Excessive commercial exploitation of farm animals by industrial concerns

Nature

Use of farm animals for mass production of meat and egg products at the highest turnover rate and with the least expense, leads to inhumane methods of confining and forcing the growth rate of animals, loss of productive capacity owing to insufficient attention given to animal requirements, food surpluses owing to inaccurate assessment of demand, risk of animal and human diseases, increase in drug resistance from abuse of antibiotics for forced growth, and a threat to the farming community from higher relative competitiveness of larger units and surpluses.

Background

The excessive commercial exploitation of farm animals by industrial concerns emerged as a global issue in the late 20th century, as intensive farming practices expanded rapidly to meet rising demand for animal products. Public awareness grew with investigative reports and scientific studies documenting the scale and impact of factory farming. International attention intensified following exposés in Europe and North America, prompting debates on animal welfare, environmental consequences, and the ethical implications of industrialized animal agriculture.

Incidence

The problem occurs in developed countries, where the demand for meat and egg products is increasingly high. Industrial investors have less knowledge and less concern about the animals which they are using than the farming community; this results in mismanagement and cruelty. Insufficient assessment of demand for meat and egg products and the ensuing financial losses incurred can easily be offset against tax returns. Industrial investors may be less guided by subsidies which serve as an incentive against surpluses. The abuse of antibiotics and vaccines and the use of artificial methods of promoting fast growth encourage drug resistance in animals and humans. Animals which have been successfully treated for disease may still pass on infection in the meat. The risk of epidemics of animal diseases among intensively farmed animals is very high and may cause the spread of disease to other farm animals if adequate measures of disposal of diseased carcasses, disinfection of pens, and general hygiene are not taken.

Claim

The excessive commercial exploitation of farm animals by industrial concerns is a grave and urgent problem. Driven by profit, these industries subject sentient beings to appalling conditions, prioritizing efficiency over welfare. This relentless exploitation not only inflicts immense suffering on animals but also degrades our moral values and harms the environment. Ignoring this issue perpetuates cruelty and injustice—society must demand ethical reforms and hold these industries accountable for their inhumane practices.

Counter-claim

Concerns about the so-called "excessive commercial exploitation" of farm animals by industrial concerns are vastly overstated. Modern agriculture is essential for feeding billions efficiently and affordably. Strict regulations already ensure animal welfare, and claims of widespread abuse are exaggerated by activists. Prioritizing this issue distracts from more pressing global challenges like poverty, hunger, and disease. Industrial farming is not the villain it’s made out to be—it’s a cornerstone of human progress.