Factory farming isn't just killing: It is negation, a complete denial of the animal as a living being with his or her own needs and nature. It is not the worst evil we can do, but it is the worst evil we can do to them.
Factory farming represents not only the act of killing animals but also a profound disregard for their individuality and natural requirements. In this system, animals are stripped of their inherent value as sentient beings, reduced to mere commodities. This perspective reveals a significant moral failing in how we treat creatures that share our planet, highlighting a broader ethical crisis in our agricultural practices.
Matthew Scully asserts that while factory farming may not be the most severe crime possible, it stands out as the gravest injustice we inflict upon animals. The implications of this treatment extend beyond mere physical harm; it challenges our responsibilities towards other beings and their rightful existence. Scully’s work calls for a reevaluation of our relationship with animals and urges compassion and mercy in how we engage with them.
