ANS 420

Swine Behavior

"Most intelligent" of the farm species Stolba & Wood-Gush at University of Edinburgh -experts in the field, have learned that, if allowed: --Sows make communal nests --Desire for cleanliness --Will walk at least 7 meters before urinating and defecating -Further --Same sex litter mates play together --If allowed, will spend 51% daylight hours rooting --Piglets wean themselves @ 12-15 wks of age

Ingrid Newkirk

"When it comes to pain, love, joy, loneliness, and fear, a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy. Each one values his or her life and fights the knife."

ORS 600-150 Exemptions to subsection 2

(AS3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a pregnant pig: Exemptions for Pregnant pigs a) Being transported; b) In a rodeo exhibition, a state or county fair exhibition or a similar exhibition; c) During the slaughtering process; d) During lawful scientific or agricultural research; e) During an examination, operation or test by a veterinarian or during temporary treatment for veterinary purposes; or f) In the seven-day period before the pig farrows.

Tail Docking

* Lower 2/3 of tail removed by banding, hot iron or surgically * Usually in younger animals •The Practice started early in the 20th century in New Zealand •Goal-To improve sanitation -Manure on tails was thought to increase bacterial contamination of milk -Improve worker comfort --Less messy •Prophylactic tail docking banned in CA effective 2009 -No evidence that the practice reduced somatic count in milk -(As with debeaking), can result in phantom pain

According the APPA (American Pet Product Association)

-Approximately 67% of households in the US had one or more pets o89.7 Million dogs o94.2 Million cats -Somewhere between 40-50% of owners change vacation plans because of pets -Estimated $75.3 billion pet industry expenditures

Additional/Review of Welfare Concerns

-Downer animals -Dairy "burn out" -Tail Docking -Disbudding & Dehorning -Confinement

Swine Industry

-First farm species to be reared intensively -Approx. 90% in confinement in the U.S.

Moral Consideration

-Having the characteristics sufficient to be a member of a moral community -Means being entitled to consideration in ethical decision making -Different opinions on who should have moral consideration -Non-human animals? -Fetuses? -Future generations? -Etc.

Alternatives? Swedish Farrowing System

-Laws passed in 1980s banned sub-therapeutic antibiotic use & increased envi. protection -Management changes: -Hogs from crates → group settings -Hard floors → deep straw bedding •Outcomes: -Manure becomes solid waste -Pigs get warmth & exercise -Herd behavior allowed → better health, lower mortality

Dairy and Veal: History & Practices

-Statistics -Causes for Change in Cattle Dairying -Issues -Veal

Beef cattle are raised in primarily extensive systems

-animals seldom confined from birth to about 18 months of age -when confined, it's for 3 -6 months @ feedlot -feed resources provided by range and pasture grasses much of the year, supplementation in winter or during dry season -hardiness and maternal behavior are selected for as a consequence of the system

ORS 604.046

1) Brand inspection and the issuance of a brand inspection certificate is required in this state for: (a) Cattle to be transported from any place in this state to or through any place outside of this state; (b) Cattle to be transported from any place in this state to a range or pastureland outside of this state and destined to be ultimately returned to this state; (c) Except as provided in subsection (5)(b) of this section, cattle destined for sale or slaughter at any livestock auction market or other sales facility or slaughterhouse in this state, and prior to such sale or slaughter; ...

The Well-Being of Farm Animals by Bernard Rollins, 2004:Four Reasons for Change (social consensus to include animals)

1) Demographics changes Changes in the work force and in actual "connection" 2) Change in relationship with animal (and presentation) Yearning for closeness to animals, "cute factor", media coverage 3) Ethical sensitivity priming - results in public concern Rights for many groups of people has produced broader concern for treatment of the "least enfranchised" 4) Change in how animals are used From food, fiber, locomotion, power to companionship or as parts of efficiency & productivity calculation in confinement agriculture

Four Castration Methods

1) Surgical, remove both testicles from within the scrotum 2) Elastration by banding, tissue is starved of blood flow and dies off, eventually shriveled testicles fall off 3) Crush vas deferens, i.e. Burdizzo tool -seldom used, high failure rate 4) Immunological, vaccinated against own GnRH -least common, not practical

Purposes of pain

1)Distinguish between harmful & benign stimuli 2)Learn to avoid situations by association 3)Prioritize escape 4)Inhibit activity that delays recovery

Systematic approach

1)Ethical Framing 2)The Ethics Jam 3)Ethical "Fact-finding" 4)Constructing Alternatives 5)Justification of an Ethical Verdict 6)Process Tests of Moral Integrity

Some challenges of intensive (Conventional) systems

1. Environmental Cheap fossil fuel is a driver of many current systems with low labor input, consequences include a concentration of manure and urine waste 2. Human Health Issues 2/3 of human infectious diseases are zoonotic. Air quality at some swine and poultry facilities necessitates the use of respirators 3. Consolidation of ownership This resulted in losses to rural communities 1960 there were 1,000,000 hog producer in the US, 2005 there were 67,000 producers in the US 4. "Externalized costs" Americans are used to eating 'cheap' food, spending 9% of income on food vs. 25% paid by Europeans Medical costs due from workers (California State Officials told the Pew Commission that health costs from dairies in Central Valley equal $1000/year/person in direct medical costs (Pond et al.,2012)

More terminology with respect to argumentation

1.Dogmatism -Doggedly defending an opinion -Unwillingness to see any opinion but your own. 2.Offhand self-justification -Automatic excuse making or defensiveness, sometimes called rationalizing. 3.Relativism -"Any moral opinion is as good as the next!" -"My values are different from yours!" -Can be individual or cultural

But what about pain? Which method is best?

19 research papers included -Age of bull calves -Weight loss -Hormone levels

Idaho Dairy Statistics

1991 •Licensed dairies: 1,952 •# of mature cows: 178,000 •Ave. herd size: 91 cows 2007 •Licensed dairies : 648 •# of mature cows: 507,000 •Ave. herd size: 783 cows

Swine Industry trends

60+ years ago, outdoor systems on sand worked well where: 1) drainage was good 2) labor was available -Trend has been to move indoors: -concrete or slatted floors -automated feeding -flush or mechanical scraping to clear waste

Downer cows

A cow which cannot stand, is non-ambulatory Causes: 1.Pinched nerve @ calving Usually a short term problem Typically the cow rises within 48 hours Other problem-perhaps exhaustion if not standing in 48 hours unlikely to stand again 2.Lameness- Overall incidence circa 35% (Foditch et al., 2015) 90% involves the foot (Univ. of Kansas, 2011)

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages •Measureable and substantive Disadvantages •Collection can cause welfare concerns •Results do not always reflect reality -Only at a moment in time -Can be misinterpreted

ORS 600.150- Prohibition against restrictive confinement

As used in this section: Section 1 (a) "Pig" means a porcine animal of a type maintained as livestock. (b) "Turning around freely" means having the ability to turn in a complete circle in an enclosure without an impediment, including a tether, and without touching any side of the enclosure. Subsection 2 A person commits the offense of restrictive confinement of a pregnant pig if the person a pregnant pig for more than 12 hours during any 24-hour period in a manner that prevents the pregnant pig from: (a) Lying down and fully extending its limbs; or (b) Turning around freely.

What are the consequences?

