The Ringling Bros. elephants are NOT being retired to a life of leisure. They are going to be victims of "cancer research" -- https://www.ringlingelephantcenter.com/cancer-research/. RB is going to make money off them to the end. This is about as far from humane treatment as you can get. Why the hell not send them to a genuine elephant sanctuary like the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (http://www.elephants.com )? Because that would be finally caving to the animal activists who "ruined" the RB circus acts.
55
Thank you, Mr. Nickolas, for bringing up animal welfare issues in your coulumns. People are so unaware of the conditions of these animals they eat, that if they really knew, they would not eat the meat of such unhappy-miserable-tortured animals.
How can you get any benefit from them, even if they weren't pumped up with harmful chemicals, antibiotics and growth hormones? How can you eat chicken breasts that come from chickens that are so overweight that they can't even stand up? How can you drink the milk of cows who're producing milk 24/7, for numerous years, all the while standing up on legs that are swollen and full of broken up veins? When they finally can't produce any more, they're killed, but they're so spent that they're not even worth to be made into cat or dog food.
I'm finding it hard to stop tears coming down ny eyes when I think about these scenes.
Please keep telling us these truths, you're a worth human being.
How can you get any benefit from them, even if they weren't pumped up with harmful chemicals, antibiotics and growth hormones? How can you eat chicken breasts that come from chickens that are so overweight that they can't even stand up? How can you drink the milk of cows who're producing milk 24/7, for numerous years, all the while standing up on legs that are swollen and full of broken up veins? When they finally can't produce any more, they're killed, but they're so spent that they're not even worth to be made into cat or dog food.
I'm finding it hard to stop tears coming down ny eyes when I think about these scenes.
Please keep telling us these truths, you're a worth human being.
22
If all Americans turned vegan what would happen to the cows? If they are not milked because vegans don't eat dairy, or not used as leather and meat supply who will feed them or give them land to graze upon. It takes money to care for a cow and without any commercial value they will be left to their own devices. They should be treated humanly but not abandoned. As for elephant tusks a poacher gets most of the money. Does tourist photo safari money trickle down to help them? I blame the Chinese for their voracious love of ivory and also for Rhinoceros horn as a substitute for Viagra. Shark fin soup, turtle soup anyone?
8
Bravo. Nicholas Kristof ! You deserve a special Nobel prize for your efforts to save the animals of the world from the unconscionable barbarity inflicted upon them, world-wide. I only wish that the real savasge, who burned the elephant's trunk with a cigar, were put to death by the same measures inflicted on the unfortunate elephant. That would have been true justice.
Anne Catherine Rusling, Mexico
Anne Catherine Rusling, Mexico
30
I am sorry to see circus animals go.
3
As Kristof points out, "Walmart or McDonald’s shapes the living conditions of more animals in a day than an animal shelter does in a decade." But one individual choosing not to eat meat shapes the living conditions of animals more profoundly, to wit -- 198 lives saved a year. Why ask corporations to make incremental changes that we can make forcefully ourselves?
21
It is good that some people whose livelihoods depend on animals for their market products (and others who inter act with animals) are beginning to be more responsive to the needs of animal lives. It is also good that they are being watched/monitored. If these people can be educated/persuaded /forced to see the light, maybe we can do the same for republicans.......just a thought.
13
I told my wife recently that the person I admired most is David Attenborough. I'd like to add Mr. Pacelle to my list of two. He is an amazing and dedicated man of conviction.
36
Its annoying when people make claims about early man (sorry ladies) that they killed one at a time, out of direct need. We have no way of knowing if early man killed indiscriminately or not. It was likely a mix. Our natures are our natures, and once we learned how to kill - we likely killed whenever we could, need or not. We might have killed for the thrill, to gain respect, or perceived threat from a local four-legged predator, or as some part of a blind attempt to gain power from the beasts - stirring up proto-religious ideas. No one truly knows.
What we do know is that the earliest humans, across the globe, had more "connection" to the natural world. They respected its power, they feared for their own safety. There was an intrinsic respect and allegiance to it, but most of it was based on fear. Fear because it was random and wholly out of our control. Early humans, even the wholly nomadic, wanted some sort of control, otherwise they would not have started trying to appease it thru religious, spiritual rituals. When we began to semi-control our environs - especially in cities, we simply unplugged ourselves. Organized religious beliefs cemented our displacement.
Modern circuses are nothing but a perverse homage to a past where humans declared themselves outside of the natural world and that animals were mindless, emotionless beasts, that felt nothing but the pull of crude instincts. Circuses serve no good purpose but to demean animals for our dopey pleasure. Outlaw 'em!
What we do know is that the earliest humans, across the globe, had more "connection" to the natural world. They respected its power, they feared for their own safety. There was an intrinsic respect and allegiance to it, but most of it was based on fear. Fear because it was random and wholly out of our control. Early humans, even the wholly nomadic, wanted some sort of control, otherwise they would not have started trying to appease it thru religious, spiritual rituals. When we began to semi-control our environs - especially in cities, we simply unplugged ourselves. Organized religious beliefs cemented our displacement.
Modern circuses are nothing but a perverse homage to a past where humans declared themselves outside of the natural world and that animals were mindless, emotionless beasts, that felt nothing but the pull of crude instincts. Circuses serve no good purpose but to demean animals for our dopey pleasure. Outlaw 'em!
24
The outcomes of a capitalist, market-based economy have always (and will always) reflect the aggregate values of all individual actors in that economy. Of course, there are two requirements for this: information (accurately and accessible) and power (the ability to have your voice heard).
So, while it may be argued that social norms themselves are changing, it's important to acknowledge that in today's hyperconnected world, there is decreasing information asymmetry (everyday people have much greater awareness of how the diamond got on their finger or the sneaker on their foot) and greater consumer power (the ability to influence corporations through social media activity, citizen-led petitions, etc.). These factors are enabling the move towards a more humane economy.
So, while it may be argued that social norms themselves are changing, it's important to acknowledge that in today's hyperconnected world, there is decreasing information asymmetry (everyday people have much greater awareness of how the diamond got on their finger or the sneaker on their foot) and greater consumer power (the ability to influence corporations through social media activity, citizen-led petitions, etc.). These factors are enabling the move towards a more humane economy.
7
Children understand animal rights and justice. I teach such a course in San Jose - the students are horrified to learn how meat reaches their plate. Especially low-income students where food is scarce and they depend on meat based federal lunches. They instinctively know factory farming and killing is wrong.
Our children are the wise teachers in this case.
Our children are the wise teachers in this case.
14
Animals are animals. They are not human and we can not treat them humanely. Treating them "humanely" may not be moral nor wise nor empathetic.
Humans are also animals. Specifically vertebrate mammal primate apes. The three types of living humans are bonobo, chimpanzee and humans. Shouldn't our closest DNA kin be treated more "apemane" or "apely"?
The Bronx Zoo once exhibited a human Baka Mbuti person named Ota Benga in 1906. American currently cages 2.3 million Americans in involuntary servitude and slavery. There is nothing humane about war.
The very deep DNA genetic evolutionary connection between us and our fellow carbon based life forms should inform, enlighten and humble our omnivore natural biological evolutionary quest for fat, salt, sugar, sex, kin, water and habitat
Humans are also animals. Specifically vertebrate mammal primate apes. The three types of living humans are bonobo, chimpanzee and humans. Shouldn't our closest DNA kin be treated more "apemane" or "apely"?
The Bronx Zoo once exhibited a human Baka Mbuti person named Ota Benga in 1906. American currently cages 2.3 million Americans in involuntary servitude and slavery. There is nothing humane about war.
