>>57265553I don't think its abuse nor slavery, most (not all) Pokemon love to battle. It makes them stronger, helps some of them evolve into their later forms, and some just like the battle for the thrill or to understand one another (or sometimes their trainer/partner) on a more emotional/deeper level. The whole "I'll learn more about who you are when we fight" deal, like a passionate Boxer.
With that in mind there is a question if its exploitative. An entire group of lifeforms who have been commercialized and can be legally taken from their homes to battle or bread for battle or work for them...does seem really ripe for exploit and abuse. But the Pokemon world is generally good natured and respectful of Pokemon's wishes, dreams, and desires. So if a Pokemon didn't want to be with a human, didn't want to fight, or wasn't comfortable for any reason they'd leave and any attempts to force them to stay or do anything against their will would be seen as cruel, wrong, and likely has some laws against those sorta actions.
