Animal welfare and the intensification of animal production · 2021. 2. 8. · ISSN 1729-9454 FAO...
Transcript of Animal welfare and the intensification of animal production · 2021. 2. 8. · ISSN 1729-9454 FAO...
ISSN 1729-9454
FAOREADINGSIN ETHICS
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Animal welfareand the intensificationof animal production
An alternative interpretation
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The intensification of agricultural production has been a focus of
debate because of its profound effects on biodiversity and rural
populations, and many other issues. In the case of animal
production, the debate has taken on a distinctive tone because at
the centre of the process are animals. In many cultures animals
are viewed, at least to some extent, as sentient beings with
interests of their own. Animals are also the focus of ancient
moral beliefs about the relation of humans to the natural world
and about proper human conduct towards other species. To
confront ethical concerns about the intensification of animal
production, we need to begin by understanding how intensifica-
tion affects animals and their welfare, and how it relates to
ethical beliefs about the care and use of animals.
This essay explores key features of the intensification of animal
production in relation to animal welfare and animal ethics. It
looks at some traditional ethical ideas about animal care in order
to help explain why the intensification of animal production has
become such a prominent social and ethical issue. It suggests
that some of the standard claims made by critics of intensive
animal production are seriously flawed, and proposes an
alternative interpretation to account for some of the key
developments in the intensification of animal production.
Finally, it explores how this interpretation, if correct, leads us to
a different set of actions to address animal welfare concerns in
intensive production systems.
TC/M/A0158E/1/12.05/1400
ISBN 92-5-105386-3 ISSN 1729-9454