Veterinary care for farmed animals is undeniably crucial for their well-being. However, it is important to recognize that the primary motivation behind such care often stems from economic considerations rather than purely selfless reasons. Consequently, farmers invest in veterinary care and often try to convince the consumers that animals are well treated by showcasing their housing conditions, handling practices, and overall well-being. While there are individuals and organizations within the animal welfare and veterinary communities who genuinely advocate for the better treatment of farmed animals, this mindset is fundamentally flawed. When profit is the primary motive, the treatment of sentient animals will always be wrong. While improving the welfare of farmed animals is essential, it is important to recognize that true animal rights go beyond mere well-being.
Economic Motivations
Farmers’ investment in veterinary care includes regular check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, and treatment of injuries or illnesses. Healthy animals are more productive, yielding higher quantities of milk, meat, eggs, and other products. By maintaining the health of their livestock, farmers can maximize their returns and sustain their livelihoods. This economic motivation is a driving force behind the care provided to farmed animals, ensuring they remain healthy and productive.
Ethical Treatment of Animals: Advocacy for Better Treatment
Despite the economic motivations, there are people and organizations within the animal welfare and veterinary sectors who sincerely work towards improving the treatment of farmed animals. These advocates work tirelessly to improve living conditions, prevent disease, and alleviate suffering. However, despite the fact that farmed animals can suffer from various abnormalities due to a range of factors, including genetic, environmental, and nutritional-related causes, and regardless of whether animals are perceived to be treated better by some farmers or methods, the only true beneficiary of “animal welfare” is the industry itself, until the benefits stop.
Animal Rights: The Right Not to Be Property
The core of animal rights advocacy is the belief that animals should not be considered property. Just as the treatment of slaves is irrelevant to the fundamental injustice of slavery, the treatment of farmed animals is secondary to the fact that they are exploited for profit. The primary right we should advocate for is the right of animals not to be property.
Advocating for Animal Rights and Veganism
The perspective that animals have inherent rights to freedom and autonomy aligns with the fundamental principles of veganism. Advocating for veganism is a powerful way to promote these rights and create positive change. By choosing a plant-based lifestyle, we actively contribute to reducing animal suffering and supporting their right to live free from exploitation.
Conclusion
While veterinary care for farmed animals is essential for their well-being, it is often driven by economic motivations. True animal rights advocacy goes beyond ensuring animals are healthy and comfortable while being exploited for human benefit. It encompasses the fundamental demand for their freedom from exploitation and the recognition of their inherent right to live free from human use. By embracing veganism and advocating for animal rights, we can contribute to a more ethical and compassionate world for all sentient beings.
