Student id- 2212157

Student name- Rajdeep Singh

INTRODUCTION

Eating animals is a controversial topic that has been debated for centuries. While some argue that

consuming meat is a natural part of human evolution, others argue that it is unethical and

harmful to both animals and the environment. In this persuasive essay, I will argue that humans

should not eat animals.

The first reason why humans should not eat animals is because it is cruel and inhumane. The

meat industry is notorious for its poor treatment of animals, including overcrowded and

unsanitary living conditions, lack of veterinary care, and cruel methods of slaughter. Consuming

meat not only supports these practices but also perpetuates them. The second reason why humans

should not eat animals is because it is detrimental to the environment. The meat business is a

significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, as well as water and land

pollution. Conversely, a plant-based diet is significantly more environmentally responsible and

sustainable. Animal consumption is not required for human health, which brings us to our third

argument for not eating them. Protein, vitamins, and minerals can all be found in a variety of

plant-based sources, and a healthy diet can include all of these. A plant-based diet may actually

reduce the chance of developing chronic illnesses including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease,

according to several researches.

Hook
Eating meat not only supports cruel practices but also perpetuates them. It's time for us to take

responsibility for our actions and choose a more ethical and sustainable way of eating.

Thesis Statement

Humans should not eat animals because it is morally and ethically wrong, it is detrimental to our

health and the environment, and there are plenty of alternative plant-based options available.

DETRIMENTAL TO THE ENVIRONMENT

The relationship between the environment and the human body is strong, and the food we

consume has a significant impact on both the health of the planet and our own bodies. Animal

product consumption is one of the most damaging ways that humans have an impact on the

environment. In terms of deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, the

production of meat and dairy products has a substantial influence on the environment.

Animal product production has a significant impact on deforestation. For the purpose of creating

pasture area and growing food for animal feeding, forests are removed. Animal agribusiness is

responsible for up to 91% of the Amazon's deforestation, in accordance with the Food and

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 2006). Indigenous communities are being

displaced as a result of this devastation of natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity.
Water pollution is another significant environmental impact caused by animal agriculture.

Manure and other waste products from livestock operations can contaminate local water sources,

leading to the spread of disease and the destruction of aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the

production of animal products requires large amounts of water, which can lead to water scarcity

in regions where resources are already scarce (FAO, 2006).

A significant issue with animal husbandry is its impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Animal

husbandry is thought to be responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions (FAO,

2013). The main causes of this are livestock activities' methane and nitrous oxide emissions. In

addition to having a substantial effect on the environment and human health, these emissions aid

in climate change.

EATING ANIMALS IS CRUEL AND INHUMANE

The consumption of animals as a food source has been a longstanding tradition in many cultures

around the world. However, as society becomes more aware of the ethical implications of eating

animals, it is important to consider whether this practice is truly justifiable. The fact is, eating

animals is cruel and inhumane, and it is not necessary for human survival or well-being.

Because of the frequently inhumane circumstances in which animals are raised and murdered,

consuming them is cruel on many levels. Factory farms, where the majority of animals are raised

for food, are notorious for their inhumane treatment of animals. These farms keep animals in

cramped, unsanitary conditions, and often subject them to cruel practices such as debeaking and

castration without anesthesia. Additionally, the methods used to kill animals for food are often
brutal and inhumane. Many animals are still conscious when they are slaughtered, and they can

experience immense pain and fear before they die.

Another reason why eating animals is inhumane is because it is not necessary for human survival

or well-being. There are plenty of alternative sources of protein and other essential nutrients that

do not require the killing of animals. All of the elements that the human body requires to flourish

may be found in plant-based diets, which are also frequently linked to lower chances of chronic

illnesses like cancer and heart disease (Joy, 2014; Orlich, 2014).

ANIMAL EATING IS NOT REQUIRED FOR HUMAN HEALTH

There are numerous reasons why people shouldn't consume animal products, and eating meat is

not vital for human health. There is plenty of scientific data to back up the idea that a plant-based

diet is best for the human body.