The very deep DNA genetic evolutionary connection between us and our fellow carbon based life forms should inform, enlighten and humble our omnivore natural biological evolutionary quest for fat, salt, sugar, sex, kin, water and habitat
4
Man has been carnivorous ever since his evolution to man whose predecessors were also carnivorous. But our ancestors did not kill indiscriminately. They hunted animals for their food one bison at a time. Then came the domestication of animals which could be food. Again, not indiscriminately. They were humane and respectful of these animals which gave them their food. There were no circuses, no Sea Wordls, no zoos. The animals were left alone peacefully in their own habitat, free to pursue their own food chain. And Nature held the reins to maintain peaceful coexistence. But Man instead of evolving to becoming a superior being has reversed the trend. In fact, cruelty and greed has taken over. The domesticated animals have become factory assembled. The wild animals that cannot be eaten are killed or hunted when they happen to poach into their own territory and body parts sold for trophies or jewellery, absolutely unnecessary. And our cruelty is backfiring. Our voracity has lead to obesity, global warming making deserts where once stood grand trees. Nature is going to strike back and real hard at that. We are 6 billion and growing rapidly This current inhumane factory production cannot be sustained. Nature works in cycles. If man decides to break this link it will be at his own peril. We worry about population explosion but it may not happen because food and water are finite. But there's hope as Mr. Kristof points out but the tempo has to gain great momentum, real fast.
2
There's another, complementary route to a more humane future, and that's humane education. Yale University (Pacelle's alma mater) and North Shore Animal League America have created a powerful and comprehensive social-emotional learning program, called the Mutt-I-grees Curriculum, that's now in more than 4,000 schools in North America, reaching more than 3,000,000 students from PreK through high school, along with their friends, families, and communities. The real power of this program is that it uses the spontaneous empathy that most kids have for animals to teach skills like empathy, compassion, self-confidence, resilience, and decision-making. It's very hands-on, providing plenty of ideas for teachers to encourage volunteerism in animal shelters. It emphasizes adoption and spay-neuter, and it's a powerful anti-bullying program. Not long ago The Times ran an article with a headline, and I paraphrase: if you want kids to learn, grab their emotions. Well, this curriculum certainly does that. Kids love it, and so do teachers and administrators because it enhances learning. Its only shortcoming, and this is serious, is that it talks only about dogs and cats. But I'm hopeful that the imaginations of children will fill in the gaps and come to embrace the humane treatment of all animals, which, first and foremost means: don't eat them. If we want to change minds in respect to how we view and treat animals, we must confront those minds when they're young, open, and flexible.
13
Wayne Pacelle is a hero. More so than most politicians/leaders. As an animal right's supporter it is very hard to read of the cruelty inflicted on animals, needlessly, each day. When humans put thought into what is fair and natural for all of us, things will improve dramatically.
It is impossible to problem solve the animal, food supply, fur, entertainment abuse when supposedly educated people sigh "that's depressing." Signal - stop talking, let's not think about that.
It is impossible to problem solve the animal, food supply, fur, entertainment abuse when supposedly educated people sigh "that's depressing." Signal - stop talking, let's not think about that.
10
Great to see Kristof again write eloquently on the moral revolution taking place in our treatment of animals. As Wayne Pacelle's book documents so well, companies are finally waking up to the suffering baked into their supply chains.
I have no doubt that 100 years from now history will condemn the way we abused so many animals on factory farms, in labs, and in the wild -- just as we today condemn previous generations' abuses of women and children. Let's hope then that this is a turning point in our relationship with other animals.
As Pacelle notes in his book, the exciting thing is that our personal decisions now can really make a difference in shaping this moral arc of history.
I have no doubt that 100 years from now history will condemn the way we abused so many animals on factory farms, in labs, and in the wild -- just as we today condemn previous generations' abuses of women and children. Let's hope then that this is a turning point in our relationship with other animals.
As Pacelle notes in his book, the exciting thing is that our personal decisions now can really make a difference in shaping this moral arc of history.
15
This human world is built on the suffering of animals.
Animals are sentient beings, so that makes humans cruel.
It hurt me so much when I watched the videos of factory farming cruelty that I became Vegan.
Everything else is willful ignorance that perpetuates the cruelty.
There is no possible way 7.2 billion humans can eat meat and animal products and do it humanely. The sheer numbers make it impossible.
People like Wayne Pacelle are 21st Century people trying to bring the rest of us out of the Stone Age. Thank you Mr Kristof for this story. It makes me happy to hear some good news regarding humans treatment of animals.
Animals are sentient beings, so that makes humans cruel.
It hurt me so much when I watched the videos of factory farming cruelty that I became Vegan.
Everything else is willful ignorance that perpetuates the cruelty.
There is no possible way 7.2 billion humans can eat meat and animal products and do it humanely. The sheer numbers make it impossible.
People like Wayne Pacelle are 21st Century people trying to bring the rest of us out of the Stone Age. Thank you Mr Kristof for this story. It makes me happy to hear some good news regarding humans treatment of animals.
38
Couldn't possibly agree more. The inhumane manner in which animal protein is created, raised, and processed in this country is disgraceful and should be an affront to every self-respecting human being. However, the roots of animal protein consumption are rooted in culture and scripture, and no amount of ranting will ever convince God-fearing carnivores to go vegan. The (pragmatic) key is to harness the power of the market to bring about the type of reform we can respect. A good analogy: the impact of private sector initiatives (e.g., codes of conduct) to monitor and control working conditions in the apparel industry; sweatshop eradication became a marketing priority for companies like Nike and Disney when it impacted their bottom line.
10
" no amount of ranting will ever convince God-fearing carnivores to go vegan.
Why not? "God" doesn't say we have to eat meat, only that we can if we want to. I do wonder what "God" thinks of the ones who do want to eat meat. He may have something up his sleeve.
Why not? "God" doesn't say we have to eat meat, only that we can if we want to. I do wonder what "God" thinks of the ones who do want to eat meat. He may have something up his sleeve.
4
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mr. Kristof.
You clearly get it, you see the direction we need to go in, and you know how far we have still to go. Your contribution to pushing us forward on our path of moral evolution is immense and invaluable.
You clearly get it, you see the direction we need to go in, and you know how far we have still to go. Your contribution to pushing us forward on our path of moral evolution is immense and invaluable.
12
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for your role in raising public awareness about issues related to animal cruelty. Like others, I am skeptical about the extent to which corporations can be humane. However, I hope their initial response to consumer preferences for animal welfare will signal (much) larger changes in the future. In the meantime, I would like to know what the average person can do, in addition to changing our diets and shopping habits, to make this humane revolution happen faster. Please continue your outstanding coverage of this topic.
4
I remember coming home from a circus once when I was a kid and thinking about how grubby it was. Everything in it. The clowns in their little cars. The acrobats. The guy getting shot out of a cannon. Everything but the elephants. Them I liked. But felt sorry for.
I wished that they were more like the elephants in the Tarzan movies. Stampeding around all over the villages and knocking everything down. I've owned lots of dogs and cats and horses in my life, but never an elephant. I would have liked to. They seem like people you could be friends with.
I wished that they were more like the elephants in the Tarzan movies. Stampeding around all over the villages and knocking everything down. I've owned lots of dogs and cats and horses in my life, but never an elephant. I would have liked to. They seem like people you could be friends with.
4
Smart piece. Re our relationship to animal world, 44% of Bee population has been decimated over the last year in America. This is a huge huge threat to our food supply and needs to be solved, corporations and stores still selling the pesticides linked to the collapse of bee colonies need to stop right now.
7
Heartening piece. I also am pleased to see the progress, and I agree, factory farming needs to be shut down in its entirety.
3
Thanks for giving this encouraging topic and great book attention, but the arc is even more gradual than described. Sadly, the former Ringling Circus elephants are not enjoying the well-earned retirement of leisure described...please check the facts.
4
It's time for people to admit that humans should take care of other animals as we are not that far up on the evolution scale. I gave up gradually over the years eating meat. Caged animals treated poorly and then slaughtered. People should at least have to kill their own meat that they eat.
9
Yes. That is why I, a vegan, let true hunters (not sport hunters) hunt deer on my very rural land in very rural NH. These true hunters kill two deer each to fill their freezers to feed themselves and their families for the winter. They have replaced the predators that we've killed, the predators who used to in a way take care of the herd.
