This article and the research it describes are so confusing to me, as someone who owns livestock and has been around a variety of farm animals. Of COURSE they have friends, can hold their pee, and have complex emotions. If people spent time with meat animals, there would be a lot more vegetarians.
I feel like the only reason we tell ourselves otherwise is because we want to be able to excuse terrible practices like battery cages and feed lots. If they’re dumb animals that can’t feel, it’s easier to allow that treatment. I didn’t think actual farmers or people who research farm animals would be surprised at these kinds of results.
I feel like the only reason we tell ourselves otherwise is because we want to be able to excuse terrible practices like battery cages and feed lots. If they’re dumb animals that can’t feel, it’s easier to allow that treatment. I didn’t think actual farmers or people who research farm animals would be surprised at these kinds of results.