Animal Rights vs Animal Welfare

Animal Welfare-Answering Activists’ Concerns Main Point: How can I help others understand that most farmers are concerned about the welfare of their animals and do provide humane treatment?

ACTIVIST CHARGE: It is cruel to keep animals in confinement where they may be crowded together with other animals and face constant stress.

REASONABLE REPLY: Most producers won't do that because it is very unprofitable for them to keep animals in conditions that cause stress. Animals must be kept comfortable and well fed to assure a productive growth or to produce Milk.

Overcrowding reduces rate of gain.  Farmers see confinement as a way to provide security and safety for animals.

A roof may prevent animals from seeing the sky, but it also protects them from heat, rain, wind, sleet and snow. An animal's most important needs include food, shelter, rest and reproduction. Providing these in confinement is not cruel.

The Pig in a Metal Cage Farrowing Crate

Pigs in a metal cage Often times mother pigs (sows) are kept in a farrowing crate for 2-3 weeks. They are place in the crate just before giving birth. She is kept in the crate in order to protect her pigs.

Pigs in a metal cage

Scenario You’re in charge of the animals at the petting zoo. One of the farm animal is a sow and her 10 little pigs. They are housed in a Farrowing crate so that the mother will not accidentally harm her offspring.

At the petting zoo A young girl and her mother were observing an animal exhibit at the local fair. The mother and little girl got upset.

At the petting Zoo The mother viciously accuses you of animal cruelty. She points out that animals have feelings too!. She asks…How would you like to be put in a metal cage and never let our for exercise?

What is your response? Be positive. Educate the mother and the little girl.