Ethics of Eating Meat - Debate Over Animals Killed in Crop Harvesting

Debate Over Animals Killed in Crop Harvesting

Steven Davis, a professor of animal science at Oregon State University, argues that the least harm principle does not require giving up all meat. Davis states that a diet containing beef from grass-fed ruminants such as cattle would kill fewer animals than a vegetarian diet, particularly when one takes into account animals killed by agriculture. This conclusion has been criticized by Jason Gaverick Matheny (founder of in vitro meat organization New Harvest) because it calculates the number of animals killed per acre (instead of per consumer). He claims that when the numbers are adjusted, Davis' argument shows veganism as perpetrating the least harm. Davis' argument has also been criticized by Andy Lamey for being based on only two studies that may not represent commercial agricultural practices. When differentiating between animals killed by farm machinery and those killed by other animals, he claims the studies again show veganism to do the "least harm".

Read more about this topic:  Ethics Of Eating Meat

Famous quotes containing the words debate, animals, killed and/or crop:

    Like man and wife who nightly keep
    Inconsequent debate in sleep
    As they dream side by side.
    Robert Graves (1895–1985)

    Lost at night in an immense forest, I only have a small light to guide me. A man appears who tells me: “My friend, blow out your candle in order to find your way.” This man is a theologian.
    The sea, fluid garden filled with animals and plants.
    Alfred Döblin (1878–1957)

    The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers.
    Denis Diderot (1713–1784)

    The myths about what we’re supposed to feel as new mothers run strong and deep. . . . While joy and elation are surely present after a new baby has entered our lives, it is also within the realm of possibility that other feelings might crop up: neediness, fear, ambivalence, anger.
    Sally Placksin (20th century)