(This was my argumentative essay paper submission for English ( ENC1101)It is pretty monotonous, which is typical of a formal essay with all its topic sentences and thesis and stuff- yet the mood it is written with is genuine disgust and disapproval about slaughterhouses.)
“If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian.” Paul McCartney, singer.
Slaughterhouses are licensed institutions of violent torture, atrocities and murder. They are one of the leading causes of diseases and death, not only for poor animals but also for humans. Hence, they must be closed down for the greater good. Various studies have pointed out that physiology and anatomy of human body is that of a herbivore. When we kill millions of innocent animals for consumption, we are going against our inherent peaceful nature and harming ourselves in the process. Non- vegetarianism is one of the leading causes of life threatening diseases like atherosclerosis, obesity and consequently stroke or cardiac anomalies. Another reason is the ethical question of whether killing a life for one’s own sense gratification is justified. Animals’ intelligence is under scrutiny at times, but the real question is if they experience pain. Inflicting pain upon helpless animals just to satiate our selfish motives is indeed wrong. Slaughterhouses are the result of speciesism, which believes only one’s own species has the right to live. In addition, there is an observed pattern of relationship between criminality, violence and the non- vegetarian diet. Thus, slaughterhouses are a bane to the society and must be closed down.
Supporters of slaughterhouses states reasons such as meat being a part of healthy diet and advertise meat as a titillating treat for the taste buds besides being a source of employment. However, critical analysis proves that these arguments are not valid. Legumes, milk and milk products offer the protein that our body needs. Dr.Paavo Airola, a leading authority on Nutrition and Natural biology says, “ The official recommendation for protein has gone down from 150g recommended twenty years ago to 45g today . . . you can get it from a very 100% vegetarian diet” (67). This statement clearly refutes the argument that meat is vital for our health and affirms that plant food can supply 100% of the nutrients required. Infact, one takes corn, squash and beans, it provides all the 20 essential amino acids required by body. Some of the strongest animals on the planet, like elephants, are pure vegetarians. On the contrary, the meat of any four-legged animal is bad for the body. Recently discovery channel broadcasted three television shows about the harmful effect of meat, especially red meat on human body. A meat-based diet is the biggest cause of heart problems, which in turn is the largest killer disease in US.
Similarly, the argument that slaughterhouses are major economic pillars and part of our tradition is not strong either. The work force currently employed in slaughtering business can find employment in agriculture and farming industry. When consumption of vegetables and fruits increases, the need of work force will increase, which can be met by those rendered jobless. Another counter argument is that humans have always been eating meat. They question the authenticity of turning against animal killing in the modern age. Since ancient times men have killed and eaten animals. However, it was not a large-scale massacre as today. Meat was not the staple food. It was an occasional indulgence. Moreover the meat frequently came from ones own farm. But today, animals are tortured in the name of animal farming, which culminates in their death in slaughterhouses. None of the reasons put forward by the supporters of slaughterhouses are valid and hence we must close down slaughterhouses.
Furthermore, the ill effect of meat consumption on human body is an important reason to close down slaughterhouses. Governments, as well as various organizations, spend millions of dollars to fight the fat clogged arteries, obesity and the spectra of diseases it brings. The single step of closing down these giant killing houses can be a lasting solution to this problem. Though these diseases are not exclusively found in those consuming a non- vegetarian diet, it is predominantly found in this group of population. If killing animals are unavoidable for the sustenance of human species, then we could have justified the need to kill. However, numerous researchers have repeatedly stated that the structure and built of human body is similar that of a herbivore. The prominent Swedish scientist Karl von Linne states, “Man’s structure, external and internal, compared with that of the other animals, shows that fruits and succulent vegetables constitute his natural food” (qtd. in Dasa 22). The anatomy and physiology of man, like his lips, teeth, alimentary canal etc, are designed to be vegetarian. Many studies have also pointed out that vegetarians are healthier and generally have sharper analytical abilities. The predominantly vegetarian populations show lower incidences of chronic diseases like cardio vascular disorders, hypertension and even cancer. The huge volume of data pointing meat based data as a major reason for various diseases endorses the closing down of slaughterhouses for greater good.