6
Wayne will certailnly not irk his donors. Follow the money to the door of HSUS and ASPCA (among others). The ex head of the aspca is now lobbying for the pet industry, supporting puppy mills. Wayne is pimping his latest tome that lets people eat dead animals guilt free. There should be blood on his hands, for all the suffering he allows to continue, not applause for the trickle down approach that does little if anything to help the animals. The independent animal rights activists, setting up pickets at the circus, the little guys have made the changes. Wayne just surfs the waves and collects the checks.
2
What generated this fantasy? Is there something about Pacelle that makes you ashamed of yourself?
7
Kudos to Nicholas Kristof for yet another great column on farm animal protection; for obvious reasons, he tends to focus on what's going wrong in the world, so it's nice to see a column about what's going right!
Like Kristof, I thoroughly enjoyed HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle's The Humane Economy, which gets off to a great start on the very first page of the Preface: “If you are part of the old, inhumane economic order, get a new business plan or get out of the way.”
The two things I like best about the book: 1) the spirit of hope that infuses the entire presentation. Reading The Humane Economy, I can imagine the path away from an exploitation-based society and to a compassion-based society. And 2) the fact that the book is fast-paced. Pacelle funnels his discussion of each issue through compelling stories about the Humane Society’s work on the issue with the innovators that are making positive change. That creates a reading experience that simply flies by.
Check it out: https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Economy-Innovators-Enlightened-Transformin...
Like Kristof, I thoroughly enjoyed HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle's The Humane Economy, which gets off to a great start on the very first page of the Preface: “If you are part of the old, inhumane economic order, get a new business plan or get out of the way.”
The two things I like best about the book: 1) the spirit of hope that infuses the entire presentation. Reading The Humane Economy, I can imagine the path away from an exploitation-based society and to a compassion-based society. And 2) the fact that the book is fast-paced. Pacelle funnels his discussion of each issue through compelling stories about the Humane Society’s work on the issue with the innovators that are making positive change. That creates a reading experience that simply flies by.
Check it out: https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Economy-Innovators-Enlightened-Transformin...
16
I agree that RB's move to stop using the animals as show animals is a great move. However, the conditions in which they will be kept in Florida are barely better. They are not a natural habitat. They will still be chained, prodded, and be unable to act as true elephants. They have been offered a home in an elephant sanctuary where they can live the rest of their lives as they should. Wandering the grounds, playing in ponds and lakes, rolling in mud, etc. What has happened is a good step, but only a step in the right direction.
33
Retiring the Ringling Bros. elephants to a sanctuary they own in Florida is misleading to the public. In fact, the elephants will now live out their days on 200 acres and will be "studied" for "cancer research." This is deeply troubling to me. What I am interpreting this to mean is that the elephants retirement is not all it's pledged to be. Behind that scrim of retirement may be more torture and more pain caused by "cancer research" experiments. If the elephants are truly being retired, why are they being subject to studies for cancer research? Why aren't they left to roam freely and be cared for with compassion and love? I advocate that funds be raised to ensure their safety away from the very people who have beaten them into learning horrible "tricks" for profit, to an authentic sanctuary. I have no doubt their retirement as Ringling Bros. proposes, is nothing more than a tax deduction ruse. For that I am terribly sorry and feel these beautiful and intelligent animals will never know gentleness from a human being's touch and care. What do you think, Mr. Kristof?
28
Ringling Brothers' elephants should be sent to "true sanctuaries"!!!
They are missing the most important experience, which is freedom in the wild. It's like keeping a Ferrari in the garage.
— Ed Stewart, president, Performing Animal Welfare Society
Please read this post from PETA: "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has officially ended its elephant acts. This is exciting news, but these elephants have been shipped to Ringling's breeding farm in Florida, the so-called "Center for Elephant Conservation" (CEC), where they will still be threatened with bullhooks, kept in shackles, bred, and used as test subjects. And that's to say nothing of the tigers, horses, camels, and other animals Ringling will continue to abuse unless we ACT NOW!
Conditions at Ringling's breeding compound are nearly as bad as they are on the road. According to the sworn testimony of the head of the CEC, elephants at the facility are chained on concrete for most of the day—and sometimes for weeks on end. That includes pregnant mothers, who are kept in chains while giving birth. Inspectors have found baby elephants at the CEC with chain wounds on their legs, and the facility's records show that most of the elephants there have foot or leg problems related to intensive confinement. In addition, the facility is a hotbed of tuberculosis and has been under quarantine for years..."
They are missing the most important experience, which is freedom in the wild. It's like keeping a Ferrari in the garage.
— Ed Stewart, president, Performing Animal Welfare Society
Please read this post from PETA: "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has officially ended its elephant acts. This is exciting news, but these elephants have been shipped to Ringling's breeding farm in Florida, the so-called "Center for Elephant Conservation" (CEC), where they will still be threatened with bullhooks, kept in shackles, bred, and used as test subjects. And that's to say nothing of the tigers, horses, camels, and other animals Ringling will continue to abuse unless we ACT NOW!
Conditions at Ringling's breeding compound are nearly as bad as they are on the road. According to the sworn testimony of the head of the CEC, elephants at the facility are chained on concrete for most of the day—and sometimes for weeks on end. That includes pregnant mothers, who are kept in chains while giving birth. Inspectors have found baby elephants at the CEC with chain wounds on their legs, and the facility's records show that most of the elephants there have foot or leg problems related to intensive confinement. In addition, the facility is a hotbed of tuberculosis and has been under quarantine for years..."
6
The use of elephants in the tourist business is often a bad thing, too. They are tortured to make them perform, and their backs are not designed to carry loads, so riding them should be outlawed. There are a few places in Thailand where they are treated properly but it is harder to find one in India. The current issue of Lonely Planet "India" still lists riding elephants up to Amber Fort in Jaipur as a valid option, but some of the travel companies, such as Intrepid, have stopped offering it.
2
For many of us it seemed like an eternity, but finally the elephants' day of freedom is here, at least in North America. May it have vast and deep ripple effects, especially in their African homeland. Thank you, Nicholas, for paying homage to this momentous occasion, and thank you, Wayne Pacelle, for your earth-moving work. YES - A Humane Revolution - http://nyti.ms/27mXrdS
2
Thanks, Nicholas, for some encouraging words. It can be daunting to grow hope in these trying times.
1
The only reason, and I mean the only reason, these entities show any concern for the animals under their care is when it effects their bottom line. For you this may be a humane revolution, but to the corporations it's a better cost/benefit analysis. Granted you may catch more flies with honey but these corporations still reflect a "lord of the flies" mentality. I'll acknowledge they're changing for profit motives but I'll save my applause for the animal activists. BTW you can see the execution of that elephant in the Burns' documentary on Coney Island. We're better than that now but it is still greed that fuels the revolution.
2
When it comes to animal activism, I've always been more in the camp of the pragmatists like HSUS than the provocateurs and purists like PETA. (PETA, forgive me if I'm misrepresenting you in your current incarnation.) But I also believe we need to be having this argument on both fronts, to be working with the livestock industry to institute more humane practices and at the same time to be trying to convince consumers to eat less meat or, better yet, none at all.
Just to illustrate the symbiosis between the two approaches, you'd be hard-pressed to find an American who has done more to reduce he suffering of animals than Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor of Livestock Behavior & Welfare at Colorado State University, with her decades of work to improve the conditions of cattle. Grandin, you might recall, is the brilliant researcher who was portrayed by Claire Danes in the 2010 HBO movie named after her. And yet, perhaps her biggest reforms came in collaboration with McDonald's when McDonald's came under public pressure from more confrontational activists.
I believe it would be a wonderful statement if someday soon somebody like Wayne Pacelle or Temple Grandin was awarded a Noble Peace Prize. Once you accept the evidence that there's a strong correlation between compassion for other sentient beings and compassion for our fellow human beings, it's not such a stretch to be going from awarding Mother Teresa a Nobel to awarding a Pacelle or a Grandin a Nobel.
