I think abuse is situational. Gimmicked boxes that make primped rabbits disappear are harmless; whereas props and training that harms (up to and including death) can easily qualify as abuse. It really depends on what you want to use in your shows though - your conscience, rather than PETA will be your compass.
Most (I would say all, but Larry James claims his new TT is improved) goldfish production devices kill the fish eventually; and will absolutely do them in if you don't get to the trick first thing. Many people will adopt the "it's just a fish..." that you can get a dozen per dollar and will carry on. Same is true with circuses; many of us left circus work due to treatment of elephants (as well as other animals) during transport and training, but there are obviously still animal based circuses in business today - people still perform and people still attend. It all falls back to which route you want to take your performance in the end.
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