XVII 

 THE TRAINING OF WILD ANIMALS 



BEFORE we enter this chapter let us pause a moment 

 on the threshold, and consider the logic of animal 

 training and performances. 



Logic is only another name for reason. Its reverse side is 

 fanaticism; and that way madness lies. It is the duty of every 

 sane man and woman to consider the cold logic of every 

 question affecting the welfare of man and nature. Fanaticism 

 when carried to extremes can become a misdemeanor or a 

 crime. The soft-hearted fanaticism of humanics that saves 

 a brutal murderer, or would-be murderer like Berkman, from 

 the gallows or the chair, and eventually turns him loose to 

 commit more crimes against innocent people, is not only wrong, 

 and wicked, but in aggravated cases it is a crime against 

 society. 



Just now there is a tiny wave of agitation against all 

 performances of trained wild animals, and the keeping of 

 animals in captivity, on the ground that all this is "cruel" 

 and inhumane. The Jacklondon Society of Boston is working 

 hard to get up steam for this crusade, but thus far with only 

 partial success. Its influence is confined to a very small area. 



Now, what is the truth of this matter? Is it true that 

 trained wild animals are cruelly abused in the training, or in 

 compelling them to perform? Is it true that in making 

 animals perform on the stage, or in the circus ring, their rights 

 are wickedly infringed? Is it the duty of the American people 

 to stop all performances by animals? Is it wicked to make 

 wild animals, or cats and dogs, work for a living, as men and 

 women do? Is it true that captive animals in zoological parks 



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