Benefits: -immobility of sow prevents crushing of piglets -no fighting with conspecifics -floors can be washed or swept of fecal matter -constant temperature = good feed conversion efficiency Disadvantages: -boredom leads to biting, fighting -strong ammonia smell --damaging to swine and human lungs -natural behaviors (rooting) are prevented -interaction with piglets is limited -foot & leg problems -urinary tract disease -diarrhea in piglets

Producing animals with high probability of medical problems

Bulldogs and similar Giant breed dogs Persian Cats Munchkins

Current guidelines (with respect to layers)

Hens •Cages not allowed -Can be free or barn raised •Substrate for dust bathes must be provided •Feed withdrawal not allowed •Nest boxes provided •Beak trimming allowed

According to Marian Stamp-Dawkins-

In order to assess animal welfare, the following must be considered 1)Look at physical health 2)Look at productivity 3)Compare to wild counterparts 4)Look at physiological measures 5)Look at the behavior 6)Give animals choice 7)Anthropomorphic extrapolation -We don't know what they feel so we have to consider how we feel.

"Production Diseases"

Man made diseases •Develop due to the inability to meet the demands of high production -Does not include nutritional diseases --they can be addressed with appropriate nutrition •Can include metabolic diseases --some of which can be related to feeding large amounts of concentrates.

Sources of welfare information

Most of the information people have no idea where they get it, they just hear it. Word of mouth, social media, etc..

Current Production Practices

Most sows are confined in gestation stalls when pregnant --usually 2 ft x 7 ft x 3' 4'' --Are kept on concrete floors or on slats --Mobility is limited so turning around not possible --Piglets are weaned at 2-3 wks of age

general areas of welfare concern

Painful procedures: -castration -dehorning/disbudding -branding handling & transport Feedlot conditions Slaughter practices

North American Meat Institute "Critical Control Points" (with respect to slaughter)

Temple Grandin worked with industry to develop standards •% of animals stunned on first event •% of animals conscious on a bleed rail •% of animals falling in a facility •% of pigs and cattle vocalizing in handling and stunning •% of animals prodded by electric prods •Zero tolerance for dragging of a conscious animal

Veal calves in stalls

Veal stalls have been outlawed in some States- In some cases, the calves are tethered to prevent movement & grooming

Producing animals with problems

Welfare concerns for the animal Human animal bond Breed specifics

Philosophical perspectives

What motivates our use of animals

Branding

Why brand? 1. proves ownership 2. easier to see than ear tags in animals in large groups with individuals form many herds 3. allows for sorting in corrals •No difference in weight gain (Schwartzkopf et al., 1997) unlike after -castration -dehorning/disbudding -transport -weaning ... which "always cause a setback"

Ethics of care and Communitarianism (Social Consensus)

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Some issues

oCare in clinics oBreeding oCosmetic surgeries oElective surgeries (desexing) oResponsibilities of owners (what is appropriate care?) oSocial responsibilities (to humans or animals) oVeterinary responsibilities oCare in clinics oFinancial oEuthanasia (or no?) oBreeding oCosmetic surgeries oElective surgeries (desexing) oResponsibilities of owners (what is appropriate care?) oEnvironmental impacts oEliminations oFood consumption

Loving them too little, or to death

oIsolation oBoredom oLack of interactions with conspecifics oObesity oDressing up?

Step five- Justification of an Ethical Verdict

oOf the alternatives identified in step 4 (finding alternatives), which is most ethically defensible? oWhat SHOULD be done? o oWhy is this alternative preferable? Which values in step 2 (ethical issues or values) support or "justify" this alternative? Does this alternative resolve the "ethics jam"?

Step six-The Process of Moral Integrity

oPracticality Test: oCan the proposed verdict in step 5 (justification) be implemented? oPublicity Test: oIf the proposed verdict were published in the newspaper, or displayed on the Web, could the decision-makers defend it? oPeer/Collegiality Test: oCan the proposed decision be defended to an audience of peers or colleagues? oReversibility/Golden Rule Test: oDoes the proposed decision treat others as the decision-makers would wish to be treated were the circumstances reversed? o oCan the decision be supported by one (or more) ethical theories?

Cosmetic surgeries

oShort term and long term effects oBehavior oComplications oPotential benefits

Lastly- should we keep them?

oThe Five Freedoms oFreedom from Hunger and Thirst oFreedom from Discomfort oFreedom from Pain, Injury and Disease oFreedom to Perform Natural Behaviors oFreedom from Fear and Distress o oPotential societal effects oNegative effects on the environment

Step four-Finding Alternatives

oWhat alternatives could practically be done by the decision-makers? oWhat truly are the options?

Step three-Ethical Detective Work

oWhat are the known facts about the issue oHow reliable are those facts? oAre they opinion or hearsay? oWhat other information needs to be obtained? oHow can that information be obtained?

Step two- The Ethics Jam

oWhat ethical issues or values are causing the problem? oFairness, truthfulness, consent, confidentiality, trust, promises, altruism oCompassion, protecting others from harm, protecting the welfare of others oPursuit of knowledge, dignity, privacy oFreedom, respect for others choices

Specific welfare and ethical issues for companion animal veterinarians

oWho are responsibilities to? oOwner? oPatient? oClinic? oWe are the experts- what we say influences what happens

Subjects of a life (SOL)

•"(Some non-human animals possess) beliefs and desires, perceptions and memory, and a sense of the future including their own......: psychological identity over time and an individual sense of welfare in the sense that their experiential life fares them well or ill for them, logically independent of their utility for other....." •Regan, 1983

Perception vs. Well-being

•"Animal agriculture must give up the concept that "educating the public" regarding modern livestock practices is the answer to alleviating consumer concerns over the welfare of swine on today's pig farms."

ODA Animal Health and Identification

•"We prevent livestock theft by denying a market for stolen animals through recording of brands and inspection of animals." •Chapter 604 — Brands and Marks; Feedlots

Opinion- noun

•(Some) definitions •A belief, judgment or way of thinking about something: what someone thinks about a particular thing •A view, judgment or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter •A formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert •Without an opinion, one cannot be decisive •A belief, judgment or way of thinking about something: what someone thinks about a particular thing •A view, judgment or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter •A formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert •Are all opinions valid? •Should everyone be entitled to his or her opinion? •Are fixed opinions a good or bad thing? •Our society admires decisiveness and indecision can lead to lack of productivity •However, this can lead to closed minds •Receptivity is important

Quote Bernard Rollin-1995

•(Telos is) "a nature, a function, a set of activities intrinsic to (an individual of a particular species), evolutionarily determined and genetically imprinted.... (Animals) have natures- the pigness of a pig, the cowness of a cow, 'fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly'-which are essential to their well-being. Common sense tells us that animals who are built to move need to move to feel good: there is no point in trying to prove that they are fine if kept immobile.....(T)o promote welfare of animals, we need to raise them in ways that respect their natures"

The Five Freedoms

•1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor. •2. Freedom from Discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area. •3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment. •4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and the company of the animal's own kind. •5. Freedom from Fear and Distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. -Started in the 1960s when intensive farming was starting to become more common, there was an uproar in Europe. Due to the book, "Animal Machines", they created the Bramble Council that went examined the welfare of animals in intensive situations. Hallmark for what is appropriate in the caring of animals. Europe has lots of animal laws, not so much the U.S. -Initially, the first three were considered to be the most important.

