Does sending love violate free will?

[Diana]

You know that stabled riding horses caught my eye...
Do you own a stabled riding horse?

I do not, and never would, but I misspoke.

Apologies Kristina. It was late last night when I wrote that and I meant horses just stuck in dirt patches and tiny penned areas. I see them all around me where I live, with no shade in the desert sun. etc. Please forgive the lazy typing. I was tired and should have considered better what I had written.

There are horses across the road from me who never leave their small pens (though they do have shade) except to occasionally be put in a corral for exercise, and I hear them kicking their stalls and neighing in distress often. No one ever rides them so they get out of their small existences.

I think that's great that you saved the rabbits, and it's lovely that you provide such a nice environment for them. I am torn on this issue. First of all, if they were destined to be for meat, that is one of humanity's abuses I was referring to. But I do feel the best scenario for any animal is to be free, to live a life in the wild in nature where they can experience the full spectrum of what that life can be. I understand that some people like you provide wonderful homes for some animals and give them love—and there is a lot of value in that. But being a pet with no free access to nature does diminish the experience of being that animal. 

I absolutely know that animals in the wild face harsh conditions sometimes, and I don't like that at all. But they do get to navigate that environment freely—seeking shade when they want under a tree; finding a mate; having babies (captive animals often can't conceive); moving with a herd in solidarity; running from predators (think of so many people who do thrill-seeking things just to get that rush); for predators, the thrill of the chase. These things are denied captive animals for the most part. To me, zoos and aquariums are like animal prisons.

There is also the complication of diminishing habitats caused by humanity, which has created imbalances in the food supply and access for wild animals. Coyotes and javelina are constantly wandering into populated areas here because their habitats are getting smaller.

When it comes to pets and rescued animals, I don't mean to cast judgment. Certainly I am for rescuing animals from the abuses of humans. I applaud anyone who is out there doing what they can to help the situation.