FOOD, ANIMALS, AND THE LAW: DO WE HAVE A MORAL OBLIGATION TO PROTECT THEM FROM THE SUFFERING THAT THE LAW DOES NOT?

Abstract

The dominion of humans over animals imports an obligation to act morally and ethically, and our acceptance of this reflects on our dignity as humans. This paper examines Australian animal welfare laws and how they fail to protect animals used as a food source from unnecessary, unjustifiable, or unreasonable suffering. We must recognise our moral and ethical obligations to the welfare of animals; being in a position to dominate and oppress other creatures does not mean we should. The legacy of mankind should not be founded on the suffering of other creatures. It is a matter of dignity.