It is widely accepted by the public that people who abuse animals and/or people may also be more widely dangerous to other animals and/or people. However what exactly constitutes cruelty or abuse? Milder forms or aggression and generally socially acceptable reasons for killing animals may have this insidious effect. However research has generally failed to find a connection between socially acceptable forms of aggression and killing, and socially unacceptable forms of violence and abuse.

For examples see:

• Hunting
• Slaugher

 "Smacking"
For example, New Zealand member of Parliament Sue Bradford is reported to have suggested that children who have been disciplined physically may be more likely to abuse animals. In defense of a Child Discipline bill that would remove a 'reasonable force' exemption and so ban even milder forms of physical discipline such as "smacking", Bradford stated that: "Where there are incidents of extreme cruelty to animals, usually the child is being beaten or badly treated themselves". Other prominent commentators disputed the connection such as radio personality Simon Barnett who responded "Eighty percent of new Zealanders believe it is okay to smack their kids, but to suggest they are going to go and pull the ears off bunnies and the wings off flies just doesn't stack up at all." (Espiner, 2007, pg 1).
"Smacking" Bibliography:

• Espiner, C. (2007). Smacking Trigger to animal abuse. The Press (New Zealand), April 20, 1.