Type in ‘UK farm animal abuse’ in an internet search engine and you’ll be spoilt for choice with the sheer amount of results which are returned.
Hence why many of us may not be surprised to hear that abuse of animals on farms and in slaughterhouses is widespread within the EU, as highlighted by a new report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA).
An article by The Guardian explains the findings of the report.
Cruelty towards farmed animals in the UK and EU has been consistently documented over many years , with activists, whistle blowers, and animal campaign groups such as Open Cages frequently exposing shocking neglect as well as outright abuse.
More recently, it seems a week doesn’t go by without a new case of cruelty making the headlines, as a new wave of animal rights activists take advantage of smaller, cheaper, and better quality video recording equipment.
Illegal practices such as tail docking and beating being are allowed to flourish unchecked, and legal requirements regarding housing, transport and slaughter are falling desperately short of providing animals with a life worth living.
So why is abuse of farmed animals so widespread in a country which seemingly holds animal welfare in such high regard? The answer may be seen through the loopholes in agricultural law, as well as lack of industry regulation, and a continual demand for cheap meat putting pressure on farms and slaughterhouses to cut costs wherever they can.
But, ultimately, the reason why abuse on farms and in slaughterhouses has always, and will always be prevalent comes down to the fact that farmed animals are viewed as But, ultimately, the reason why abuse on farms and in slaughterhouses has always, and will always be prevalent comes down to the fact that farmed animals are viewed as products. In the eyes of those working in the meat industry, animals are a commodity to be produced, sold, processed and packaged as quickly and cheaply as possible.
Consider if we put animal advocates in charge of slaughterhouses; the businesses wouldn’t function at all, never mind be economical.
As a nation, we need to address these desperate failings of our responsibilities towards farmed animals as soon as possible. Until then, Open Cages will continue fighting to As a nation, we need to address these desperate failings of our responsibilities towards farmed animals as soon as possible. Until then, Open Cages will continue fighting to create a world free of animal suffering.
Originally written by Catherine Reda.