Perceptions and Impacts on Consumption (McKendree, Croney & Olynk-Widmar, 2013)

•14% of survey participants (n = 798) reported decreasing their pork consumption in the past three years due to animal welfare concerns •Average reduction of 56% from their previous consumption

Veal Industry in the US:

•827,000 pounds in 1975 •145,000 pounds in 2007 •Most calves used are male offspring of dairy cows •More veal imported than produced in US currently •Average veal farm is small (circa 225 head) •Production affects milk sales -Farmers used $350 million in milk and milk products

Current state of the market (US)

•98% of layers are in cages •Less than 1% of beef cattle are exclusively grass fed •90% of sows are in gestation stalls and farrowing crates •0.05% of turkeys and broilers live in free range or movable crate situations •Antibiotics and hormones are extensively used in industry

Grower-Finisher Piglet management

•@ 1-10 days of age piglets receive: -Vaccination -Ear-notching -Teeth-clipping to avoid injury (reduced pre-weaning mortality observed by some) -Castration -Fe (iron) injection -Tail docking

Moral Agent

•A being that is rational and capable of understanding and responding to demands of morality. •Maturity •Rationality •Have the capability of understanding of the stake they have in any decision •Are aware of self interests and that of others

Molting

•A natural event where food intake is reduced and egg production stops, while plumage is changed -Egg production, and egg quality is typically better post molting --Productive life of hens is limited to 2-3 years, forced molting results in better products for this time --In production, it is preferable to have hens molt together -FOR UEP --Evidence of forced molting is failure of the audit

Translating :

•A person is alive •A person is aware •A person feels positive and negative sensations •A person has emotions •A person has a sense of self •A person controls it's own behavior •A person recognizes other persons •A person has a variety of sophisticated cognitive abilities

Stereotypy

•A repetitive behavior, consistent in form, that serves no apparent purpose

28 hour law

•Administered by APHIS of the USDA •Transporters must stop at least every 28 hours to provide animals with: Food Water Rest Exceptions? •Sheep may be confined for an additional 8 consecutive hours without being unloaded when the 28-hour period of confinement ends at night •May be confined more than 28 hours when the animals cannot be unloaded because of accidental or unavoidable causes that could not have been anticipated or avoided when being careful •LAW DOES NOT APPLY WHEN •animals are transported in a vehicle or vessel in which the animals have food, water, space, and an opportunity for rest.

Freeze Branding Cattle

•Advantages: -less chronic pain •Disadvantages: -Increased time of branding -Cost of liquid nitrogen -Less effective on light-haired animals

Possible flaws in thinking

•Again we have the problem of humans who are not protected by a family •An orphan infant does not actually matter as treatment of this individual (who cannot hold a contract) will not harm others

Stookey & Watts. 2004. Production Practices and Well-Being: Cattle

•Age effects perception of pain experience as a neonate can increase sensitivity to pain later in life however, young animals' wounds heal more quickly •CVMA (2003) recommendation: castration & dehorning in the first week of life • Is this practical? What are other considerations?

Inclusive views-Rights based Tom Regan and Subjects-of-a- life (SOL)

•All SOL have an inherent worth and deserve moral respect and the associated rights •Some animals are SOL and should not be used as resources •"we are each the experiencing of SOL, a conscious creature having individual welfare that has importance for us whatever our usefulness to others. All of the dimensions of our life including our pleasure and pain, our enjoyment and suffering, our satisfaction and frustration, our continued existence or untimely death-all make a difference to the quality of our life as lives, as experienced, by us as individuals. As the same is true for those animals that concern us (the ones that are eaten and trapped for example), they too must be viewed as the experiencing subjects-of-a- life, with inherent value of their own......" •Regan 1984 •"To harm....individuals merely in order to produce the best consequences for all involved is to do what is wrong- is to treat them unjustly-because it fails to respect their inherent value. To borrow part of a phrase from Kant, individuals who have an inherent value must never be treated merely as a means to securing the best aggregate consequences." •Regan, 1984 •"Unlike Utilitarianism, the view in principle denies that we can justify good results by using evil means that violate an individual's rights-denies, for example, that it could be moral to kill my aunt Bea to harvest beneficial consequences for others. That would be to sanction the disrespectful treatment of the individual in the name of social good, something that rights view will categorically not ever allow....." •"In the case of the use of lab animals in science, the rights in view is categorically abolitionist. Lab animals are not our tasters; we are not their kings.......This is as true when they are used in trivial, duplicative, unnecessary or unwise research as it is when they are used in studies that hole out real promise for human benefits........ As for commercial animal agriculture, the rights view takes a similar abolitionist position. The fundamental moral wrong here is not that animals are kept in stressful close confinement or in isolation, or that their pain and suffering, their needs and preferences are ignored or discounted. They are symptoms and effects of the deeper systemic wrong that allows these animals to be views and treated as lacking independent value, as resources for us-indeed a renewable resource. " Regan 1984

Standards and Philosophy

•All animals should be able to live and present their normal behaviors •No confinement/housing -appropriate housing •Nutritious food •No subtherapeutic antibiotics •No hormones •Training for all personnel •Slaughter standards

Beliefs

•An accepted opinion •A feeling of being sure that someone or something exists or that something is true • A feeling that something is good, right, or valuable • A feeling of trust in the worth or ability of someone The conviction of the truth or reality of a thing

What is moral standing?

•An individual has moral standing for us if we believe that it makes a difference, morally, how that individual is treated, apart from the effects it has on others. That is, an individual has moral standing for us if, when making moral decisions, we feel we ought to take that individual's welfare into account for the individual's own sake and not merely for our benefit or someone else's benefit. •By Claire Andre and Manuel Velasquez, Santa Clara Jesuit University

Terminology (taken from Burkhardt et al)

•Animal Rights •The perspective that animals have interests that should not be subjected to cost-benefit trade offs •A change in use of animals is necessary •Ranges from animal interests should be considered •Animals should not be used if it causes death •Animals should not be confined, etc.

Simplification of views regarding the treatment of animals

•Animal Use (AKA exploitation) •Animal Welfare •Animal Rights •Differences relate directly to the question of moral standing •These philosophical approaches can be used for all ethical dilemma's

Legislation protecting animals

•Animal Welfare Act -1966 with may amendments •Humane Slaughter act -1958 -Poultry are exempt •28 Hour Law •Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act -PACT •Other controls exist however are not Federal legislation -FASS -PHS animal welfare

Exclusive views

•Animals do not have the required characteristics •Animals, in their own right, do not merit moral consideration •Human-centrism •Rene Descartes (1596-1690) •Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) •Egoism •Narveson

Extension approaches: Inclusive views

•Animals have a moral status in their own right based on the possession of certain characteristics •Two Key Proponents •Peter Singer- Utilitarianism •Tom Regan- Rights based

Community oriented approaches to moral status

•Approach believes that moral status has a base in community •Communities have shared and mutual dependencies which are moral obligations •Broad in application •Has elements of interspecies respect •Human virtues such as restrain, compassion and empathy •Promotes a recognition that animals have a point of view (perspective)

Differing opinions - things to think about

•Are all opinions valid? •Should everyone be entitled to his or her opinion? •Are fixed opinions a good or bad thing? •Our society admires decisiveness and indecision can lead to lack of productivity

Utilitarianism

•As an ethical theory it can be traced back to Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) •States that the rightness or wrongness of an act is determined by the final consequences •Actions should be viewed as the sum of negative effects (to all affected) and positive effects (to all affected) •Right or wrongness is a result of consequences •The goal is least harm •Jeremy Bentham (1789) on the moral treatment and ethical views of animal use •Bentham describes two beings •Human beings (persons) •Other animals considered to be less important (things)

