ABSTRACT
Whilst many wild animal species are under the threat of extinction, the opposite is true for the animals we farm in their growing billions across the globe. As well as the deep environmental damage caused by industrial rearing of animals, we cannot ignore the suffering we subject them to as individual sentient beings.
Most of these animals are taken from their mothers at unnaturally early ages – and of course some never see their mothers at all. They may be subjected to a range of painful mutilations, be kept in confined spaces and uncomfortable housing throughout their lives and be denied the possibility of joy and pleasure, which we take for granted as being desirable experiences in our own species.
We urgently need individuals, policy makers, governments and retailers to take action to enhance the well-being of these animals and to promote the higher welfare and alternative dietary solutions which will enrich the environment and the lives of humans and animals alike.
