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. 2022;26(4):543-561.
doi: 10.1007/s10892-022-09404-7. Epub 2022 Sep 13.

Palliative Farming

Ole Martin Moen  1 , Katrien Devolder  2
Affiliations

Palliative Farming

Ole Martin Moen et al. J Ethics. 2022.

Abstract

Billions of animals live and die under deplorable conditions in factory farms. Despite significant efforts to reduce human consumption of animal products and to encourage more humane farming practices, the number of factory-farmed animals is nevertheless on an upward trajectory. In this paper, we suggest that the high levels of suffering combined with short life-expectancies make the situation of many factory-farmed animals relevantly similar to that of palliative patients. Building on this, we discuss the radical option of seeking to reduce the suffering of factory-farmed animals through the use of drugs that alleviate pain and distress, administered under a regimen where experiential wellbeing is prioritized over the aim of avoiding drug-dependence.

Keywords: Animal ethics; Factory farming; Meat; Pharmacology; Veterinary ethics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestsThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article. All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript. The authors have no financial or proprietary interests in any material discussed in this article.

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