Enemies of credibility

•As suggested by Weston "Three Easy Routes to a Closed mind" (and how to avoid them) •IN OTHER WORDS, Watch for these! 1.Dogmatism 2.Offhand self-justification 3.Relativism

Extension approach

•Assumes that some characteristic or characteristics must be possessed in order to have moral standing •Rationality •Capacity for pain perception •Capacity for pleasure •Etc •If present then moral status can be assigned, if not, no •Duties towards the being are determined by the presence or absence of the characteristic •Moral standing by Inclusion •Inclusive views carry that animals have a moral status in their own right which is based on the possession of certain characteristics •Sentience (Singer) •The ability to feel pleasure and pain •Subject of a life (SOL) •Have an interest in life continuing •Have an inherent worth and deserve moral respect and the associated rights •Some animals are SOL and should not be used as resources

Narveson's view

•Based on self interest •Following social conventions is in itself a self interest •Shared rules and ethics promote a stable society •Rationality and language are necessary to understand existing contracts or conventions which will benefit self

Kant- Non-consequentialist Virtue (deontology)

•Beings which possess autonomy, that is the ability to reason and self-legislate deserve respect •Only humans are able to chart their own life making them the only species which fulfils the above •Only humans can be held morally responsible •As such, humans have no direct obligations to animals, however there are duties about animals •Mistreating animals is a reflection of what someone might do to a person hence

Human-Centrism: Kant

•Beings which possess autonomy, that is the ability to reason and self-legislate deserve respect •Only humans are able to chart their own life making them the only species which fulfils the above •Only humans can be held morally responsible •As such, humans have no direct obligations to animals, however there are duties about animals •Mistreating animals is a reflection of what someone might do to a person hence •"Our duties towards animals were merely indirect duties towards humanity.......... If a man shoots his dog because the animal is no longer capable of service, he does not fail his duty to the dog, for the dog cannot judge, but his act is inhumane and damages in himself that humanity which it is his duty to show toward mankind" •Excerpts from Immanuel Kant (Reprint 1989)

Human-centrism

•Beliefs •We have the power to shape animals lives hence hold a higher position •Only beings that have consciousness and reason, and/or language should be given a moral status and hence legal protections •Humans are the only species with •Consciousness •Language •Reason •Therefore Humans are the only species that possess these qualities so they have moral status and legal rights •Since animals lack the above requirements, it does not matter (to the animal) how it is treated, so the animal's value is a result of its utility to humans •Treatment of animals should only be judged to be moral or immoral in virtue of its connection to human interests •What does this imply for the treatment of animals?

Review of A few definitions

•Beliefs •an accepted opinion, conviction of the truth or reality of a thing •Knowledge • acquaintance with facts, truths or principles as from study or investigation •Morals •defined by cultural and religious beliefs •Ethics •knowledge of right and wrong; transcends culture, religion and time •Seek to limit human actions which are harmful to the interests of others •Create a context so people can live together

When, if ever, is appropriate to use an animal to benefit humans?

•Beliefs are typically "learned" and will affect how a person lives and an individuals beliefs. •In general- •Beliefs fall into one of two motivations: •Philosophical reflection •Religious beliefs

Differentiating between knowledge and Belief

•Can be difficult to recognize when the material is familiar Belief or beliefs (Webster's dictionary) •An accepted opinion •A feeling of being sure that someone or something exists or that something is true • The conviction of the truth or reality of a thing Knowledge •(n.) acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation •the quality of having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarship. An erudition

Certifications (Each with its own level of rigor)

•Certified Humane •Animal Welfare Institute •American Humane Certified •Food Alliance (Temple Grandin) •GLOBAL ANIMAL PARTNERSHIP

The Brambell Committee

•Chaired by professor Roger Brambell (MD) •Committee member -ethologist William Thorpe •Created an 85 pg document •"Report of the Technical Committee to Inquire into the Welfare of Animals Kept under Intensive Livestock Husbandry Systems" •AKA the Brambell Report •Development of the Farm Animal Advisory Committee •Became the Farm Animal Welfare Council •Finally the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (Circa 1979) •Codified the Five Freedoms

Virtue

•Character traits, or dispositions to act, that are deemed constitutive of what it means to be a good person

More space does not necessarily relate to fewer mortalities

•Clear relationship with spaces of 48-72in2 but above 89 the relationship was less clear •No measurable improvement over 86 in2 • Current UEP guidelines -69-86 in2/bird

Concerns with veal production

•Confinement -Historically the stall size was just bigger than the calf --Size of stall made it impossible to turn around •Darkness -Keeps animals quiet, however is an "abnormal" situation •Bedding is withheld -Eating bedding could promote rumination -These animals were eating milk products •All milk diet -Lack of iron induces anemia -Calves develop respiratory signs related to lack of RBC's results in wheezing indicating respiratory distress -Without iron muscle cannot develop normally •Stereotypies -Behaviors such as excessive grooming can result in medical problems from large amount of ingested hair

Another way to look at some ethical philosophies

•Consequentialist •Utilitarian •Directs agents to act to maximize the good (benefits) or minimize the harms ( if positive cannot be attained) •The ends justify the means •Non-consequentialist •Virtue •Do things because it is right •Do things to be a good person •The outcome is not what should be considered

With regard to animal use- What is needed and can it be communicated

•Constructive deliberation •Balancing human interests (e.g., food demands) •Animal welfare •Environmental impacts

Morals

•Defined by cultural and religious beliefs

inanition

•Definition : the quality or state of being empty: •a : the exhausted condition that results from lack of food and water •b : the absence or loss of social, moral, or intellectual vitality or vigor

Rollin (2004) The Well-Being of Farm Animals. Four Reasons for Change

•Demographics •Yearning for closeness •Ethical sensitivity priming •Change in how animals are used

Disbudding

•Destruction of the horn-producing cells (corium) of the horn bud •Horn buds are removed without opening the frontal sinus •Chemical and hot-iron disbudding -destroy the horn-producing cells •Physical methods -excision •Hot iron -Commonly done --Is considered painful •Several different methods -Butane, electrical, etc. -Cautery may provide some pain relief as it may destroy nociceptors

Disbudding vs. Dehorning

•Disbudding •Removal of the horn producing cells •Dehorning •Done after horn bud is formed

Reasons for inadequate stunning

•Distractions for staff •Maintenance of the stunner •Employee training •Ergonomics and facility design •Being visible to the stunner •Slippage •Percentage of cattle prodded with an electric prod. -Must be 25% or less for a minimum passing score. --An excellent percentage is 5% •Percentage of cattle that slip and fall during handling in the crowd pen, single file chute, or stunning box. -A fall is recorded if the body touches the floor. Also be recorded in the truck unloading ramp. --Must be 99% or better no falls and 97% or better no slipping. --Slight slipping often occurs in stunning boxes and it makes the animal agitated and difficult to stun. •Percentage of cattle that vocalize during handling or stunning in the crowd pen, single file chute, and the stunning box or restrainer. -Score an animal as a vocalizer if it makes any audible vocalization (moo or bellow). Each animal is scored on a yes/no basis (vocalizer or nonvocalizer).

