Animals have featured in art throughout human history, from cave paintings to contemporary installations. Modern debates focus on taxidermy ethics, the use of living animals in performances, and what obligations artists have to animal subjects.
The ethics of animals in art encompass a spectrum from uncontroversial to highly contested. Using naturally deceased animals for taxidermy is broadly accepted; using living animals in stressful performance contexts is not. The key welfare question is whether the animal experiences fear, pain or distress in service of human creative expression. Artists working with animal subjects have a responsibility to minimise any negative impact, prioritise animal needs, and consider whether the creative goal justifies any welfare compromise.