In a previous post I mentioned that I would be formulating an essay on the ethics of eating animals. Here is a first draft. I've already received some great comments, and I hope to receive many more. It sorta makes sense that an essay about the importance of relationships with farmers and omnivores should be strengthened through that same relationship. The essay follower (note that I'm limited to 600 words for the competition)
I've only recently taken up the vocation of farming, partly out of a frustration with the ills of large-scale meat production and the race toward efficiency at the expense of animal welfare. While a desire to raise animals ethically provided motivation, I did not begin with a well formed set or rules. I received some guidance from Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic from A Sand County Almanac: “In short, a land ethic changes the role of Homo sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it. It implies respect for his fellow-members, and also respect for the community as such.” The respect for the community that Leopold speaks of is poignant, because it reminds us of our obligation to be good citizens to both humans and animals. In order to be a respectful omnivore, I put forth my omnivore’s ethic:
The principle moral choice that must be made in order to eat meat is to decide whether it is right to kill animals. While I make a moral choice that it is wrong to kill humans, I choose that it is not wrong to kill animals if those animals had the opportunity to live in an environment that actively sought to remove all suffering. I accept that we have the ability as humans to judge when an animal is suffering, and that in the absence of suffering an animal is content. For instance, I judge that a sow suffers when she is confined to a cage and physically separated from her piglets during and after birth. While this practice is common in large-scale pig production, it does not pass my ethical standard. In order to respect the animals we eat, I believe we must ensure that they do not needlessly suffer.
As a farmer, I observe my animals every day and am ready to react if I observe suffering. Not everyone can raise their own animals, therefore it is incumbent upon the omnivore to ensure the meat they purchase is treated ethically. This is admittedly a high standard given the pervasiveness of meat dissociated from its source in the U.S. I recommend that omnivores make themselves aware of the farms within their communities, find a farm or farms that meet their ethical standards, and buy directly from these farms. If possible visit the farm or talk to the farmer(s). If you find that you cannot find a farm that meets your ethical standards, I encourage you to consider raising your own animals. It is wonderful vocation and the world needs more ethical farmers.
I've only recently taken up the vocation of farming, partly out of a frustration with the ills of large-scale meat production and the race toward efficiency at the expense of animal welfare. While a desire to raise animals ethically provided motivation, I did not begin with a well formed set or rules. I received some guidance from Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic from A Sand County Almanac: “In short, a land ethic changes the role of Homo sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it. It implies respect for his fellow-members, and also respect for the community as such.” The respect for the community that Leopold speaks of is poignant, because it reminds us of our obligation to be good citizens to both humans and animals. In order to be a respectful omnivore, I put forth my omnivore’s ethic:
The principle moral choice that must be made in order to eat meat is to decide whether it is right to kill animals. While I make a moral choice that it is wrong to kill humans, I choose that it is not wrong to kill animals if those animals had the opportunity to live in an environment that actively sought to remove all suffering. I accept that we have the ability as humans to judge when an animal is suffering, and that in the absence of suffering an animal is content. For instance, I judge that a sow suffers when she is confined to a cage and physically separated from her piglets during and after birth. While this practice is common in large-scale pig production, it does not pass my ethical standard. In order to respect the animals we eat, I believe we must ensure that they do not needlessly suffer.
As a farmer, I observe my animals every day and am ready to react if I observe suffering. Not everyone can raise their own animals, therefore it is incumbent upon the omnivore to ensure the meat they purchase is treated ethically. This is admittedly a high standard given the pervasiveness of meat dissociated from its source in the U.S. I recommend that omnivores make themselves aware of the farms within their communities, find a farm or farms that meet their ethical standards, and buy directly from these farms. If possible visit the farm or talk to the farmer(s). If you find that you cannot find a farm that meets your ethical standards, I encourage you to consider raising your own animals. It is wonderful vocation and the world needs more ethical farmers.
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