General terminology Ethics and the Social Contract

•Divided into three types of ethics •Social or Social Consensus •Ethical rules which we believe universally bind all members of a society •Personal •Can be the same as social but may not be •Professional •A set of rules governing special circumstances likely to be encountered by the profession

Opinions and Ethics

•Does our society value and encourage open minds? •Are opinions positive or negative? •Strong opinions are considered more important •Can a person maintain an opinion with a open mind?

Inspections

•Done annually •The slaughterhouse is not certified -the animal is followed from the producer through the slaughterhouse to make sure the process is appropriately -Standards are set by HFAC --Certification can be revoked at any time

Issue-Beak trimming

•Entails removal of the rostral 1/4th to 1/3rd of the beak -Done to prevent feather picking and cannibalism -Known that the beak is highly innervated •Methods- -Mechanical -Hot blade -Electrical -Infra-red --Less commonly --Chemical --Freeze-dried --Laser

Welfare and Ethics

•Ethical questions •Pushed by public interest •Questions push the science •Implications for management and husbandry •Importance of behavior Impact on health and productivity

Review vocabulary

•Ethics •The philosophical study of morality •In common usage it is sometimes used more narrowly to mean the moral principles of a particular tradition, group, or individual •Morality •A learnable standard of right or wrong conduct •A code of conduct or belief, sense of right and wrong •Is based on sociological conditions and learned behavior •Describes and ideal way of behaving •can vary between cultures, societies •Moral Reasoning •The process by which moral right and wrong conduct are determined

Moral Standing and Ethical Perspectives

•Extension approaches to moral standing •Exclusive views •Human- centrism views •Egoism •Inclusive views •Utilitarian •Rights based approach •Community-oriented approaches to moral standing

NAMI

•Extensive guidelines for all aspects of meat production -Includes a myriad of situations

Approaches to welfare study

•Feelings based (Telos) •Biology or function based

Age of debeaking is important

•Fewer long term problems when done before 10 days •After 8 weeks there can be significant pain -With hot blades --Due to the extensive innervation there can be regrowth of nerve ends which can result in neuromas and the equivalent of "phantom limbs" •Debeaking is associated with significant behavioral differences between debeaked an undebeaked pullets -More "head under wing" behavior -Etc.

Animal Ethics is closely related to Food Ethics

•Food distribution •Should grain go to animals over needy humans? •Animal agriculture has environmental impacts •Animal wastes •Fossil fuel •Endangered species •Greenhouse gas •GMO's

The ethics of genetic manipulation

•For some is unacceptable in all circumstances •Rollin, SandØe and others -"The Principle of Conservation of Welfare" --"Animals resulting from either genetic manipulation or breeding programs should not have worse welfare than individuals from the founder populations used to establish the breed kept under comparable conditions" (Thompson, 2007)

Communitarianism according to Bernard Rollin

•Fundamentals: •Animals have defining properties which is their essence. This includes the "nature "of the animals •"Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly" •The central defining properties capture the good of a being and are the basis for moral respect •These properties he names "Telos" •Along with the concept of "telos", the capacity for pain, and the capacity of humans for cruelty towards that being, should be considered •The central concept of "Telos" is part of a new social ethic •Stems from the advent of new technologies and methods of animal care which do not intentionally harm, but impede the ability of animals to express their natural behaviors •Fundamental conclusion •Use of production animals and animals in research animals is permissible however we should abolish (or at least minimize) systems which do not permit an animal to express its "telos" •Using this rational •we should strive to return to traditional husbandry •The concept of defining properties of a species is closely related to •The principle of welfare conservation •Rollins feelings about modification of production animals for our purposes is as follows: •If genetic alteration compromises an animals well-being in comparison with conspecifics (who have not been altered), or if an animal would have had a better life had it not been altered (from the natural form) , it is not acceptable

Where concern started

•GB in the late 1950's/early 1960's some concern was being raised •1964-Ruth Harrison wrote "Animal Machines: The New Factory Farming Industry" •Created a huge outcry by the public

Cited reasons for increased production

•Genetic selection for high productivity •Improvements in nutrition and feeding systems Effect on welfare is debated

Values

•Good(s) •What people value or what counts as a benefit to them. •Often preferences are considered indicators of what people value •Instrumental Value •Value based on usefulness, function, ability to provide benefits •Intrinsic Value •Valuable for its own sake

Certified Humane

•Guidelines set by the Humane Farm Animal Care Council •Strives to address the public concern by -Setting standards for improved animal welfare -Using 3rd party inspections and product labeling -Giving consumers the choice on purchases -Maintaining communication with the public

Recap OF UEP Mandate- determine how to measure welfare of layers

•Guidelines should be applicable to industry while respecting welfare -Focus was on measures of hen welfare --Productivity and mortality --Behavior --Immune function -Economics, food safety, ethics, public perception

Examiners

•Have to have MS or PhD in ANS and/or be DVM •Are species specific in audits •Are independent of CH therefore -Typically have other jobs --Must be unbiased

Proposed methods to measure welfare

•Health •Production •Weight gain •Growth •Reproduction •Fecundity •Milk production •Behavior

Dehorning and disbudding

•Horns inherited as autosomal recessive gene •Reasons to disbud or de-horn: 1) easier to manage the herd, hierarchies are altered 2) fewer bruised carcasses 3) safer for handlers •Problems: 1) pain at time of procedure & afterwards 2) loss of cooling mechanism that intact horns provide -> polled gene is dominant so breed polled cow to polled bulls & offspring will be polled, i.e. polled Herefords

Exclusive views proponents

•Humanocentrism •Rene Descartes (1596-1690) -Arguments again --Bentham (utilitarian) and Gassendi •Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) -Virtue (Deontologist)

The Universal Perspective

•If a moral statement or standing is accepted for one situation, it must be applied to all similar situations •If killing in self defense is permissible, killing in self defense must be permissible in all similar situations

Marginal Case Argument

•If we use "non-paradigm" humans with respect and give them legal and moral rights, then the same should be recognized in animals of the same or higher status

American Veal Association

•In 2007, association adopted a resolution •Industry-wide conversion from individual to group pens by Dec. 31, 2017 •Encourages continued industry research to perfect group housing methods •It is thought that findings could to assist producers in the transitioning from traditional to a more welfare/socially acceptable practice •Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) -A certification for veal producers that humane methods are used

Voluntary vs legislated standards

•In general •The United States has been slower to adopt voluntary and legislated standards of care for farm animals •US federal legislation of farm animal practices has been minimal and has been confined to aspects of livestock transport and slaughter.

