Animal rights and abuse have always been hot-button topics in our society, and when new information comes out about a specific company acting inhumanely, it goes straight into the spotlight. Tyson, a huge company that supplies meat to many well-known fast food chains, has gained some negative attention after an animal rights group released an undercover video exposing the inhumane treatment of their animals.
The video, just three minutes long, exposes the horrific environment that Tyson chickens are forced to live in. Although the video acts as a form of propaganda for the Mercy For Animals organization, the content is far from fake. Those who care to view the video should know that it is graphic, and displays animals being hit, kicked, beat, etc.
The exposé, which has been posted on Facebook, features comments from viewers declaring their refusal to purchase Tyson products from now on. While the intent is nothing but pure, the commenters don’t realize that it isn’t just Tyson that treats their animals improperly, but almost every other meat producing company that exists.
Meat-consumers sometimes think that purchasing products that are grass-fed or free-range are more ethical than the conventional product, but in all reality, all meat products (and animal products in general) are unethical. Animals are tortured, beat, raped, decapitated, all things of the sort, just to provide a pound of chicken wings or cheeseburger to the next hungry consumer. This is not a new concept.
While not responding to the video directly, Tyson posted a statement to their Facebook page: “We work with thousands of independent farmers every day who help raise the animals we use to produce safe, nutritious food for people all over the world. Ensuring the health and well-being of the animals and treating them responsibly and with respect – it’s simply the right thing to do. #tysonleads.” The statement was followed by a link that takes readers to a Tyson page that explains the importance of animals' well-being.
Although the practices of Tyson that were highlighted in the video are nothing short of terrible, it isn’t a surprise that a video has come out about it. The meat industry has virtually never been humane, nor will it be anytime soon.
Tyson is one of the world’s largest meat production companies, and if they are taking part in these cruel practices, it should be no surprise that others are too. Even though the video is graphic and some people may not want to view it, it is an important lesson that the consumption of meat has never been a justified practice.
