DEUTSCHAndreas Tilk
Combine factory farming with species-appropriateness
We should regulate the use of animals taking into account ethical and scientific aspects. I deem the use of animals to the point of killing them for human purposes to be justifiable in compliance with certain animal welfare rules. As “higher“ organisms, animals enjoy particular respect with regards to being used and killed. The excesses of industrial factory farming must be prevented in favour of species-appropriate rearing.
Ideally, however, the advantages of industrial farming should be coupled with the requirements of species-appropriateness. A price increase should be taken into account deliberately as far as the difference will benefit the animals’ welfare. As consumers we should use animals more moderately, mainly by eating them less frequently and more consciously. The waste of animal products must be reduced to a minimum.
What about plants? I believe that the thesis of plants being individuals etc. is esoteric humbug. Should the occasion arise I would be ready to accept the contrary but would ask then for sound scientific evidence. Even if it should turn out in the end that plants are individuals, my attitude towards plants would by analogous to the one I have towards animals: respect for sure, species-appropriate cultivation (including fertilisation, plant protection, genetic engineering etc. within certain limits), and of course responsible and sustainable use. More…
