Essay 270 – Raising animals for human consumption is cruel

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 270

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

People should never eat meat because raising animals for human consumption is cruel.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1:

Whether it is brutal and inhuman to raise animals for our consumption is a hotly debated issue nowadays. In this case, the writer strongly disagrees with the claim because it is a natural process and part of human history and culture.

There is no brutality in eating meat. From time immemorial, animals have been eating other animals for meat to survive. Eagles kill and eat snakes, and snakes eat the mouse, and it is a natural process. Human is also part of the animal kingdom when it comes to the food pyramid. Moreover, meat is an important source of nutrients for the human being. For instance, ruminants such as cows, sheep, and goats, convert indigestible plant parts into a form the human body can absorb. That is to say that our digestive system cannot break down cellulose, which is an elementary component of fibre. They consume high-fibre plants like grasses and translate them into valuable protein for humans. The food chain is an essential part of ecosystem service, so to claim that rearing livestock for meat is inhumane is unnatural.

Aside from this, farmers breed ruminants, feed these animals, and protect these animals. These animals are domesticated so as to earn their bread. If rearing livestock for human consumption ceased, then the impulse of raising livestock would be gone. Farmers would no longer be there for looking after these animals, this, in turn, would endanger their existence. On top of that, these animals have survived over the generations due to their importance to humans. Besides, animal agriculture is a substantial part of human culture as well as history. Farmers and ranchers deem livestock rearing as more than a job. It is a lifestyle that is deeply ingrained in their existence and objectives here on earth. Thus, there is no brutality in rearing livestock for human consumption.

In conclusion, raising ruminants for human consumption is not cruelty to animals, but rather a natural process. However, we can introduce regulations so that farmers or corporations deter themselves from malpractice in raising and slaughtering animals.

Model Answer 2:

Whether people should abstain from consuming meat due to the perceived cruelty involved in raising animals for human consumption has ignited a heated debate. While some argue vehemently for the complete avoidance of meat, I respectfully disagree with this viewpoint. In my opinion, the decision to consume meat should be approached with mindfulness and consideration for ethical and sustainable practices.

First and foremost, it is essential to acknowledge that the mistreatment of animals in industrial farming practices is a genuine concern. The intensive farming methods employed to meet the growing demand for meat often involve cramped living conditions, inhumane treatment, and the use of growth hormones and antibiotics. These practices contradict the principles of compassion and respect for animal welfare.

However, it is important to note that not all meat production follows these unethical practices. There are alternative approaches, such as organic farming and free-range systems, that prioritize the well-being of animals, providing them with a more natural environment and access to pasture.

Furthermore, humans have evolved as omnivores, with meat being an integral part of our dietary history. Meat consumption, when practised responsibly, can provide essential nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet. It is worth noting that certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, and high-quality protein, are predominantly found in animal products. For individuals, particularly those with specific dietary requirements or cultural traditions, complete abstinence from meat may pose challenges in meeting their nutritional needs.

In conclusion, while the mistreatment of animals in industrial farming is a legitimate concern, I believe that a blanket statement advocating for the complete avoidance of meat oversimplifies a complex issue. Responsible meat consumption, encompassing ethical and sustainable practices, can coexist with animal welfare considerations. By supporting organic, free-range, and sustainably sourced meat, individuals can make informed choices that strike a balance between personal health, ethical considerations, and environmental sustainability.