History of Ethical Treatment of Animals
History of the Ethical Treatment of Animals The consumption of meats dates back to our ancient predecessors dwelling amongst the land and early Native American tribes. The earliest forms of hunters and gathers believed strongly in all an animal had to offer, even after it was deceased. Once an animal was hunted they used each part of the animal so its life was not wasted unnecessarily. According to the Native Languages of the America, “Whether they were farming tribes or not, most Native American tribes had very meat-heavy diets.” (Native Languages of the Americas, 2011) This heavily laden diet led to other uses of their animal kill such as shelter and clothing. Once an increase of population was spurned by European settlers beginning to call America home, meat production needed to increase. This began the earliest onset of what would be known as Industrial Farming, and later Factory Farms. “As factory farms became the norm, so, unfortunately did the systematic and prolonged abuse of animals raised for human consumption.” (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 2012) According to the American Meat Institute: “In 2009, the meat and poultry industry processed: 8.7 billion chickens, 33.3 million cattle, 246 million turkeys, 2.2 million sheep and lambs, and 113.6 million hogs.” (American Meat Institute, 2012) Once word began to spread regarding the cruelty being exhibited to animals in order to keep up with consumer demand, a multitude of organizations began to issue pleas to halt the cruelty and pass acts in favor of the animals. Some of these laws and acts that led the way to legislate ethical treatment of these animals are the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the aforementioned Humane Slaughter Act of 1958, which was later amended in 1978 and 2002. In 2002 President George W. Bush signed another bill into law a declaration that would later help enforce ethical and moral treatment of animals in these