Who’s the Real Predator? A Look Into Alligator Farming

American alligators in Florida were almost wiped out due to uncontrolled hunting and high demand for their hides. They were put on the endangered species list in 1967, but thanks to strict hunting restrictions, their population bounced back enough to be considered “threatened” by 1987. The hunting industry for alligators is closely regulated now, but the farmed alligator industry doesn’t get as much attention when it comes to animal welfare. In the 1890s, the first commercial alligator farm in Florida opened, and demand for alligator hides and meat has continued. The industry has expanded, but there are few regulations protecting the welfare of farmed alligators at both the federal and state levels. Alligators have shown signs of being able to feel pain and distress, but they are not covered by animal welfare laws like livestock are. In Florida, the guidelines for humane slaughter of alligators are recommended, but not enforced. Certain farms have been found to use inhumane methods to slaughter alligators, but there are no regulations to address this. It is important to include alligators in laws that protect animals from inhumane treatment to ensure their well-being. There are no federal laws governing how farmed animals are treated on farms, so their welfare is left up to state regulations. Alligators on Florida farms are often kept in dark enclosures with limited space to move around and inadequate access to water. This is very different from their natural habitat, where they live in aquatic environments and can live for more than 50 years. Alligators in farming operations are kept in unnatural and stressful conditions, which leads to signs of stress and aggression. Florida has laws protecting the welfare of pregnant pigs, so similar laws should be put in place for alligators. Alligators should have more space, access to light, and sanitary conditions. They should be treated humanely because they have feelings and should be protected like other farmed animals. Florida should focus on enforcing humane treatment of alligators in farms.

Source: https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/whos-the-real-predator-a-look-into-alligator-farming/