 Meat and Ethics
Hey there,
I've been recently having troubles cooking, eating, and especially butchering most red meats- lamb, beef, etc, as well as pork due to the fact that my conscience is creeping up on me. I've done a small amount of research which has made me feel even worse about it- pigs are the 5th smartest animal it seems, and many studies have shown a distinct registration of fear/anxiety even before the actual killing process of the animal. It seems that cows, sheep, lambs, pigs, and various other animals we use for meat are relatively high-functioning and thinking. They have memories and exhibit human characteristics and feelings including love, jealousy, and fear. I'm wondering, after a lifetime of eating meat, if I will be able to get over my conscience, or if it's something I even want to get over. I'm questioning why we condemn societies eating dogs, cats, tigers, and horses when we're eating one animal that is technically more intelligent than any of them, and several others of equal intelligence and feeling.
So my question is, how do you view farm and other animals commonly eaten in the Western world? Do you have a theory or information that makes you sleep better after processing and serving/eating it?
(side note: I seem to not put chicken or fish on the level of the aforementiioned animals, but opinions on them are appreciated as well.)
-youngGun  |