Competition encouraging cruel husbandry methods

32.

On farms, animal protein is produced by the application of techno scientific methods of animal farming. Genetic engineering, confining of animals and (the use of) growth promotants have been introduced by ‘developed nations’ and have then been copied and become prevalent worldwide. In an ironic twist of fate, we wealthier nations have now become victims of our own inventiveness - as the poorer countries follow our lead, but with lower labour costs, they’ve been able to undercut production costs. The cheaper their product becomes the more efficient and diabolical our own intensive operations have to become, to keep pace with the competition. As developments spiral out of control, so the small farmer goes out of business and agribusiness takes over in order to stay one step ahead of the competition. Today most of the meat, dairy and eggs in supermarkets are produced by large transnational companies, using industrial agriculture methods. Consequently, the animals involved in this food juggernaut are living out ever more horrific existences.

            The consumer accepts low standards of animal welfare. They want cheap food. And although most people wouldn’t be happy eating food that was produced cruelly, in their own minds they consider their hands are tied. It’s a take-it-or-leave-it situation. The option of not eating animal products is something most people have never seriously considered.