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We destroy their habitats when we build our homes, roads, shops, and factories that make the shit we buy.
This is obviously a problem and not ideal.
But to me it is on a completely different scale to the endless cycle of abuse we inflict upon farm animals.
So many generations confined to the fate that we've set for them... I think it's sad. Especially as we're in a country that is privileged enough to offer an alternative, as has already been mentioned.
that's sort of my sentiments anyway.
Apologies for the ramble.
MCamb-
I agree completely... but the fact is that we don't have to give up dairy or meat completely we just need to be ethical and sustainable. It actually healthier to have meat in our diet but not in the huge quantities alot of people eat it.
Unfortunately we've had a few generations of people that have had plentiful and cheap dairy and meat amd now feel it's normal despite the medical evidence to the contry, causing the destruction of the planet and our morals with regards to animal welfare.
Unfortunately in the consumeristic world price is king... cheap and plentifil dominates.
wildwest
I agree that historical or evolutionary precedent is no reason to either support or reject something. Unfortunately, everyone's life will have some impact on animals. We destroy their habitats when we build our homes, roads, shops, and factories that make the shit we buy. When we farm crops we displace or kill them to maximise yield. I'm not convinced that killing animals for food is fundamentally different from killing animals for any of the reasons above. We don't need to eat meat, but then we don't need to play golf or buy iphones (etc. etc.) either, both of which will have quite some impact on animals and their environment.
It's not unreasonable to argue that we shouldn't bring animals into the world just for the purposes of killing them later, but when we do so we make a tacit contract with the animal that we will provide it with a life that is as natural, comfortable and safe as possible and a quick stress-free death at the end of it. As a result many domesticated animals live much happier lives than their wild cousins.