Concerns with animal cruelty in

factory farming
By: Jazmine Becerra
Introduction
On todays factory farms, animals are
crammed by the thousands into filthy,
windowless sheds and stuffed into wire
cages, metal crates, and other torturous
devices. These animals will never raise their
families, root around in the soil, build nests,
or do anything that is natural and important
to them. Most wont even feel the warmth of
the sun on their backs or breathe fresh air
until the day theyre loaded onto trucks
headed for slaughterhouses. The problem
were faced with is if this humane. One way
to begin answering this question is by taking
a closer look at what other people justify
humane as. Some might say ...Animals lack
the mental and spiritual qualities of humans
and that it is appropriate for humans to make
use of animals as they do for other
resources (Cengage learning). Is this true?
Where exactly is the line drawn between
humane and inhuman?
Expert Opinions
Is factory farming humane or inhumane?
Some philosophers insist we must accept the
science of Darwin and his descendants and
learn from it how we fit into the natural
order and how we should behave
accordingly. Suggesting we should allow
natural selection to play its roll, with the
predator and prey. Other experts such as
Ingrid Newkirk PETA founder has said,
When it comes to pain, love, joy,
loneliness, and fear, a rat is a pig is a dog is
a boy. Each one values his or her life and

fights the knife. Supporters of animal rights

believe that animals have an inherent worth
a value completely separate from their
usefulness to humans. With belief that every
creature with a will to live has a right to live
free from pain and suffering.
Methods
In order to answer my main question of
animal cruelty in factory farming- I designed
a survey that was distributed online via
Facebook and Twitter. I also personally sent
my survey as a link to family a friends. This
survey contained 9 questions total, multiple
choices (See Appendix A for a full list of the
questions). The survey was available for
three days, and I collected a total of 23
responses. Seven (31%) of participants were
male. Fourteen (63%) of participants were
female. One person (4%) who identified as
other.
Results
Overall, the majority of participants reported
that they consume meat because they like
the taste. When given the option to choose
I like the taste Vegetarian foods are too
expensive It is good for my health
avoiding meant doesnt help animals It is
natural to eat meat I dont have a specific
reason Not applicable I am vegetarian or

vegan (See figure 1).