How activists undermine the genuine case for animal welfare by attacking the meat industry - Dr Jason Aldiss

It's undeniable that, on rare occasions, lapses occur, and I am among the first to condemn such incidents. However, it's imperative to maintain a balanced perspective.

While licensed slaughterhouses operate under stringent regulations to ensure humane treatment, there exists a spectrum of illegal activities inflicting severe cruelty upon animals.

These illicit practices include hare coursing, badger baiting, sheep worrying: Dogs attacking or chasing sheep, causing injury, stress, or death to livestock, illegal dog racing, cockfighting, dog fighting, poaching and wildlife trafficking.

Alarmingly, there has been a notable increase in such crimes across the UK. For instance, reports of animal cruelty have risen sharply, with the RSPCA receiving thousands of reports each month during peak periods.

Despite this troubling trend, there appears to be a conspicuous absence of activism targeting these illegal acts.

The focus of many animal rights groups remains predominantly on practices within the regulated meat industry, often overlooking the rampant cruelty present in these unlawful activities. This selective activism raises questions about the underlying motivations.

It's essential to recognise that the meat industry operates under comprehensive legislation designed to ensure animal welfare. The Animal Welfare Act 2006, for example, sets out clear guidelines to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Furthermore, recent legislative changes have increased the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty to five years, reflecting society's commitment to combating animal abuse.

In contrast, the perpetrators of illegal activities such as badger baiting or dog fighting operate outside the law, often evading detection and prosecution. The cruelty inflicted in these scenarios is deliberate and sadistic, lacking any regulatory oversight or humane considerations.

The disparity in activism focus suggests that, for some groups, the agenda may extend beyond animal welfare, potentially serving as a vehicle for anti-capitalist sentiments.

By targeting the meat industry - a significant component of the capitalist economy - under the guise of animal rights, these activists may be pursuing broader ideological objectives.

This approach not only undermines the genuine cause of animal welfare but also diverts attention from the pressing need to address illegal activities causing severe animal suffering. A truly compassionate stance would advocate for the eradication of all forms of animal cruelty, irrespective of the context.

In conclusion, while it's crucial to hold the meat industry accountable and ensure compliance with animal welfare standards, it's equally important to confront the egregious cruelty present in illegal activities.

A balanced approach, free from political bias, is essential to effectively combat animal cruelty in all its forms. By broadening the focus of activism to include all instances of animal abuse, we can work towards a society that genuinely values and protects the well-being of all animals.

Dr Jason Aldiss BEM is the former chair of Pudsey Conservative Association.