ISSN 1729-9454

FAOREADINGSIN ETHICS

2

Animal welfareand the intensificationof animal production

An alternative interpretation

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The intensification of agricultural production has been a focus of

debate because of its profound effects on biodiversity and rural

populations, and many other issues. In the case of animal

production, the debate has taken on a distinctive tone because at

the centre of the process are animals. In many cultures animals

are viewed, at least to some extent, as sentient beings with

interests of their own. Animals are also the focus of ancient

moral beliefs about the relation of humans to the natural world

and about proper human conduct towards other species. To

confront ethical concerns about the intensification of animal

production, we need to begin by understanding how intensifica-

tion affects animals and their welfare, and how it relates to

ethical beliefs about the care and use of animals.

This essay explores key features of the intensification of animal

production in relation to animal welfare and animal ethics. It

looks at some traditional ethical ideas about animal care in order

to help explain why the intensification of animal production has

become such a prominent social and ethical issue. It suggests

that some of the standard claims made by critics of intensive

animal production are seriously flawed, and proposes an

alternative interpretation to account for some of the key

developments in the intensification of animal production.

Finally, it explores how this interpretation, if correct, leads us to

a different set of actions to address animal welfare concerns in

intensive production systems.

TC/M/A0158E/1/12.05/1400

ISBN 92-5-105386-3 ISSN 1729-9454