Effective argumentation (ethical or otherwise)

•In order to effectively present a point of view it must •Clear •Concise •Credible

The following could apply to any scientist, but think about these statements with respect to with animal agriculture (science)

•In some cases scientists are being seen as causing social problems •Scientists have not done a good job of dealing with the public •Scientists need to reexamine what we do and take responsibility and make necessary changes

Why study (and understanding) is important

•In some cases, scientists are seen as causing social problems •Scientists have not done a good job of dealing with the public •Scientists need to reexamine what we do and take responsibility and make necessary changes

Industry response: Welfare guidelines for layers

•In the late 1990's United Poultry Concerns was bombarded re: Molting and Cage size •Unsuccessful collaboration with HSUS for legislation •Industry response- -The group approached academia requesting guidelines •Goal -UEP created guidelines which were applicable to industry while respecting welfare -Focus on measures of hen welfare --Productivity and mortality --Behavior --Immune function -Economics, food safety, ethics, public perception

Present day concerns

•Information regarding cognitive powers and affective states •As it is now known that some animals possess high levels of intellectual and emotional capacities, the human centric view, and the "unique qualities" of humans are questionable

Concerns with humanocentrism

•Information regarding cognitive powers and affective states •Some animals possess high levels of intellectual and emotional capacities •The "unique qualities" of humans are questionable

Ethics

•Is the knowledge of right and wrong; it transcends culture, religion, and time •Seek to limit (human) actions harmful to the interests of others •Create a context so people can live together

Concerns

•Is there clarity as to how we should deal with cases of conflict of interest? •Sometimes it is not possible in our society to respect all rights of involved individuals •Do the rights of human beings for continued existence trump the lives of animals who are used for vital biomedical research? •It may be seen as permissible to kill animals that present a presents a clear threat (such as carrying disease, etc.), but if that is true then why would it not be problematic to kill an animal if the information gleaned from the research could save lives? •The Subject of a life definition lacks specificity; •If the 'sense of one's future' is construed broadly then it could be applied to almost any organism •On the other hand, if it is determined by 'reflective self-consciousness' then it may be incorrect to use it with respect to some of the animals that Regan considers SOL •By emphasizing only species similarities and egalitarianism, the vital interests of moral agents or human beings have been uniquely ignored (Fraser, 1999) •By deemphasizing the 'humanness of animals' we might be better apt to appreciate the nature of animals and promote responsibility based on care and virtues like trust and stewardship (Anthony 2003)

Egoism as seen by contemporaries

•Jan Narveson (Canadian) •Morality can be seen as a "contract" between members of comparable abilities •Since animals cannot be part of the social contract and uphold reciprocal obligations, they are not awarded moral status •The question of humans who cannot perform the above duties is solved by considering the people (around them) who would be affected by mistreatment of them •Mistreatment of a non-capable human would affect the interests of the community •Peter Carruthers (British)

Opposing views

•Jeremy Bentham (1789) •From Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation •"the day may come when the rest of the animal creation may acquire those rights.....a full-grown horse or dog is beyond comparison a more rational, as well as a more conversible animal, than an infant of a day, or a week, or even a month old. But suppose the case were otherwise what would it avail? The question is not, Can they reason? Nor, Can they talk? But Can they suffer?

Religion and its effect on Animal Ethics

•Judaism and Christianity •Both refer to the creation of animals, and mans relationship with animals when earth was created. •The bases for the human animal relationship is suggested •Many Eastern religions have a strong respect for animals •Hinduism •Holds the core belief of the unity of all creation •Transmigration of souls •Buddhism •All life forms are interrelated and animals can attain enlightenment •Islam • While they should be treated with respect and reverence, it is acceptable to kill for food provided the slaughter is as humane as possible.

"Welfare"

•Lack of scientific agreement about the definition •An animals state with regard to welfare •"An individuals state in regards to its attempt to cope with its environment" •Broom and Johnson, 1993 •Different levels of welfare are possible •Poor welfare indicates failure to cope •Ability to cope varies with individuals •"Suffering" •"a wide range of unpleasant emotional state" -continuous for a certain period of time •Dawkins and Duncan, 1983

Welfare implications

•Many other countries require that the procedure is done early (ranging from 4 weeks to 9 months) •Physiological effects -Increase in cortisol, HR, incidence of tetanus, etc •Currently no legislation in the US •AVMA -Recommends attenuation of pain and distress --Analgesia (local or systemic)/sedation --Use of cautery or hot iron post scoop method

Ethics of care- community approaches

•Mary Midgley and Ned Noddings •Moral obligations are a function of our other relationships •Bernard Rollin •Social or consensus ethics

Specific areas to be addressed

•Molting •Beak trimming •Cage size and space -Feeder space •Transport/Slaughter

Percentage of cattle that are insensible on the bleed rail

•Must be 499/500 or better -The limbs may kick but the head must be limp and floppy -There is a zero tolerance for starting any slaughter procedure on an animal showing any sign of sensibility. -On a 50 to 100 head audit must have 100% insensibility to pass the audit.

Priorities for HFAC

•No cages for laying hens •No tie-stalls, rBST or tail docking for dairy cows •No gestation or farrowing crates •Lighting programs to slow the rapid growth of broilers •Standards regarding tail docking and pastures for sheep •Improvement of conditions for feedlot cattle

The status of animals- do animals have moral standing?

•On what criteria can you base this moral standing? •Herzig & White (1998) suggest that the criteria may not be clear: •"As a person is a morally relevant individual in the realm of philosophy, the term is often used to decide who can be the holder of legal rights: a legal person......" •"Although philosophers debate the appropriate criteria for personhood, there is a rough consensus that a person (deserving of ethical consideration) is a being with a particular kind of sophisticated consciousness or inner world. Persons are aware of the world of which they are part, and they are aware of their experiences. In particular, persons are aware of the fact that they are aware, that is, they have some sort of self-awareness and reflective consciousness. And the presence of such a sophisticated consciousness is evident in the actions of such sophisticated beings"

Science and philosophy

•Once combined (PhD) •Examples •Rene Descartes (1596-1650) •French Mathematician and Philosopher •Founded the Reductionism theory •Together with other scientists such as Isaac Newton and other influential thinkers, initiated the Industrial Revolution

Descartes

•Only humans are thinking beings and have a conscious state, so only humans are members of the moral community •Only humans have language and the ability to reason because they are capable of abstract thought and reflection •Animals are simply machines, a together of many parts, like a clock •As machines they are not conscious or thinking beings so there are no ethical concerns regarding treatment

Humane slaughter act

•Originally passed in 1958, •The Humane Slaughter Act of1978 -enforced today by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) -Requires the proper treatment and humane handling of all food animals slaughtered in USDA inspected slaughter plants. --It does not apply to chickens or other birds.

Receptivity and discourse

•Our society often values a strong opinion •Strong opinions can stifle the ability to evaluate all sides of a situation •per Anthony Weston •"To talk about moral complexity or compromise, or to be curious about the other moral views, makes you sound (to some people) spineless, wishy-washy, practically immoral already"

More terms and considerations: Pain vs. Suffering

•Pain : • Physical hurt or discomfort caused by injury or illness -typically happens in a shortened period of time •Suffering : • Prolonged pain OR emotional distress Do animals sense pain the way we humans do?

Production Diseases

•Pathological conditions resulting from how an animal is bred for, used or kept in a production system •Includes a variety of diseases that result in or from: -metabolic infections -Genetics -environment -behavioral issues

Areas of concern: Perceived vs Actual issues

•Perceived •Relationship is associated with concern •More concern about those with which we have a relationship •Concerned with pain and suffering •Reality •Pain and suffering is not related to the relationship with humans •Living conditions may be of more importance to the animal than short term events •The more individuals affected the more imperative it is to address problems

Ethical questions about animals

•Permissibility of horse slaughter •Use of animals in research •Use of animals in entertainment •Confinement housing of livestock •Procedures used to alter appearance of companion animals •Ban on antibiotics for animals on organic farms •Humaneness of slaughter techniques for livestock •Others?

