Erm... what's so bad about the meat industry?
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT CONTAINED IN BELOW VIDEO
Video: Foie Gras in 60 Seconds Flat | PETA on Vimeo
From the blockage of key McDonald’s distribution points to the disruption of milk supplies in supermarkets across the UK, the animal rights movement has been making splashes in recent years. In this article, we’ll be diving into 6 of the animal agricultural industry’s worst offenses, ranging from water pollution to child labor.
In part 2, we’ll expand on how the industry operates and provide resources regarding some of our favorite animal activist groups — including Direct Action Everywhere and Animal Rebellion — so that you can take the first steps in using your voice for those who can’t.
Introduction: What is animal agriculture?
Animal agriculture is the practice of breeding, raising, and harvesting animals for the production of meat, dairy products, eggs, and other animal-based products. This includes a wide range of industries, such as beef and pork production, poultry farming, dairy farming, and fish farming.
Animal agriculture plays a vital role in the global food system, providing essential protein and other nutrients to billions of people worldwide. However, it also has negative impacts on the environment, animal welfare, and human health, which have become a growing concern in recent years.
1. Environmental Destruction
Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of environmental destruction globally. The industry requires vast amounts of land, water, and other resources, which often results in deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats. It is estimated that animal agriculture is responsible for up to 91% of Amazon rainforest destruction. In addition, livestock farming generates a significant amount of greenhouse gasses, which contribute to climate change. According to the United Nations, the livestock sector produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all of the world's transportation combined.
2. Animal Cruelty
The treatment of animals in the animal agriculture industry is often inhumane. Many animals are kept in crowded and unsanitary conditions, and some are subjected to cruel practices such as tail docking and debeaking. In addition, animals are often transported long distances in cramped conditions, leading to sickness and injury.
One cruel product in particular, foie gras, involves force-feeding ducks with tubes shoved down their throats to enlarge their livers.
3. Antibiotic Resistance
The use of antibiotics in animal agriculture is a significant public health concern. Antibiotics are routinely used to prevent and treat diseases in livestock, and this practice has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These superbugs can spread to humans through contact with contaminated meat or other animal products, making it difficult to treat infections.
In fact, scientists believe the practice of factory farming raises the risk of the next pandemic.
4. Water Pollution
Animal agriculture is a significant source of water pollution. The large amounts of animal waste generated by the industry can contaminate nearby water sources with bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. This can have severe consequences for human health, as contaminated water can lead to illnesses such as E. coli and salmonella.
5. Health Risks
Consuming animal products has been linked to several health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. In addition, the use of growth hormones and antibiotics in animal agriculture has raised concerns about the safety of the meat and other animal products that humans consume. Studies show that such hormones can expedite puberty and are linked to rising risk for cancer.
6. Child Labor
In a shocking investigation this year, over 100 children were found to have been illegally employed by slaughterhouses and meat packing firms such as Tyson, JBS, and Cargill.
And these practices are certainly not unique to the US; the animal agriculture industry employs child labor in many parts of the world. Children are often used to do difficult and dangerous work, like handling heavy machinery and sharp tools, and may be exposed to hazardous chemicals as well as unsafe working conditions.
In conclusion, animal agriculture has several harmful impacts on the environment, animal welfare, human health, and child labor. While it is an important industry for many people, we must work to promote more sustainable and ethical practices. This can include reducing our consumption of animal products, supporting local and sustainable farming, advocating for animal welfare, and fighting against child labor.
Be sure to check out part 2 of this series if you found this useful!
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