Being high in fibre and important nutrients while still being low in cholesterol and saturated fat

is one of the main causes of this. According to studies, vegetarians and vegans had lower

incidences of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity than meat eaters (Craig & Mangels,

2009). A plant-based diet can also supply the body with all the needed amino acids and protein

requirements (Craig & Mangels, 2009). Another reason why humans should not eat animals is

the ethical implications of consuming animal products. The treatment of animals in factory farms

is often cruel and inhumane, and the environmental impact of animal agriculture is significant

(Steinfeld et al., 2006).

A significant movement that supports a plant-based diet has emerged in recent years. One of the

main arguments for this movement is that humans should not eat animals. This argument is based

on several ethical, environmental, and health-related reasons. Many people contend that it is

unethical for humans to kill animals for sustenance from an ethical perspective. In their view, it

is morally wrong to kill animals for our own gain because they are capable of feeling pain and

suffering. Furthermore, many argue that animals have the same right to life as humans and that it

is immoral to take away their life for our own benefit (Singer, 1975).

Environmentalists contend that animal agriculture significantly contributes to greenhouse gas

emissions and deforestation. The livestock business (14.5%) emits more greenhouse gases than

the entire transportation sector (FAO, 2006). Additionally, the production of animal feed

necessitates the clearing of trees, which is a major contributor to deforestation (WWF, 2018). A

plant-based diet is said to be able to offer all the nutrients necessary for a healthy lifestyle, as

well as lower the risk of developing certain illnesses including cancer and heart disease (Orlich

et al., 2014).

CONCLUSION

Because of the strong connection between the environment and the human body, what we eat has

a significant impact on both the health of the planet and our own. Consuming animal products is

one of the most damaging ways that people affect the environment. In terms of deforestation,

water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, the production of meat and dairy products has a

substantial influence on the environment. It is crucial that people take into account how their
dietary selections may affect the environment and consciously choose to consume fewer animal

products. Animals should not be used as food in any way, not even for entertainment. Animal

feeding should not be a practice because of the terrible conditions under which they are bred and

murdered, as well as because it is not necessary for human life and well-being. It is not required

for human health to eat animals, and there are numerous reasons why people shouldn't consume

animal products. In addition to being high in fibre and vital nutrients, a plant-based diet is also

low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Consuming animal products has severe environmental and

ethical repercussions as well.

There are numerous persuasive arguments against human consumption of animal products. It

affects the environment, is unnecessary for human health, and is cruel and inhumane in addition

to all of the above. As a result, the next time you sit down to eat, consider the effect your food

choices have on animals and the environment and choose for a plant-based diet.

REFERENCES

Singer, P. (1975). Animal liberation. Random House.

FAO. (2006). Livestock's Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options. Rome: Food and

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

https://www.fao.org/3/a0701e/a0701e00.htm

WWF. (2018). Deforestation and its extreme effect on animals. Retrieved from

https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation
Orlich, M. J., Singh, P. N., Sabaté, J., Fan, J., Knutsen, S., Beeson, W., … & Fraser, G. E.

(2014). Vegetarian dietary patterns and the risk of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and

meta-analysis of observational studies. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,

114(8), 1266-1282.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25751512/

FAO. (2006). Livestock's Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options. Rome, Italy: Food

and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

https://www.fao.org/3/a0701e/a0701e00.htm

FAO. (2013). Tackling Climate Change Through Livestock. Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations.

https://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=XF2016016977

Joy, M. (2014). Why we love dogs, eat pigs, and wear cows: An introduction to carnism. Conari

Press.

Orlich, M.J., et al. (2014). Vegetarian dietary patterns and mortality in Adventist Health Study 2.

JAMA Intern Med. 174(4), 577-584.

Vegetarian diets. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 109(7), 1266-1282.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19562864/

Steinfeld, H., Gerber, P., Wassenaar, T., Castel, V., Rosales, M., & de Haan, C. (2006).

Livestock's long shadow: Environmental issues and options. Rome: Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations.

https://www.fao.org/3/a0701e/a0701e00.htm