Just to illustrate the symbiosis between the two approaches, you'd be hard-pressed to find an American who has done more to reduce he suffering of animals than Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor of Livestock Behavior & Welfare at Colorado State University, with her decades of work to improve the conditions of cattle. Grandin, you might recall, is the brilliant researcher who was portrayed by Claire Danes in the 2010 HBO movie named after her. And yet, perhaps her biggest reforms came in collaboration with McDonald's when McDonald's came under public pressure from more confrontational activists.
I believe it would be a wonderful statement if someday soon somebody like Wayne Pacelle or Temple Grandin was awarded a Noble Peace Prize. Once you accept the evidence that there's a strong correlation between compassion for other sentient beings and compassion for our fellow human beings, it's not such a stretch to be going from awarding Mother Teresa a Nobel to awarding a Pacelle or a Grandin a Nobel.
3
When it comes to animal activism, I've always been more in the camp of the pragmatists like HSUS than the provocateurs and purists like PETA. (PETA, forgive me if I'm misrepresenting you in your current incarnation.) But I also believe we need to be having this argument on both fronts, to be working with the livestock industry to institute more humane practices and at the same time to be trying to convince consumers to eat less meat or, better yet, none at all.
Just to illustrate the symbiosis between the two approaches, you'd be hard-pressed to find an American who has done more to reduce the suffering of animals than Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor of Livestock Behavior & Welfare at Colorado State University, with her decades of work to improve the conditions of cattle. Grandin, you might recall, is the brilliant researcher who was portrayed by Claire Danes in the 2010 HBO movie named after her. And yet, perhaps her biggest reforms came in collaboration with McDonald's when McDonald's came under public pressure from more confrontational activists.
I believe it would be a wonderful statement if someday soon somebody like Wayne Pacelle or Temple Grandin was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. Once you accept the evidence that there's a strong correlation between compassion for other sentient beings and compassion for our fellow human beings, it's not such a stretch to be going from awarding Mother Teresa a Nobel to awarding a Pacelle or a Grandin a Nobel.
Just to illustrate the symbiosis between the two approaches, you'd be hard-pressed to find an American who has done more to reduce the suffering of animals than Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor of Livestock Behavior & Welfare at Colorado State University, with her decades of work to improve the conditions of cattle. Grandin, you might recall, is the brilliant researcher who was portrayed by Claire Danes in the 2010 HBO movie named after her. And yet, perhaps her biggest reforms came in collaboration with McDonald's when McDonald's came under public pressure from more confrontational activists.
I believe it would be a wonderful statement if someday soon somebody like Wayne Pacelle or Temple Grandin was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. Once you accept the evidence that there's a strong correlation between compassion for other sentient beings and compassion for our fellow human beings, it's not such a stretch to be going from awarding Mother Teresa a Nobel to awarding a Pacelle or a Grandin a Nobel.
22
One could only wish Wayne Pacelle were the president of the Human Society. There's a missing e in the caption under his picture.
Does a poacher really care if the lifetime "tourism value" of an elephant is $1.6 million, if he can get $21,000 right now for its tusks?
This out to lunch "analysis," by western commentators and "concerned citizens" is what goads African countries into burning hundreds of tons of ivory from thousands of slaughtered elephants.
Using even a little bit of common sense would lead instead to that ivory being slowly sold into the market to satisfy demand and cut out the profit for poachers to kill more elephants. But no, it is so very much more dramatic (and endearing to western media and NGOs) to every year burn tons and tons of ivory so the demand for ivory remains high, prices for poached elephant tusks remain strong, and elephants keep on getting slaughtered.
Nick, you got it so wrong on South Sudan, even Darfur, and now elephant tusks and poachers. Perhaps limiting your focus will help ensure your advice actually achieves the aims you have for it.
This out to lunch "analysis," by western commentators and "concerned citizens" is what goads African countries into burning hundreds of tons of ivory from thousands of slaughtered elephants.
Using even a little bit of common sense would lead instead to that ivory being slowly sold into the market to satisfy demand and cut out the profit for poachers to kill more elephants. But no, it is so very much more dramatic (and endearing to western media and NGOs) to every year burn tons and tons of ivory so the demand for ivory remains high, prices for poached elephant tusks remain strong, and elephants keep on getting slaughtered.
Nick, you got it so wrong on South Sudan, even Darfur, and now elephant tusks and poachers. Perhaps limiting your focus will help ensure your advice actually achieves the aims you have for it.
1
Applause to Mr Kristof for this very thoughtful article.
Is the human species genetically programmed to treat animals humanely? -- I fear, not.
If God or Supreme Being launched the Big Bang and subsequent course of the Universe from the Primordial Laptop, it was probably programmed for chaotic rather that smoothly-running evolution. If not, there would have been no Darwinian struggle for existence, no wars, no ethnic cleansing, no mass murders after revolutions in the name of a brighter future (for the survivors, of course).
Is the human species genetically programmed to treat animals humanely? -- I fear, not.
If God or Supreme Being launched the Big Bang and subsequent course of the Universe from the Primordial Laptop, it was probably programmed for chaotic rather that smoothly-running evolution. If not, there would have been no Darwinian struggle for existence, no wars, no ethnic cleansing, no mass murders after revolutions in the name of a brighter future (for the survivors, of course).
Unfortunately, tourism does not necessarily trickle down to the poacher. If we can make that happen or can contribute to the stabilization of Sudan and other struggling countries, then we are on to something. Of course, the US is not interested in any of that.
1
Oh come on, Kristof. Fast food has never been more popular. It's the worst of the worst in terms of how animals are treated. Raise the price of a Big Mac by a quarter to treat the animals better - watch sales drop.
Taking elephants out of B & B just means that fewer kids will fall in love with elephants...which means native populations will wind up being slaughtered.
Taking elephants out of B & B just means that fewer kids will fall in love with elephants...which means native populations will wind up being slaughtered.
2
The article mentions Cecil- victim of canned trophy hunting. Please listen to the song "Dying to Be Free" about the first canned hunting victim that exposed the scandal- the Dark Lioness. The song is the campaign song for CACH - an animals advocacy NGO fighting to shut down the canned lion hunting industry in South Africa. I wrote it with South African wildlife author and activist Gareth Patterson. Song and donations to CACH: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/campaign-against-canned-hunting?show_...
2
For years, this gentleman has been a relentless voice for care and compassion in treatment of animals of all kinds. So glad his tireless effort is gaining support and cooperation from the corporates. I am wondering if this is the time to return sport hunting to a true sport. Start with no hunt clubs, no feeding the deer, no scopes on high power rifles, no ATVs for hauling the harvest, no killing bears that have no fear of humans and realistic state harvest limits based on original populations in this country. Living species have been reduced to tragically small numbers. Let's turn that around.
36
The whole societal change in attitude toward animals is really amazing but the businesses have made big time money off of it. It is amazing to see all the pet related "products" everywhere and they can be really expensive. How do folks who can barely feed children also include care of a pet in the budget. There needs to be some recourse so that people can obtain supports to assist in owning pets. It is really outrageous to get vet care these days because that, too, is expensive.
1
It is puzzling to me how some people, who are staunchly vegan because they don't want to be part of animal suffering, have dogs and cats who dine almost exclusively on animal meats ?
3
Don't be puzzled. We humans do well being vegan (I've been one for 25 years and before that a vegetarian.) Dogs and cats, however, have digestive systems such that they can not survive as vegans. Dogs and cats did not design themselves so can't be blamed. But we can.
1
In lieu of admiring some of our worlds largest well attended mammals as they interact with us e.g. Circus, I'm offered violence between humans in a cage.
I am hopeful that we will come to a time when we treat animals with kindness and give them the dignity they so dearly deserve. 150,000 U.S. horses are shipped to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada every year -- over 95% of them are not elderly or infirm, and even those that are deserve better than death from a knife in the throat or a bullet (that often misses its exact target) in the brain.
Aside from the fact that horses are much like dogs in terms of how they are socialized and responsive to humans, most horses in this country are also full of drugs and nutritional supplements that are unsafe for human consumption. Since we can't get people to stop killing horses because it's inhumane, the "stop horse slaughter" movement has to base its arguments on the fact that horse meat from the US isn't safe to eat, and shouldn't be exported to other countries for consumption.
