Is it ok for kids to chase ducks?

[QuackersQuestion]

Today at a family attraction, there were quite a lot of ducks, and a big lake. Lots of space for kids to run around.

Two primary age kids were chasing ducks around. The parent was loosely with them, could see what the kids were doing, and allowed the kids to continue to chase the ducks. Probably for about five minutes. No contact made with the ducks, just chasing right behind.

Another member of the public came into view, with their own family. And called out firmly but calmly to the two kids "Don't chase the ducks, that's wrong". This was the only person to comment out of quite a few passers by.

The kids ran away, the parent was shocked but said nothing, the commenting member of public kept walking. No great drama.

But it got me thinking. So my question is, is it bad for kids to chase ducks - YABU. Or is it ok for kids to chase ducks - YANBU. If you don't think it's ok, would you tell a kid who was chasing ducks, to stop?

Of course it's not ok.

@Skinthin it seems you are in fact, a bit dim. Today, at 13,25 you said “my children enjoy being chased”. Literally one of there favourite things” Yet you now claim you haven’t said anything about your children?

Just in case you need a reminder, this is what YOU said. I believe it is you who is both slow and clumsy.

it seems you are in fact, a bit dim

wow you are so bloody rude. Did you parents not teach you not to chase pigeons- Is that why you grew up to be so rude? Or is it just your inability to tolerate the idea that not everyone shares your opinion ?

you are right, I forgot I said that, but I certainly haven’t discussed their practices related to chasing pigeons.

She's not dim, everyone crying about the pigeons while they eat chicken is dim

I believe it is you who is both slow and clumsy

As above 🥴

Well done to you op
Too many people seem to think it's OK - as evidenced on this thread. It's not ok and I've also told kids to stop doing it.
It's drilled into my kids It's a no no

Yes I thought that’s what you meant. So my answer does make sense. It’s ok to climb up a slide!

so why risk it?
if I’m wrong and it’s fine, there’s been no harm in stopping kids doing.
if your wrong and it does cause distress. Then there is harm

I think it's not right and it's the principle of teaching empathy for animals as best we can from our perspective. So, no, we don't know exactly how ducks feel. But we don't need to. They run when Chased. Maybe that means they're distressed, maybe it just interrupts their progress, or its a reflex.

We don't know their exact emotional state but it doesn't either leave them undisturbed or help them if necessary which is, I think, how we should approach both people minding their own business and wild animals.

I think kids needs to learn to quietly observe and enjoy things like animals and plantlife without needing to touch, disturb or pick them to keep. We are part of the same habitat and should respect it. Chasing isn't respecting unless it's part of play with friends

recent research suggests insects can feel pain.
just because they are wired differently to us, it’s massively arrogant to believe they feel anything different to us.
I’ve seen birds grieve for a lost friend and for their children.

why risk being the cause of making something else feel bad in anyway?

Of course YABU but I would only tell off children I was actually in charge of for this and not anybody else's.

I really hope you tread carefully on your walks to ensure you don't step on an ant 🫣

I do. And I’ve even named the snails that live in my garden.
you can’t get it right all the time. But an accident is a whole different ball game to enjoying potential harm to another

@Skinthin nope. I wasn’t rude, I was factual. My parents taught me not to chase any animal, I’m a vegetarian by choice (I don’t use it to justify other shit decisions around animals though!) and I’m honest enough in my opinions to always remember what I’ve said. Because it’s always true, and always consistent. I’ve no need to lie. Unlke you with your “I’ve no children” remark. If you are prepared to lie to make a point, I honestly dread to think what you are teaching your children. Like I said, chasing pidgeons is going to be the least of your worries,,…

I'd be tempted to push those chasing kids in the lake (only half kidding) 😡

Most people aren't talking about harm. Obviously those that have said about stomping on pigeons is awful and I'd never think that's ok. But I just don't think a little kid running after a bird is that bad

I wouldn't let mine if I was aware of it.

However, I remember doing this myself when little because I was curious about them. I turned into someone who cares a lot about the natural world.

To be clear I absolutely think pigeons have the capacity to feel. I think people on here are underestimating pigeons - thinking that they’re too stupid not to just fly a short distance (literally metres) off , if a small child is frightening or particularly bothering them. Thats what you or I would do surely… so if pigeons are like us? It’s literally the easiest thing in the world for a pigeon to evade a small child.

Factual not rude by calling me a “bit dim” and “slow” 😂😂 . Ok sure.

distress is harm though

I don’t want any being to feel distress because of me

if a small child is frightening or particularly bothering them

So you admit that the child might actually be frightening them which you have pretty much refuted up to now.

And you're okay with that because they can move? Even if they are moving because they are scared? Aren't you lovely?!

They are territorial. It’s their home. They can’t fly into another pigeons territory.

the same creatures (us) chasing them are the same creatures supporting their existence.

But eating ducks is okay?