127 SPORTS ETHICS Besides fair play and sportsmanship, sports ethics also includes respect for the environment and the animals involved in sports practice. Environmental ethics As sport promotes well-being and moral values, it must also be concerned with environmental issues. Sports organisations have a responsibility to minimise their environmental footprint. Here are some ways in which this can be reduced: There can be conflicts between environmental protection and the development of sports infrastructures; however, granting the possibility of sports practice for everyone is an important social goal. It is necessary to balance these interests and promote sustainable development in sports. Fox hunting was banned in England in 2004. In spite of this, fox hunting is still practised legally in Ireland, Australia and in Canada, where registered clubs are present all over the country. minimising the impact deriving from the construction and operation of sports facilities , such as habitat destruction and water pollution; using resources responsibly, reducing the waste of water, energy, and land, especially during major sport events; promoting awareness on habitat conservation, supporting research, and protecting natural habitats. Ethics in animal use for sports A central ethical principle when employing animals in sports is to avoid harm and suffering to them while providing adequate living conditions such as appropriate housing, handling, and training, as well as avoiding potential risks of injury or death. If these conditions are respected, dealing with animal in sports can be a way to understand the importance of taking care of another living being and respecting them, developing virtues such as compassion and responsibility. Controversial practices: blood sports Some sports practices involving animals are highly controversial due to the high level of cruelty and animal suffering. Blood sports fox hunting, cockfighting, dog 234 HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND CIVIC EDUCATION fighting, and bullfighting are practices involving combat of animals against humans or between animals, often causing bloodshed or even the death of the animals involved. Apart from animal suffering, other arguments have been put forward against blood sports, such as: the promotion of cruelty: witnessing or participating in blood sports can make people less sensitive to violence and cruelty, potentially developing a lack of empathy towards both animals and humans; link to other crimes: illegal blood sports, particularly dog fighting and cockfighting, are often linked to other criminal activities such as illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and organised crime; cultural vs. ethical values: proponents of some blood sports, like fox hunting or bullfighting, often defend them as deeply rooted cultural traditions. However, tradition cannot be more important than moral acceptability; cultural practices should evolve to reflect contemporary ethical standards towards animal treatment . bloodshed: spargimento di sangue to gamble: giocare d azzardo to handle: gestire to root: radicare