Defining the Humane Treatment of Food Animals

Do chickens possess emotional intelligence? Do dairy and beef cattle shed tears while contemplating their fate? Do pigs shudder at the thought of slaughter, wagging their tails to show fear or discontent? For the majority of U.S. consumers, the answer to these questions may be “yes.” According to the Packaged Facts report “Animal Welfare: Issues and Opportunities in the Meat, Poultry, and Egg Markets in the U.S.,” more than half (58%) of U.S. consumers are more concerned about the welfare of foo…