Ethics of eating meat

[DownInFlames]

Originally Posted by underGRADFlame

By slitting it's throat and letting it bleed out?

"This method of slaughtering animals consists of using a well-sharpened knife to make a swift, deep incision that cuts the front of the throat, the carotid artery, trachea, and jugular veins."

A code of ethics is a set of rules for how a group is to act. Kosher and Halal are, strictly speaking, codes of ethics. Like I said, he's being pedantic.

[Timbo]

Just wondering how many here have actually killed the meat you have ate.

[Dan02]

Originally Posted by Timbo

Just wondering how many here have actually killed the meat you have ate.

Do fish, shrimp and lobster count or we just talking cute meat?

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by Timbo

Just wondering how many here have actually killed the meat you have ate.

Nope, not a hunter.

[GGG]

In some ways the food animals we eat are the most successful animals in history.

If we define the goal of any species is to successfully pass on genetic material to the next gen and to expand its number. Essentially that's the concept of natural selection. Cows by being useful to humans are able to pass on genetic material successfully. So from a cows point of view it's important that people drink milk and eat meat otherwise it's genetic line is wiped out.

If we don't eat meat that land will be used for farming so higher order animals won't replace the pigs cows and chickens and certainly not in the same number.

So the question comes down to Do pigs cows and chickens deserve to exist?

From the human standpoint if you assert we have the right to exist and our goals are still natural. Passing on genetic material and expansion then we should focus on sustainability which really leads you out of eating meat but it also eliminates all unnecessary energy consumption so from this point of view leisure travel and eating meat are likely equal.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Timbo

Just wondering how many here have actually killed the meat you have ate.

Never, unless fish counts. But if it was a requirement for eating any meat, I most likely wouldn't eat any.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by Timbo

Just wondering how many here have actually killed the meat you have ate.

I've thrown live shrimp into boiling water during hotpot. Does that count?

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by Timbo

Just wondering how many here have actually killed the meat you have ate.

does it matter?

I don't chop the wood to build the desk I use or farm the grain I eat either (plants are living things, too).

[GGG]

Originally Posted by Wormius

Never, unless fish counts. But if it was a requirement for eating any meat, I most likely wouldn't eat any.

This is why I think we should be involved in killing our own food. A connection to what is really involved is important in any assessment of ethics.

People really should spend some time on a farm. Even just a grain farm. Knowing where food comes from is a benefit

[Mr.Coffee]

Why? It makes no sense. What difference does it make? So it's more ethical to stand at the location of the death of the animal you plan to eat, and to actually swing the axe? Why?

[Timbo]

Not judging anyone it was an honest question.
I hunt I have killed many animals. I hold myself to personal ethics of trying to dispatch the animal
As quickly as possible. Whatever your spiritual beliefs there are methods I have witnessed that I would not use. It really is just a spiritual and personal choice .

[GGG]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

Why? It makes no sense. What difference does it make? So it's more ethical to stand at the location of the death of the animal you plan to eat, and to actually swing the axe? Why?

For understanding of what goes on. Does the animal suffer? Do you feel the same way as if you pull a carrot out of the ground. Without being an agent in the death of your food I'm not sure you can argue definitively that it is ethical. As if it was ethical why can't you do it.

[Timbo]

Well said GGG

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by GGG

For understanding of what goes on. Does the animal suffer? Do you feel the same way as if you pull a carrot out of the ground. Without being an agent in the death of your food I'm not sure you can argue definitively that it is ethical. As if it was ethical why can't you do it.

People can speculate on ethics however without having experience on every little issue though, no?

For example, I speculate that animals that are born and then subsequently killed in factory procedures essentially don't live a life anyway, and that no, they don't suffer because from the videos I have seen of the process, it's pretty quick and mechanical. Like a lot of other factory processes, but with a creature that doesn't have a clue as to what living a normal life is actually like.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by GGG

This is why I think we should be involved in killing our own food. A connection to what is really involved is important in any assessment of ethics.

People really should spend some time on a farm. Even just a grain farm. Knowing where food comes from is a benefit

No thanks, that sounds really boring.

[calgarybornnraised]

What if my Husband kills and cleans the Animal? Is that allowed or do I have to be involved?

[AltaGuy]

I don't really have much of an opinion on the welfare of animals, but as someone who does consider themselves a bit "green", and who worries about GHGs, arable land, etc. - commercial farming (cows, really) does give me a pang of angst everytime I bite into a delicious steak.

Seems to me that meat should really be very expensive given the resources those suckers consume for us to consume them.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by AltaGuy

I don't really have much of an opinion on the welfare of animals, but as someone who does consider themselves a bit "green", and who worries about GHGs, arable land, etc. - commercial farming (cows, really) does give me a pang of angst everytime I bite into a delicious steak.

Seems to me that meat should really be very expensive given the resources those suckers consume for us to consume them.

Almonds are pretty bad for consuming resources too.

This discussion will just go in circles because it all depends on the user's ethical code which is highly subjective.

For instance, I've slaughtered animals before, but I very much consider myself respectful of the animals life and the food it's body provides to me. Someone else though might be abhorred by that statement.

I love dogs and I think they are great companions. However, my preference is for big dogs, and I believe big dogs belong outside. Since I don't have an acrage, I choose not to own a dog so the dog doesn't suffer a cooped up life.

Everyone's personal rules and ethics can vary greatly.

[calumniate]

Kobe all the way for me
;-)

[AltaGuy]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Almonds are pretty bad for consuming resources too.

Yes, California will pay dearly for those almonds one day. And they are also delicious.