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Plymouth Law Review

Megan Parker

Document Type

Graduate Article

Abstract

This article examines the necessity of farm animal suffering in the farm-to-fork process. Given the interdisciplinary nature of animal welfare, it covers a broad range of influencing factors, such as law, animal sentience science and the ethical dilemma of meat eating, including the ‘meat paradox’ and its effects on animal welfare. The current animal welfare law is outlined and the rise in veganism, thanks to social media, is discussed. The legal application of the term ‘unnecessary suffering’ is considered in detail, discussing whether the term, in its current form, is fit for purpose and the possibility of legal personhood for animals is also explored. Several factors are highlighted in relation to determining the necessity of farm animal suffering, such as human health, the environment and the coronavirus pandemic. Finally, the availability of plant-based options and the human biological preference for these products is also examined. These factors are then considered in relation to the extent to which they impact upon the legal necessity of the suffering of farm animals in the UK.

Publication Date

2021-01-01

Publication Title

The Plymouth Law Review

Volume

14

Issue

1

First Page

125

Last Page

154

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