Pokemon is a series with creatures that many western audiences equate with animals. After all, some are kept as pets and on farms. Many also resemble animals such as sheep, dogs, cows, birds, and so much more. The belief in Pokemon being like animals has reached ethical arguments, such as how making them fight or stay in Pokeballs is bad or good. Even PETA has condemned the franchise for how it treats its "animals." However, western audiences really don't understand that Pokemon is linked to Japan's Shintoism, animism, and kami. They are actually not animals at all.