Farm Animals | General Considerations

The ASPCA believes that at every step of their lives – from birth to death – all animals must be treated with compassion, protected from suffering and provided with the Five Freedoms [PDF]. This is especially critical for farm animals primarily bred and raised for food production, whose “value” hinges on their meat, milk and egg yield, leaving them particularly vulnerable to exploitation. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that farm animals are at least provided with the Five Freedoms, which is not currently the case on factory-like industrial farms (nor on all small or less industrialized farms). This should include the opportunity to engage in normal species-typical behaviors that allow animals to experience comfort and relief from stress, including social interaction, grooming, nesting, exercise and play.

Farm animal suffering can be reduced through more humane farming methods and through welfare-conscious and reduced animal product consumption.