From Footnote to Forethought: Considering the Consequences of Large-Scale, Industrialized Animal Agriculture in Developing Nations

Abstract

Large-scale, industrialized animal agriculture — often referred to as “factory farming” — harms the welfare of animals, the environment, and humans. Although factory farms have a limited presence in developing countries, they are far less prevalent than they are in industrialized areas like the United States and the European Union. As the human population grows and developing nations begin to enjoy more prosperity, they are in a unique position either to welcome the expansion of factory farming to meet rising demand, or to consider its dire consequences, learn from the mistakes of developed regions, and promote more sustainable practices instead. This Article summarizes the negative impacts of factory farming and argues that developing nations should reject its expansion in order to protect animals, the environment, and all of humanity.

Keywords: animal law, animal welfare, agricultural animals, livestock, factory farm, farm animals, developing nation, industrialized agriculture, environment, public health, sustainability, worker exploitation, animal exploitation