But the bottom line is that horses are smart, sentient beings that can read human facial expressions, are sensitive to human emotions and physical frailties, and make excellent companion and therapy animals. They deserve far better from humans than they get. Like most animals on this planet.
The Humane Society has been working hard to stop horse slaughter in North America and to stop the export of horses, mules, and donkeys to other countries where they would be slaughtered. I applaud Wayne Pacelle for his efforts on their behalf.
Aside from the fact that horses are much like dogs in terms of how they are socialized and responsive to humans, most horses in this country are also full of drugs and nutritional supplements that are unsafe for human consumption. Since we can't get people to stop killing horses because it's inhumane, the "stop horse slaughter" movement has to base its arguments on the fact that horse meat from the US isn't safe to eat, and shouldn't be exported to other countries for consumption.
But the bottom line is that horses are smart, sentient beings that can read human facial expressions, are sensitive to human emotions and physical frailties, and make excellent companion and therapy animals. They deserve far better from humans than they get. Like most animals on this planet.
The Humane Society has been working hard to stop horse slaughter in North America and to stop the export of horses, mules, and donkeys to other countries where they would be slaughtered. I applaud Wayne Pacelle for his efforts on their behalf.
31
The way we mistreat billions of conscious creatures each year is, quite frankly, insane. But there's another part of the "humane revolution" taking place that Kristof fails to mention: lab-grown “cultured” meat.
Although I think we should be skeptical of the hype surrounding potential technological breakthroughs, the advent of cultured meat seems to be one of those rare instances where the publicity is actually warranted. Not only does it have the potential to drastically reduce carbon emissions, energy and water use and associated land use impacts of animal agriculture, most importantly it would put an end to the needless torture and suffering of billions of animals each year.
If cultured meat can ultimately be created in a way such that it is molecularly identical to its real counterpart, indistinguishable in terms of taste, texture and appearance, and better in terms of health, safety and price, then it would become essentially impossible to make any rational argument against it. If cultured meat successfully decouples our food systems from the social, environmental, and ethical costs of animal agriculture, it could represent one of the most important and beneficial technological breakthroughs ever achieved.
Although I think we should be skeptical of the hype surrounding potential technological breakthroughs, the advent of cultured meat seems to be one of those rare instances where the publicity is actually warranted. Not only does it have the potential to drastically reduce carbon emissions, energy and water use and associated land use impacts of animal agriculture, most importantly it would put an end to the needless torture and suffering of billions of animals each year.
If cultured meat can ultimately be created in a way such that it is molecularly identical to its real counterpart, indistinguishable in terms of taste, texture and appearance, and better in terms of health, safety and price, then it would become essentially impossible to make any rational argument against it. If cultured meat successfully decouples our food systems from the social, environmental, and ethical costs of animal agriculture, it could represent one of the most important and beneficial technological breakthroughs ever achieved.
4
As we learn to accept the truth that animals are more intelligent, more aware, more like us than we would ever formerly acknowledge, the true cruelty of our attitudes and behavior becomes apparent. We abolished slavery. We are working to improve our treatment of women and minorities. Likewise, we can move toward eliminating torture and cruelty toward animals.
41
When a person or an institution adopts an unyielding stance they tend to become rigid and uncompromising. This leads them to suggest that "negotiating with evil rather than defeating it" is a cop-out.
This is a perfect example of making the perfect the enemy of the good. I am glad that Pacelle is not waiting for the world to become vegan even as he fights for better humane conditions for animals.
There is adequate room and reason for compromise that leads to positive outcomes that constantly nudge us towards a better world.
This is a perfect example of making the perfect the enemy of the good. I am glad that Pacelle is not waiting for the world to become vegan even as he fights for better humane conditions for animals.
There is adequate room and reason for compromise that leads to positive outcomes that constantly nudge us towards a better world.
13
Thank you for writing about this important issue. The problem of animal abuse has recently become one of the most actively studied and debated issues.
Unfortunately, many of the so-called successes in the arena of ending animal abuse are not quite as successful as they may appear. One important example is the Ringling Brothers Center for Elephant Conservation (CEC). Living conditions at CEC are hardly an improvement over the horrific conditions in the circus. Elephants continue to be threatened with bullhooks, kept in shackles, and used as test subjects.
The trouble with putting pressure on corporations with a culture of animal abuse is that it's a little like putting pressure on adults with a history of child abuse, and trusting them to stop the abuse. A culture of abuse acquires a life of its own, and ultimately is a form of mental illness that is not likely to vanish simply because the cure entails higher profits.
Unfortunately, many of the so-called successes in the arena of ending animal abuse are not quite as successful as they may appear. One important example is the Ringling Brothers Center for Elephant Conservation (CEC). Living conditions at CEC are hardly an improvement over the horrific conditions in the circus. Elephants continue to be threatened with bullhooks, kept in shackles, and used as test subjects.
The trouble with putting pressure on corporations with a culture of animal abuse is that it's a little like putting pressure on adults with a history of child abuse, and trusting them to stop the abuse. A culture of abuse acquires a life of its own, and ultimately is a form of mental illness that is not likely to vanish simply because the cure entails higher profits.
4
I agree with the article. I am vegan but I don't think the world will go vegan soon. I think we ought to make sure we educate people to reduce the over-reliance on meet and animal products in their diets. It is not healthy and it is bad for the environment and the planet. However the priority is to end present farming practices where animals suffer in the name of profit and to end animal cruelty at every level not just farming. That also means pressuring countries around world to end meat consumption (Korea, China), whaling and killing Dolphins (Japan), slaughter of wildlife in Africa etc.
12
This was an interesting article. However in makes an all too common mistake by using animals rights interchangeably with animal welfare. While welfare and rights groups sometimes share goals their ultimate goals are different. Animal rights groups Do not believe humans have a right to use animals but welfare groups accept animal use so long as it is done humanely. It's not a subtle difference. The article spoke to the issue of animal welfare despite the title.
4
Vegans seem inappropriately smug that killing, dissecting, breeding, and corporate farming of plants is morally superior to that of animals. Lots of emerging evidence that plants have a much more sophisticated presence that most have thought, including finely tuned awareness and responsiveness to environmental changes, communication within and without their species, planning, etc etc. It is a narrow-minded anthropomorphizing of animal species that helps allow this fascism against plants and microbiota.
So now what to eat?
So now what to eat?
3
DrBr, you sarcasm is both misleading and beside the point. The article is not about losing your right to eat flesh; it is appropriately concerned with how we can be more humane as humans. Fortunately,in greater numbers everyday the generations behind us (I'm 67) are realizing it is not only more humane but far healthier to have a plant-based diet.
7
Knowing how utterly animals suffer in all areas of food production, there is no reason to "wait" for "welfare" questions to be settled before choosing an animal-free vegan diet. The wealth of vegan foods is enormous, delicious and nutritious. Let us please be merciful and do something truly meaningful starting today.
6
OK, I think you are missing the point. Let me explain: very few people in America will turn vegan. Not today, not tomorrow, not in the foreseeable future. They will continue to eat animal products. If your only answer is 'go vegan', then you have no answer at all.
3
On the contrary, Karen has an answer even if it does not solve the entire problem. Think of it this way--Karen has withdrawn one human being, herself, from committing murder (as I think of it.) Don't you think that beings facing the firing squad would be glad to see that one of us has put down her gun? Wouldn't you?
I'm another vegan. Let's multiply. Yes, murder will continue, but less and less of it. I imagine that candidates for murder will be glad.
I'm another vegan. Let's multiply. Yes, murder will continue, but less and less of it. I imagine that candidates for murder will be glad.
2
The Humane Society is not alone by any means. PETA has done a great deal to push bigger organizations like the Human Society and ASPCA to do more than they were doing in the past. Farm Animals Concerns Trust, a small organization, and others like it, make a difference. While being a vegan is the best option, getting people to eat less meat in any form at all will help farm animals. Understanding how other creatures behave through TV programs and films also helps to raise consciousness about animal welfare in the wild.
