Single Idea 4289

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 6. Animal Rights]

Full Idea

Sheep and beef cattle live a quiet and comfortable life among their companions, and are despatched in ways which human beings, if they are rational, must surely envy.

Gist of Idea

Sheep and cattle live comfortable lives, and die an enviably easy death

Source

Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.81)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.81


A Reaction

No rational person could envy a premature death, and we don't wait for cattle to be old before eating them. A quick death is little consolation for being murdered, and many people would prefer a slower death (without agony, of course).