Function or biology based approach

•Physiological parameters •Behavioral parameters •Psychological parameters •Examines in terms of normal functions •Endocrine function •Immune function •Performance/production levels •Apparent health •Haircoat •BCS •Eyes •Etc •Post mortem exams •Assessment of internal organs •Ulcers •Indication of illness •Examines in terms of normal biological function •Parameters include •Overall health •Reproductive success •Behavioral/psychological state (strive for normal with avoidance of disturbance)

Contemporary opposing views

•Pierre Gassendi •Felt that the focus should be on perceptive abilities, and the ability to suffer instead of human qualities •Since we (humans) are capable of reasoning, it is our responsibility to demonstrate compassion rather than exploitation •Gassendi's views gained strength in the 1700's

The current situation (Candace Croney 2014)

•Polarized, politicized animal welfare discussions •Corporate agriculture portrayed as cruel, abusive, unsafe and unsustainable •Paradigm •Conventional = bad •Alternative = good •Loss of scientific authority, credibility and trust

Behavioral measures of assessment

•Preference tests •Observation of abnormal behaviors -Stereotypies -Excessive grooming -Apathy -Self mutilation -Mobility problems

Individual pens are (still) common

•Pressure from consumers has led producers to alter methods & work on public relations via media tools

Changes in Animal Industry

•Prior to WW2 24-30% of US workers were in agriculture •In 1940 1 worker supplied food for 11 people •Today 1.7% of workers are in agriculture •In 1990 1 worker supplied for 80 people

Legislated vs voluntary: considerations

•Producers do not want regulation •Congress does not want to regulate •USDA does not want, nor have the resources, to regulate -Without legislation, how can a consumer make an educated choice?

Peter Singer

•Proposed three other important components (terms) to consider: •The Principle of equality - All interests of all parties are equal •Sentientism- The capacity to feel pleasure and pain •Speciesism- Discrimination based on species •These factors should be incorporated into the utilitarian equation •Animals capable of pain and pleasure should be in the calculation •Since agriculture and biomedical research which uses animals inflicts suffering it should be halted as the end balance (animal suffering vs human benefits) does not overall go to our use •There can be no moral justification for regarding pain (or pleasure) that animals feel as less important than the same amount of pain (or pleasure) felt by humans" •"As long as a sentient being is conscious it has an interest in feeling as much pleasure and as little pain as possible......" •" This means that vegetarianism is not obligatory for those who can obtain animals who they know have been reared in this manner.....I am sure that some will claim this view on the killing of non human animals I am myself guilty of "speciesism"- that is, discrimination against beings because they are not members of my own species. My position is not speciesist because it does not permit the killing of non-human beings on the grounds that they are not members of our species, but on the ground that they lack the desire to go on living. The position applies equally to members of our own species who lack the relevant capacity."

Space

•Public perception is driving some changes •Most people, including surveyed veterinary students, estimated a desirable size which is much higher than industry standard

Changes in attitude resulting from industrialization...

•Public perception of farming/animal care •Problems/concerns- has the change to animal care caused? -welfare, how they are cared for and used

Alternatives and concerns

•Reduced use of veal has resulted in new problems -What to be done with bull calves? •'Rose veal' is served at some fine dining restaurants in Oregon •Increase housing space, allow movement, increase hours of light... and accept a slightly different texture and color in the meat

Telos

•Refers to the needs and interests of an individual •The "Dogness " of a dog •The "Pigness" of a pig •The Essence and Nature of an animal (or person) •The need to express natural behaviors •What does this mean to you for different species?

Community oriented

•Rejects generalization for application and encourages case-by case analysis •Also has a "virtue" aspect as states that we should be concerned about what happens to animals. •We have the responsibility to be concerned about what possible exploitation or neglect of animals would do to a person (morally) •What does this mean for animals we do not have a relationship with?

In the US

•Resistance to Legislation •In the In the 1980s, groups of producers wrote guidelines, codes of practice, or statements regarding the humane treatment of animals. -These standards were usually very general statements reflecting current industry practice, developed with little consultation with independent experts and involving no mechanism for encouraging or ensuring compliance by producers.

Concerns (Behavioral Measures)

•Responses could reflect experience •Lack of abnormal behavior does not mean welfare

Moral Rights

•Rights which an individual has independent of what is written in law or custom

Social Consensus Ethics with regards to Agriculture

•Rollin (2004) The Well-Being of Farm Animals •Within Social Consensus Ethics agriculture is entrusted with: •Ensuring a safe food supply •environmentally sound practices •regard for animal welfare

Both science and philosophy aim for truth

•Science •A branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws •Systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation •Knowledge gained by systematic study •Science is how things are, ethics is how things ought to be.

Science and Ethics

•Science deals with "what is" •Dairy cows can produce more than 100 lbs milk per day. •Ethics deals with "what ought to be" •Are there welfare concerns if a dairy cow produces 100 lbs of milk per day?

What is science?

•Science is the human endeavor associated with gaining an understanding and explanation of the universe, its components, functions, and processes contained within •A 'scientific fact' is consensus among scientists within a discipline about "what is"

Nociceptors

•Sensory neurons which send signals to the spinal cord and CNS -Activate the autonomic NS -Once nociceptors are stimulated it is more difficult to mitigate pain

Ethical dimensions

•Societal ethics • What we do as a community •Professional ethics •Codes of behavior •Personal ethics •What you do if no one is looking

Ethics vs Morals

•Socrates •Ethics is knowing the difference between good and bad and choosing to do the good. •Morals: Beliefs about the right and wrong Defined by cultural and religious beliefs

Definition of ethics

•Socrates says that ethics is knowing the difference between good and bad and choosing to do the good. •Ethics: a code of conduct based on right and wrong •Morals: Beliefs about the right and wrong •Affected by culture and religion •Your code of ethics can be described as the rules you live by when no one is watching

Concern- the question of marginal cases...

•Some of the required characteristics are not present in all humans •Since infants cannot speak, etc., should they not be recipients of moral respect?

How about marginal cases?

•Some of the required characteristics are not present in all humans •Since infants cannot speak, etc., should they not be recipients of moral respect?

Feeder space

•Space/feeder was also not impacted highly by size or number •It seems that 4 in/bird is most appropriate but more research is needed

Standards and auditing programs

•Standards and auditing programs -Are established for dairy cattle, laying hens and meat chickens, and for slaughter, including ritual slaughter (kosher and halal). •Challenges -Creating standards is complicated --by the lack of legislative action --the scope of the auditing required --Size of US farm and the large distances between farms --the varying levels of expertise of potential auditors.

How policies work

•Standards are set based on scientific research •Are constantly changing as information dictates •Is transparent to the public •Audits are done by 3rd party evaluators

Regan recognizes that there can be conflicts between stakeholders

•Suggests two ways to prioritize; •The mini-ride principle •Takes a utilitarian approach: in the case of comparable harms the approach which respects the most number of individuals (or infringes on the least number of individuals) should be followed •The worse off-principle •In the case where there are levels of "harm", the route which results in the least harm should be followed. •Basic rights should be protected above other rights.