Ideas held by large groups of people are very powerful. It takes a lot of chipping away by many people in many ways over a long period of time for things to change, but change is possible. It was cool in the 50s to smoke and drink and now, well, not so cool. Certainly drinking and driving is not condoned, even by the companies that make alcoholic beverages.
It was also possible not so long ago to own human beings - an idea held by many for a over a hundred years. While we still have prejudice and hatred at least it is not openly possible to purchase a person. Ideas do matter and the notions we have about animals are changing every day.
Thanks, Nick, for yet another article about how we can all be better citizens on this planet, in this case by respecting the animals who have just as much right to live here peaceably as we do.
Ideas held by large groups of people are very powerful. It takes a lot of chipping away by many people in many ways over a long period of time for things to change, but change is possible. It was cool in the 50s to smoke and drink and now, well, not so cool. Certainly drinking and driving is not condoned, even by the companies that make alcoholic beverages.
It was also possible not so long ago to own human beings - an idea held by many for a over a hundred years. While we still have prejudice and hatred at least it is not openly possible to purchase a person. Ideas do matter and the notions we have about animals are changing every day.
Thanks, Nick, for yet another article about how we can all be better citizens on this planet, in this case by respecting the animals who have just as much right to live here peaceably as we do.
24
Such humane behavior only occurs when a society decides it can afford it, Kristof's hopeful characterization here only applies to a small fraction of humanity, and as he notes it took this country a couple of hundred years to coming around to this mindset (which is still a work-in-progress).
In large parts of the planet the treatment of animals by humans is beyond unethical, it is viciously violent. Japan, China and several other Asian countries with populations bursting at the seams of the borders, in Africa and in Latin America, there is a biological free-for-all in which domesticated animals are treated no differently than a beat-up bicycle. The fact that they are sentient beings is simply ignored (as is often the way humans are treated in these societies as well).
Until naive optimists like Nicholas Kristof include the whole picture of humanity in his analyses, we will continue to pretend disastrous global conditions do not exist, we are duped into thinking that all is well in our Walmart la-la land.
In large parts of the planet the treatment of animals by humans is beyond unethical, it is viciously violent. Japan, China and several other Asian countries with populations bursting at the seams of the borders, in Africa and in Latin America, there is a biological free-for-all in which domesticated animals are treated no differently than a beat-up bicycle. The fact that they are sentient beings is simply ignored (as is often the way humans are treated in these societies as well).
Until naive optimists like Nicholas Kristof include the whole picture of humanity in his analyses, we will continue to pretend disastrous global conditions do not exist, we are duped into thinking that all is well in our Walmart la-la land.
1
Did you miss the last sentence in Kristof's piece, the quote from Pacelle?
"But, boy, there's so much more work to do."
"But, boy, there's so much more work to do."
1
This particular post is a recognition that in order to keep caring and working towards solutions and to avoid resigned defeatism, we need to occasionally be reminded that progress—however glacial—actually does occur.
Calling Nicholas Kristof naive tells me that this MUST be your first reading of him. Whether you agree or disagree with his point, if you read this column regularly you would have to know that he is one of the most most intrepid and ethically driven investigative reporters currently working.
In writing this response, I went to Google to find out how long Nicholas had been writing for the NYT. When I read his bio at http://www.nytimes.com/ref/opinion/KRISTOF-BIO.html, The description of who is he and what he has accomplished, blew me away. My admiration was already high, now I am in awe.
Visit the site above and read Mr. Kristof's introductory bio.
Naive is the LAST word that will come to mind.
Calling Nicholas Kristof naive tells me that this MUST be your first reading of him. Whether you agree or disagree with his point, if you read this column regularly you would have to know that he is one of the most most intrepid and ethically driven investigative reporters currently working.
In writing this response, I went to Google to find out how long Nicholas had been writing for the NYT. When I read his bio at http://www.nytimes.com/ref/opinion/KRISTOF-BIO.html, The description of who is he and what he has accomplished, blew me away. My admiration was already high, now I am in awe.
Visit the site above and read Mr. Kristof's introductory bio.
Naive is the LAST word that will come to mind.
1
Working with corporations helps preserve the jobs and career paths of employees who have little influence on corporate policies. Fighting the corporations enables them to enlist their workers to help defend them, and some corporations count on maintaining themselves by having the right enemies.
1
Related: E.O. Wilson has a book out called "Half Earth" The short of it is that we need to preserve 1/2 the earth for nature. Humans are grossly overpopulated and we are no where close to the 1/2 value. Yet the earth with all of its biodiversity is a system that needs undisturbed space to function. Without this space, we can expect the anthropocene mass extinction to continue, and eventually we will die off in a final gesture of poetic justice.
Cruelty to animals in any form is just one of the crimes humans are committing. Improving the treatment of all animals is a big first step towards a possible redemption. I hope we keep moving in this direction.
Cruelty to animals in any form is just one of the crimes humans are committing. Improving the treatment of all animals is a big first step towards a possible redemption. I hope we keep moving in this direction.
105
We can't control the cruelty in the world or other people's behavior, but we can control ourselves.
Being vegan is the middle way between the extremes of intentionally and unnecessarily breeding, confining, and killing animals and living an ascetic life of subsistence farming on a tropical island (such ascetic living being impossible for 7 billion humans even if the will existed).
There are plenty of vegan alternatives to animal products and entertainment. There are plenty of blogs and websites to learn about vegan recipes and nutrition. Being vegan is moderate and pragmatic. We can't control others, but we can control ourselves.
Being vegan is the middle way between the extremes of intentionally and unnecessarily breeding, confining, and killing animals and living an ascetic life of subsistence farming on a tropical island (such ascetic living being impossible for 7 billion humans even if the will existed).
There are plenty of vegan alternatives to animal products and entertainment. There are plenty of blogs and websites to learn about vegan recipes and nutrition. Being vegan is moderate and pragmatic. We can't control others, but we can control ourselves.
66
Veganism is a recipe for extinction. A vegan society cannot access the nutrients present in cellulosic materials like grass or straw as well as marine plankton, among others.
A vegan society will inevitably have fewer and weaker citizens than a society which uses all available resources.
As I see it, veganism is a consequence of misdirected empathy, much like obesity is the result of an otherwise useful instinct of food consumption or allergy arises from the sudden drop in authentic targets for the immune system to target.
http://tarkmarg.blogspot.com/2016/04/tark-marg-pole-star-of-moral-behavi...
A vegan society will inevitably have fewer and weaker citizens than a society which uses all available resources.
As I see it, veganism is a consequence of misdirected empathy, much like obesity is the result of an otherwise useful instinct of food consumption or allergy arises from the sudden drop in authentic targets for the immune system to target.
http://tarkmarg.blogspot.com/2016/04/tark-marg-pole-star-of-moral-behavi...
My wife tried to be vegan and found it nearly impossible, and has had to settle for vegetarian, especially when eating out. There is nothing "moderate" about being vegan, especially when eating out or attending a social gatherings: it is the rare restaurant that has anything other than a green salad that has no dairy products or eggs in it; and it is tiresome to have to cook all your meals for yourself and bring your own food to dinner and parties, etc., because nothing on the table is vegan. ... Of course, this might be a regional problem. In other places conditions might be different.
Tark: It's quite the opposite of what you write. We know more than we ever have about nutrition and dietetics, particularly vegan nutrition. There are no nutients that humans need found in animal products that can't also be obtained from non-animal sources.
What will wipe out human civilization, if not the species entirely, is the collapse in biodiversity caused by polluting our air and water with industrial scale animal agriculture. Animal agriculture is by far the largest polluter on the planet -- likely twice as destructive as the second largest, transportation.
Finally, empathy is only misdirected if it is applied to an insentient object. Empathy applied to innocent sentient beings or conscious creatures, such as the animals we needlessly exploit, is always well directed.
What will wipe out human civilization, if not the species entirely, is the collapse in biodiversity caused by polluting our air and water with industrial scale animal agriculture. Animal agriculture is by far the largest polluter on the planet -- likely twice as destructive as the second largest, transportation.
