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?

It’s not ok - I think it would be a good time for a parent to tell the child that animals can feel stress or pain too and it’s not nice to make them scared or hurt them.

Agree @disdisdisisgood though there is a lot of double think though!

The ducks don't know it's a game. To them being chased by children is akin to being pursued by a predator. They can feel fear. It's not okay to chase them.

No, it’s not ok. It causes them stress. Parents need to control any children/dogs they have with them. 🤷‍♀️

Care to explain why?

not ducks no
unfair

pigeons are fair game though!

No it's not OK. I've told children off for doing it before now.

What an ignorant, cruel post. Says a lot about you.

You're a twat.

thanks @sanityisamyth and @Palladin
have you never seen the pigeons all leave the town square all at once,
they soon land again.
the difference is they fly, unlike the ducks

Of course it's not ok to chase and scare wildlife! Why aren't kids taught to respect animals, not treat them like they're here for human's amusement?

It’s not ok to scare any animal, no.

Surprise you need to ask.

No. Or pigeons.
There's a lot of idiot parents around I'm afraid.

I’d definitely not allow my kids to chase ducks and I’d like to think that I’d speak to any other kids I saw chasing ducks too.

not on!

i do admit to shooing seagulls away on the beach but that’s a bit different isn’t it?!

It’s not ok

im so surprised this vote is going this way

Oh ha ha.

misread the vote. Ignore ms

I hate seeing kids chase pigeons. Absolutely no need for it and my kids never once did it.

Scaring animals intentionally is shitty behaviour and parents who allow it deserve to be judged for it. Says a lot about someone when they allow (or even encourage) their child to do it.

It's not okay at all! Same way it's not okay for me to charge at a bunch of pre schoolers 🤷🏻‍♀️

I do and have told kids to stop chasing ducks (if the parents are there or not). I'm not going to ignore them causing distress to animals who can't speak up for themselves!

No it’s not ok! They’re not toys.

If any of you think it’s okay to chase ducks then I assume that you also think that bullying is perfectly acceptable. Nobody should set out to upset anything or anyone else deliberately. Do you think the ducks enjoy being chased? No, they don't; they fly away because they are scared. Welcome to the 21st Century when pleasure seems to be derived from hurting other people or other animals/things. It’s the same as picking wild flowers or flowers from gardens. Why are people so selfish and allowing their children to be worse?

Never eaten duck in my life - does that mean I'm allowed to think it's OK not to chase them?? There's a massive difference in consuming farm bred meat and causing distress for your own entertainment.

It's not okay to intentionally upset any person or any creature, especially for "fun". Anyone who thinks it is okay to scare an innocent creature is seriously lacking in humanity.

I live near a park with a duck pond and yes, I've told children off for chasing them.