What are arguments against factory farming?

Answer 1

First of all, keep in mind that "Factory farming" is just a phrase coined by animal rights activists to refer to large-scale animal agriculture, so all commentary does not necessarily apply to all forms of animal husbandry.

There are a number of arguments against factory farming, broadly falling in to these categories:

1. Environmental
2. Public health
3. Economics
4. Humane

1. Environmental

Factory farming like other industrial factories cause widespread pollution, many rivers and ground water sources suffer from these 'factories'.

A UN report states that animal agriculture now accounts for 18% of green house gases. Much of that can be attributed to these factories.

2. Public health

Many illnesses can be directly linked to the new 'cheap' foods, including factory farmed animals, processed sugars and processes foods in general.

Dr. Michael Greger's book "Bird Flu - A virus of our own hatching" describes how factory farming may be creating new viruses, including the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

3. Economics

Proponents of factory farming site 'cheap food' as the main advantage of factory farming. However this method is causing the loss of livelihoods for many of the poorest people in the world.

4. Humane

Humans do not need to torture animals so their food is a few cents cheaper. Even an animal industry report states that cage free eggs would only cost another 1 cent per egg.