Finally, empathy is only misdirected if it is applied to an insentient object. Empathy applied to innocent sentient beings or conscious creatures, such as the animals we needlessly exploit, is always well directed.
5
I applaud the first steps toward the full acceptance of the evolutionary continuity between humans and animals and its moral implications. Darwin wrote a book about the similarity between the emotional lives of animals and humans. Cognition, too, is widely distributed in the animal kingdom and is not restricted to humans. But though I am a vegetarian, I do not believe that eating meat is wrong by definition. Killing an animal, or a human being for that matter, is not always immoral. A just war is just, even though it involves killing. What is wrong is torture, and there is no other word to describe industrial farming. Humanely raised and quickly slaughtered animals may be eaten with clear conscience but it means that meat should become an expensive and rare treat rather than being as obscenely cheap as it is in America today.
35
There is nothing "humane" about needlessly killing a fellow sentient being. As long as animals are treated like consumables society will not develop genuine respect for them. Animals raised in other systems are subjected to many of the cruelties inflicted on those in factory farms, and often to other cruelties. All of the nutrients we need to thrive can be obtained more healthfully, humanely, and environmentally responsibly from plant sources. That is the only true solution. There is a bounty of wonderful vegan food available, and no need or justification for harmfully exploiting animals for food.
19
So in other words, the rich can afford to eat meat with a clear conscience and every one else needs to go without.
Great solution.
Great solution.
1
Good article, but part of the problem of animal cruelty is in our language and thinking. We are Homo Sapiens, an animal species just like every other species on our planet. All animals including bacteria have their own intelligence for survival. In fact by weight our bodies are 90 percent bacteria and we have incorporated bacteria in our cells to help us with our survival. We call it mitochondria. By separating ourselves from other animals with our thinking we unconsciously perpetuate the myth of our superiority.
Looking into the intelligent eyes of an elephant is a humbling experience.
Looking into the intelligent eyes of an elephant is a humbling experience.
40
It is irrational to think that all living beings are equal. Homo Sapiens' superiority is not a myth. The ability of an average human to produce goods and services of value using opposable digits, to comprehend and disseminate information using his mind and vocal ability, to plan ahead etc, far exceeds that of any other animal or indeed entire species.
How could humans have survived in the Tundra or Steppe without consuming animal flesh? Even in agricultural areas, most of the biomass in a crop comprises of stalk, leaves, husk etc and only a minority is directly edible grain. To utilize these parts of crops, we need animal intermediaries.
Merely because empathetic emotions arise does not mean they are sensible or factually sound. Excessive indulgence of empathy is analogous to the excessive indulgence of love of food in that both take otherwise useful instincts to excess and end up become pathological.
See http://tarkmarg.blogspot.com/2016/04/tark-marg-pole-star-of-moral-behavi...
Tarkmarg.blogspot.com
How could humans have survived in the Tundra or Steppe without consuming animal flesh? Even in agricultural areas, most of the biomass in a crop comprises of stalk, leaves, husk etc and only a minority is directly edible grain. To utilize these parts of crops, we need animal intermediaries.
Merely because empathetic emotions arise does not mean they are sensible or factually sound. Excessive indulgence of empathy is analogous to the excessive indulgence of love of food in that both take otherwise useful instincts to excess and end up become pathological.
See http://tarkmarg.blogspot.com/2016/04/tark-marg-pole-star-of-moral-behavi...
Tarkmarg.blogspot.com
4
A few corrections. 90% of the cells in, not weight of, our bodies are bacteria. And mitochondria are no longer bacteria; rather, they are fully fledged organelles. Yes, they were bacteria about a billion years ago and still have a tiny genome, but they would be totally unable to survive as independent organisms.
2
Thank you for your comment. I know we need to eat and I am not a vegetarian.
My point is that we are all interconnected with our environment and that abuse of our one and only planet including other animal species often springs from our arrogance and opinion that we are entitled to do anything we want with it without repercussions. the amazing fact of life to me is awe inspiring and that to me is not pathological, but an appropriate response to this fact.
My point is that we are all interconnected with our environment and that abuse of our one and only planet including other animal species often springs from our arrogance and opinion that we are entitled to do anything we want with it without repercussions. the amazing fact of life to me is awe inspiring and that to me is not pathological, but an appropriate response to this fact.
1
I agree that we cannot wait for the world to go vegan before doing something about the unconscionable cruelty of forcing animals to live in crates for their entire lives -- which is why I support welfare work, and think that anybody inclined to speak out against welfare reforms should first try sitting in a crate for two full days, let alone two full years. But given the wealth of evidence about the benefits of plant based diets, not only to help animals but also for human health and the environment, I cannot agree that we need to settle the question of improved treatment before we encourage people to leave animals and the products of their suffering off their plates. The seeds of a vegan revolution are being sewn by companies producing fantastic egg-free mayo and delicious nut based cheeses. Let's be careful not to pit it against "the humane revolution" and thereby stunt its growth.
12
Happy to see animals getting something of a break from corporations like McDonald's and Walmart but to regard those companies as "humane" strikes me as a tad premature considering the salary and benefit levels that they continue to offer the actual human beings who remain in their employ.
50
Thanks for this timely piece. Very few of us think much about where our food comes from, and the conditions that large agribusinesses have created for raising many animals for food - chickens, pigs, cows - are truly deplorable. This is a moral issue, and we can do simple things that will make dramatic changes by just directing our food purchases to humanely raised products.
27
Again I encourage Mr. Kristof and others concerned about farm animal welfare to look into a group called Humane Farm Animal Care that has developed some relatively stringent standards for the raising, handling, and when relevant, slaughter of livestock animals, and bestows a "Certified Humane" logo to packaging of animal products brought to market within those standards. (As noted by others, a 'cage free' chicken can still have a pretty miserable existence.) The HFAC website lists current humane certified brands and indicates where they can be purchased. Of course there can be lots of argument as to whether the standards are stringent enough on the one hand, or so stringent as to make feeding our overpopulation of human animals impractical on the other, but the effort here could become at least as influential as, and now more in keeping with modern science than, the multi - millennial tradition of deeming some animal product sources as kosher.
3
Thank you for this information!
1
The consumption of animal products shows little sign of slowing, and the cruelty associated with producing those products remains largely out of the nation's consciousness. Even though animal agriculture has been linked to global warming; even though consumers of those products face increased health risks; even though government agencies have been ineffective at controlling the use of antibiotics and growth hormones in animals, the nation's appetite for animal products appears to be on the rise.
21
All animal products are cruel and all animal products are unnecessary. The only decent response is to boycott them.
Anyone who thinks that "cage free" and "free range" products aren't from torture factories should take their heads out of the sand and do some research. These are all viciously cruel and barbarous products.
Let's have some dignity; let's boycott animal products. There is nothing better than living with self respect.
Anyone who thinks that "cage free" and "free range" products aren't from torture factories should take their heads out of the sand and do some research. These are all viciously cruel and barbarous products.
Let's have some dignity; let's boycott animal products. There is nothing better than living with self respect.
54
In my view, veganism is the liberal equivalent of the conservatives' insistence that the earth is 6000 years old or that Jesus was born to a virgin. It is the misapplication of an instinct of empathy which only makes sense within the context of human society.
As the theory of evolution suggests, the underlying purpose of all human instincts and social norms is self-perpetuation. It is thus no coincidence that practically all humans dislike injury or deprivation and like sex or social approval because these lead to maximal self perpetuation.
Similarly widespread social norms like the prohibition of theft or murder or incest are group level memes to maximize social self perpetuation.
Yet instincts and social norms which have evolved in a particular context can become counterproductive when the context changes. Thus the love of food which was sensible in times of scarcity now leads to obesity.
It is in this light that empathy must be seen. Empathy is useful when applied to fellow citizens who can return that help later.
Yet analogous to obesity, given that there are many fewer needy persons now than when our sense of empathy evolved, empathy now attaches to irrelevant or unviable candidates like animals who don't fulfill the evolutionary criterion of returning given help.
http://tarkmarg.blogspot.com/2016/04/tark-marg-pole-star-of-moral-behavi...