Moreover, slaughterhouses are the results of human impudence and feeling of superiority, which is an example of speciesism. Speciesism refers to the elite feeling of a certain species and consequent exploitation of other species. People in general are against all types of sectarian mentality based on race, religion or nationality; but many people conveniently overlook speciesism. As long as a living being is not human, the idea of rights does not exist – not even the right to live. Slaughterhouses are “concentration camps” for animals. In an essay titled On Eating Flesh, the Roman author Plutarch wrote: “For the sake of little flesh we deprive them (animals) of sun, of light, of the duration of life they are entitled to by birth and being” (qtd. in Dasa 27) . For the selfish motives of sensual pleasure, humans deny animals their right to a normal life. We confine them, torture them and kill them with no consideration and respect to their identity. The right to live is universal. Certain violence can be accepted for the protection and sustenance of one’s own life, but taking life for one’s selfish indulgence is crime. Therefore, slaughterhouses must be shut down.
Besides, there is a direct link between food consumed and criminal tendencies. Many cultures of the world, especially occidental cultures, like Vedic civilization, Buddhists, Jains etc are aware of this connection for thousand of years. The food has a gross part, which nourishes the body, and a subtle part that nourishes the mind. Food that are in mode of goodness like vegetables, fruits and milk makes one peaceful, alert and tolerant while food in the mode of ignorance and passion like meat, eggs and alcohol makes one dull, violent and restless, in addition to shortening the life span according to the aforementioned cultures. Today crime and quarrel have shot up exponentially – one of the contributing factors can very likely be the obsessive non- vegetarianism. In early 20th century British Surgeon Dr. Robert McCarrison, stationed in North India observed the astounding health of local tribe ‘Hunzas.’ Many lived past 100 years of age and chronic diseases such as cancer or hypertension were virtually unknown. Intrigued by this observation, he conducted a controlled experiment. He chose 2 groups of albino rats and fed one group with the food that villagers consumed whole grains, vegetables, fruits and milk. The other group fed on meat, caffeinated drinks and refined flour. In 2 years, the first group practically became disease free, gentle and tame. They had lower infant mortality and lower number of deaths. On the other hand, the 2nd group became very restless, violent and unhealthy. By the 16th day of experiment, the stronger among them attacked and ate the weaker ones. (Gaumont and Buttram 126). This was a revelation for him and should become for us too. The food we eat influences of physical body as well as mind. Numerous surveys have concluded that a predominantly vegetarian diet makes a person more focused, alert and lively. Slaughterhouses promote meat eating, consequently affecting human nature adversely and hence they must be closed down.
However, the most important reason to ban slaughterhouses is the extreme cruelty done to animals. Slaughtered animals die a very painful death. Their tails are cut off; dangled by legs and quite often see other animals in front of them being killed. The recent recall of beef by United States Department of Agriculture is interesting for reasons more than one. CNN sites “Authorities said the video showed workers kicking, shocking and otherwise abusing "downer" animals that were apparently too sick or injured to walk into the slaughterhouse.” It is appalling to human conscience that the withdrawal was because cattle treated in aforementioned manner could pose a health hazard. No one seems to be bothered about the ethical issue of mistreating a living being that way. The report continues, “Federal regulations call for keeping downed cattle out of the food supply because they may pose a higher risk of contamination from E. coli, salmonella or mad cow disease because they typically wallow in feces and their immune systems are often weak.” Picturing our food to be in such a transitional state is not very palatable. What is more concerning is that always the focus stays on the comfort of humans and we are neglectful of the pitiable plight of another living being. Abolishing slaughterhouses can be a welcome step to bring back the human conscience that has become merciless.
The reasons to abolish slaughterhouses are many and so are the resultant benefits. Lambs, cows and pigs have just as much as pain as a cat or dog. Many of us have pets and support organizations like SPCA ( Society for prevention of Cruelty to Animals). We should realize killing of animals for food in the presence of alternate sources is a barbarian mentality. Slaughterhouses are bane to the society. They cause distress for both the killer and the killed. Animals have the right ti live just as we do. Unjustified killing is wrong. Killing an unarmed being is a greater wrong. Slaughterhouses are the epitome of such an atrocity and hence, they must be abolished. Every time a juicy beef rib is offered, pause to ponder- this animal could be alive if it were not for human greed. The animal may not be a scientist or a writer, but it is a parent or a child and immensely loved by its family. Humans do not have the right to snatch away the life of these harmless beings. Only we have the power to stop -- the power to protect their lives, and ours!
