What would the world be like without animals for food, fiber, and labor? Are we morally obligated to do without them?
Numerous animal rights and animal liberation theorists have concluded that nonhuman animals have moral standing and noninterference rights. Therefore, they say that humans are morally obligated to stop using animals for food, fiber, labor, and research. I disagree with that conclusion for at least 2 reasons. First, it has been suggested that food production models are possible using large herbivores that might actually cause less harm (kill) to animals than a vegan food production model. This is because intensive crop production used to produce food for a vegan diet kills (harms) far more animals of the field than extensive agriculture (pasture production). So, a combined food production system that includes crops and pasture harvested by large herbivores to be used for human food may kill fewer animals than would a vegan-crop model. Second, pragmatically, it is improbable that all peoples of the world could ever be convinced that they must give up animals. In fact, it may be unethical to try to do that, because in poor countries, these animals are essential to the survival of the human populations. But what about the richer nations? Maybe they will or should be convinced to do without animals because of the moral strength of the animal rights and animal liberation theories. However, I believe that there are far too many obstacles for that to happen. What then are we morally obligated to do about animals? I suggest that animals do have moral standing, and that we are morally obligated to recognize their unique species-specific natures and treat them accordingly. That would mean treating animals according to their physical and behavioral needs or telos. That, I believe, is the most likely outcome of the conversation about animal rights.
Davis
S L
SL
Department of Animal Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. steven.l.davis@oregonstate.edu
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards; D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D001675:Bioethics; D004032:Diet; D005502:Food / Q000191:economics; D005523:Food Supply; D006801:Humans