As the theory of evolution suggests, the underlying purpose of all human instincts and social norms is self-perpetuation. It is thus no coincidence that practically all humans dislike injury or deprivation and like sex or social approval because these lead to maximal self perpetuation.
Similarly widespread social norms like the prohibition of theft or murder or incest are group level memes to maximize social self perpetuation.
Yet instincts and social norms which have evolved in a particular context can become counterproductive when the context changes. Thus the love of food which was sensible in times of scarcity now leads to obesity.
It is in this light that empathy must be seen. Empathy is useful when applied to fellow citizens who can return that help later.
Yet analogous to obesity, given that there are many fewer needy persons now than when our sense of empathy evolved, empathy now attaches to irrelevant or unviable candidates like animals who don't fulfill the evolutionary criterion of returning given help.
http://tarkmarg.blogspot.com/2016/04/tark-marg-pole-star-of-moral-behavi...
I oppose the notion of animal rights.
As I see it, a sense of empathy (which is the origin of animal rights) is evolutionarily useful as it compels mutual help in between members of society, thus strengthening group fitness.
Yet this reasoning does not apply to animals who cannot ever reciprocate help or concessions given to them. Worse, animal flesh is the only way for humans to access the nutrition in otherwise inedible resources like grass or marine plankton. Thus vegetarianism/veganism deprives society of scarce calories, a situation particularly troubling in developing countries.
A while ago Kristof reported from India where he mentioned the point that Hindus in India suffer from more malnutrition than Muslims. The primary cause of this is the fact that Hindus eschew beef and often meat altogether.
As I see it, recent prosperity has sharply depleted the pool of needy persons in society who could be worthy candidates for empathy. Like the immune system in allergy, people's sense of empathy is now seems to be leaking out to unviable candidates like animals.
See http://tarkmarg.blogspot.sg/2016/04/tark-marg-pole-star-of-moral-behavio...
As I see it, a sense of empathy (which is the origin of animal rights) is evolutionarily useful as it compels mutual help in between members of society, thus strengthening group fitness.
Yet this reasoning does not apply to animals who cannot ever reciprocate help or concessions given to them. Worse, animal flesh is the only way for humans to access the nutrition in otherwise inedible resources like grass or marine plankton. Thus vegetarianism/veganism deprives society of scarce calories, a situation particularly troubling in developing countries.
A while ago Kristof reported from India where he mentioned the point that Hindus in India suffer from more malnutrition than Muslims. The primary cause of this is the fact that Hindus eschew beef and often meat altogether.
As I see it, recent prosperity has sharply depleted the pool of needy persons in society who could be worthy candidates for empathy. Like the immune system in allergy, people's sense of empathy is now seems to be leaking out to unviable candidates like animals.
See http://tarkmarg.blogspot.sg/2016/04/tark-marg-pole-star-of-moral-behavio...
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It is correct that meat has some nutritional advantages compared to a plant based diet. But I doubt that is an argument against treating animals humanely.
"animals who cannot ever reciprocate help or concessions given to them"
This is clearly incorrect. Anyone who has had a pet, or even taken care of a larger animal like a horse, or a cow or an elephant, knows they recognize you and can reciprocate your feelings.
If you oppose animal rights, do you also oppose laws in many states in USA against killing dogs and cats for meat?
http://inhabitat.com/killing-dogs-and-cats-for-meat-is-still-legal-in-44...
"animals who cannot ever reciprocate help or concessions given to them"
This is clearly incorrect. Anyone who has had a pet, or even taken care of a larger animal like a horse, or a cow or an elephant, knows they recognize you and can reciprocate your feelings.
If you oppose animal rights, do you also oppose laws in many states in USA against killing dogs and cats for meat?
http://inhabitat.com/killing-dogs-and-cats-for-meat-is-still-legal-in-44...
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You should read "the cruelest miles" which is a history of the origins of the Iditarod. Some amazing stories of dog who in fact did reciprocate many times.
Those who think animals don't share all the same range of emotions that we do, I consider damn fools.
Those who think animals don't share all the same range of emotions that we do, I consider damn fools.
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Tark Marg: regarding empathy for animals and animal rights you write:
. . . this reasoning does not apply to animals who cannot ever reciprocate help or concessions given to them.
Clearly, you think that humans are the only beings worthy of consideration in conflicts of interest with other animals. By your logic, why would anyone continue to nuture a sickly, developmentally delayed or dying human child who will never "contribute" anything to "group fitness"?
For many of us—even with the presence of beloved family members— animals provide a source of love so immense and so profound, that to be deprived of it would render life so reduced in joy as to be almost unthinkable. The animals we don't directly relate to as "family" are still deserving of lives free from tortuous conditions imposed by us, including but not limited to, homo sapiens.
I can imagine the eyes rolling on some readers (such as yourself) and nods of recognition on the rest. All I can say is that I'm so sorry you missed out on this understanding. It's a bit like trying to describe the experience of color to one who has never had sight.
. . . this reasoning does not apply to animals who cannot ever reciprocate help or concessions given to them.
Clearly, you think that humans are the only beings worthy of consideration in conflicts of interest with other animals. By your logic, why would anyone continue to nuture a sickly, developmentally delayed or dying human child who will never "contribute" anything to "group fitness"?
For many of us—even with the presence of beloved family members— animals provide a source of love so immense and so profound, that to be deprived of it would render life so reduced in joy as to be almost unthinkable. The animals we don't directly relate to as "family" are still deserving of lives free from tortuous conditions imposed by us, including but not limited to, homo sapiens.
I can imagine the eyes rolling on some readers (such as yourself) and nods of recognition on the rest. All I can say is that I'm so sorry you missed out on this understanding. It's a bit like trying to describe the experience of color to one who has never had sight.
8
The "moral arc" narrative should never be about stopping before we have reached the end that justice requires. Are the successes of Wayne Pacelle's cage-free movement for the benefit of egg-laying hens worth celebrating at this point? Probably not. We need to examine carefully whether cage-free hens are better off than hens in cages; there's lots of evidence showing that their condition is rather like transiting from the frying plan into the fire; in other words, they're still abused, still in misery, still confined in filthy, poorly ventilated metal tunnels in close contact with thousands of other chickens. And the gravest problem with the cage-free movement at this point is that millions of consumers now think that they are great guys, doing great things for the sake of the animals, when they buy "cage-free" eggs, and they can contentedly stop considering the moral consequences of their diet, when in fact the chickens who laid those eggs are still in undeserved misery.
Let's praise Nicholas Kristof for very good intentions, but let's not join him in trusting "business models." So long as animals are entrapped in a for-profit enterprise, they are going to be exploited and abused. "Capitalism poisons everything": So long as profit is the end and purpose of any enterprise, even when public pressure bends the "business model," the interests of the animals themselves are matters of no importance, and their lives will be taken for granted.
Let's praise Nicholas Kristof for very good intentions, but let's not join him in trusting "business models." So long as animals are entrapped in a for-profit enterprise, they are going to be exploited and abused. "Capitalism poisons everything": So long as profit is the end and purpose of any enterprise, even when public pressure bends the "business model," the interests of the animals themselves are matters of no importance, and their lives will be taken for granted.
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@Mark Carponigro,
Good points in a good comment. We're part of the animal kingdom. I could never take our fellow creatures for granted. I disagree with reader Tark Marg's opinion. I strongly espouse animal rights. I've experienced and witnessed empathy, reciprocity and love from very intelligent creatures that aren't human. There's a great deal we can learn from them.
@William, @Scott L,
I hear you both and thank you both.
5-14-16@10:32 pm
Good points in a good comment. We're part of the animal kingdom. I could never take our fellow creatures for granted. I disagree with reader Tark Marg's opinion. I strongly espouse animal rights. I've experienced and witnessed empathy, reciprocity and love from very intelligent creatures that aren't human. There's a great deal we can learn from them.
@William, @Scott L,
I hear you both and thank you both.
5-14-16@10:32 pm
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How absolutely true and utterly sad.
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