Welfare science

•Terminology •History •Methodology •Voluntary vs Legislation in the US

Universal rules of ethical considerations Principles needed to consider in ethical discussions

•The Preeminence of Reason •The Universal Perspective •The Principle of Impartiality •The Dominance of Moral Norms

Consciousness

•The ability to have a reflective awareness. •To have experiences, sensations and interests •Associated with sentience •The ability to feel pain and pleasure

The Preeminence of Reason

•The backbone of moral reasoning is a logical argument •A logical argument requires critical thinking •Critical thinking requires objectivity •Identification of potential bias •Receptivity to alternative view

With respect to animals

•The differences between humans and other animals is a key point •Assumes that humans are the only species capable of cooperation and reciprocal actions •This does not mean that we do not have duties about animals, but the duties are not directly to the animals •So we should not mistreat an animal because that animal may be of importance to another person •As far as the social contract, injuring a loved animal could merit legal recourse by the owner (as he or she was hurt)

Commonality

•The diseases/problems are directly related to intensive farming •Therefore- 'Production disease is a man-made problem; it consists of a breakdown of the various metabolic systems of the body under the combined strain of high production and modern intensive husbandry' (Payne, 1972).

Certifications

•The first certification •In the UK the Farm Animal Department set up standards •1994- RSPCA set up guidelines in England •Producers abiding by standards could have the "Freedom Food" label •Addressed the "five freedoms" •Had standards and specifications for •Farm welfare standards •Transport •Slaughter •Highly successful in GB •Using a grant from Fund for Rural America •Freedom foods was studied by a committee of (American) scientists •Standards became the basis for the guidelines set by the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) •The "Certified Humane" label was created to indicated that guidelines are met

UEP recommendations

•The focus should be on the long term implications •Promote research into the use of genetic lines with less tendency to cannibalism

Critical reasoning

•The goal •To determine if it is correct to accept and believe a statement (even your own) •" To use ethical reasoning one must be willing to view conflicting issues with an open mind." (Weston) •Because we are the experts (as animal sciences) we must be leaders. •To be leaders in a highly contentious environment credibility depends on knowledge of a topic.

Animal Welfare

•The idea that pain and suffering of animals should be considered in ethical deliberations

Major problems

•The identity of the "essential characteristic" is controversial •There is no discrimination between species and individuals •The application of abstract moral principles and possession of particular traits to different forms of animal use give little guidance

Relationships

•The relationship of health and welfare •The relationship of science and ethics

The Principle of Impartiality

•The welfare states of all involved individuals (herein enters moral standing-to be discussed later) should be given equal consideration

Truth

•There are different way of defining truth •the truth : the real facts about something : the things that are true. : the quality or state of being true. : a statement or idea that is true or accepted as true‎ •Two ways of "knowing" •Science •Philosophy

Concerns about conclusions

•There is no line between some humans and animals •Is it permissible to kill a human without consciousness is he or she is replaced by a similar being? •How would it work with illness or injury? •Is it possible to kill with little or no pain? •It may not be able to provide the desired care and lifestyle he describes for food animals and animals used in research •Can the overall benefits of some research (and farming for that matter) be ignored, even if it creates non-ideal lived for animals? •Would boycotting industries and research actually bring about the desired changes? •Once you pull yourself out of the equation, then power is lost •The power of market forces are not in the equation. •The implied conclusion that the care givers do not care about the standard of care or welfare •Assumes that the lack of acceptable care is intentional rather than necessary for financial or other reasons

Inclusive views-Rights based Tom Regan

•This is a non-consequentialist approach •There are right and wrong things and a code of action •All have the duty to do the correct thing regardless of the outcome •Defends the moral status of animals from a rights-based perspective •Is X has something, then Y should have equal access •If something has rights then those rights should not be denied by another regardless of the outcome •Those rights should be recognized by others It is unethical to sacrifice the interests of one morally considerable individual to benefit another

Credibility

•Thoughtful •Balanced •Knowledgeable •Trustworthy •Capable (and worthy) of being believed

Why should animal scientists and veterinarians study ethics?

•Traditionally, animals scientists and veterinarians are not taught to consider ethics •Science cannot answer all of the questions people raise about animal agriculture •New societal standard •Both science and ethics to resolve issues challenging animal agriculture

Burn-Out

•Usually seen in second year of lactation •Energy deficiency at start of lactation is extreme •Body mass is not regained as the cow progresses through lactation •Other metabolic disorders may be associated; hypocalcaemia, ketosis • Can be avoided with careful attention to ration and stage of parturition and lactation

What is veal? What are the concerns?

•Veal is the meat of calves raised one of several ways: 1)Fancy (white) veal - young animal fed only milk-based diet, often in total confinement until about 5 months 2)Bob or bobby veal- <4 wks old, ~ 150 lbs. 3)Grain fed veal- start on milk, then 2-3 lbs grain/day. Processed 22-26 weeks 4)Rose veal- after 35 wks 5)Bologna bulls- bull calves processed for meat

Some traditions in ethical theory include:

•Virtue theory •Ethics of Care •Contractualism •Utilitarianism •Rights-based •Theology-based ethics •Dominionist views

With regard to animals Ethical/moral philosophies

•Virtue theory: "Good people treat animals well." •Ethics of care: "There are professional/legal requirements regarding them." •Utilitarianism: "Maximize aggregate happiness." •Rights views: "Individuals have moral 'trump cards' against utilitarian arguments."

Ethical/moral philosophies

•Virtue theory: "Good people treat animals well." •Non-consequentialist •Ethics of care: "There are professional/legal requirements regarding them." •Utilitarianism: "Maximize aggregate happiness." •Consequentialist •Rights views: "Individuals have moral 'trump cards' against utilitarian arguments." •Non-consequentialist

Hot branding

•Vocalize more than animals freeze branded & at different frequency that freeze-branded animals (Watts and Stookey, 1999)

Why an ethics course in the Animal Sciences major?

•We are consumers •We are leaders •We are representing industry •Our opinion and actions have social implications

Concerns with Kant's views

•We know animals have mental states •Kant's arguments undermine his own assertions. •He assumes that actions to an animal do not matter to that animal, however clearly actions affect the animal (unlike an inanimate object). Assuming that mistreating an animal is not like mistreating a rock, it thereby assumes a position whereby moral conduct is important

Welfare vs Ethics repeated

•Welfare is measurable science •Ethics is the application of measurements (or data) •Welfare is what is, ethics is what ought to be

Step one- Ethical Framing

•What is the ethical issue/question at hand? •What needs to be determined? •What is your gut reaction? •Who are the stakeholders? Who are the decisionmakers?

Industrialization has resulted in Changes TO HOW WE INTERACT

•What problems/concerns has the change to animal care caused? •What does this mean as far as public perception of farming/animal care?

Dominance of moral norms

•When moral norms are in conflict with values or non-moral principles •Social norms- be wary of strangers •Moral norms- help a stranger in an emergency •Laws that conflict with moral principles are the justification for civil disobedience

Receptive- adjective

•Willing to listen to ideas or suggestions

Using the previous guidelines

•With respect to production animal housing severity of the problem area from the animals perspective, from most to least important •Chickens (very high numbers) •Legs in broilers •Confinement in layers •Sows in stalls and calves in small crates •Diseases in calves and piglets •Diseases in farmed trout •Mastitis and lameness in dairy cows •Leg problems in turkeys and sheep

Feelings-based

•focuses on affective state based measurements -Defined in terms of the animals experiences -Recognizes the need to perform species specific behaviors -Goal --promote positive experiences and reduce negative experiences --Measurements based on •Preference tests •Behavior •Physiological indicators

Air quality in swine facilities

•more than 70 papers published on adverse health effects on workers within industrial hog barns in Canada, United States, most European countries and Australia •collective body of research clearly indicates that at least 25% of workers in industrial hog barns have respiratory diseases including bronchitis, mucous membrane irritation, asthma-like syndrome, and acute respiratory distress syndrome