The arc of moral progress bends slowly, but it bends toward inclusion. We granted rights to slaves, women, and children—beings once legally considered property. It is not radical to suggest that one day, we will look back at factory farming and slaughterhouses with the same horror we reserve for the colosseum or the slave galley. That day begins by understanding the difference between welfare—and the ultimate promise of rights.
Ninety-nine percent of land animals used for food in industrialized nations live on factory farms (Confined Animal Feeding Operations or CAFOs). These environments are the antithesis of the Five Freedoms. Broiler chickens have been genetically modified to grow so fast that their legs collapse under their own weight. Sows spend their lives in "gestation crates" too small to turn around. Egg-laying hens are cramded into battery cages where they cannot spread their wings. The arc of moral progress bends slowly, but
As the day began, Fu and the team worked tirelessly. They started with a visit to the farm area of the park, where they met a lovable golden retriever named Max. Max had been a stray for months, but with some care and attention, he quickly showed his friendly and outgoing personality. That day begins by understanding the difference between
Fu's excitement grew as they were introduced to the team. There was Jake, the head animal handler; Emily, the veterinarian; and a few volunteers who were as passionate about animals as Fu. Broiler chickens have been genetically modified to grow
For the rights advocate, a "humane" slaughterhouse is an oxymoron, much like "humane slavery." Suffering is not the only issue; the killing itself is the violation. The goal is not better cages, but empty cages.