We support the animal species by farming them

Question: Should you go vegan?
Position1 of 2›: Eating animal products is ethical
Argument‹2 of 5›: We support the animal species by farming them

The meat industry means that many species are guaranteed survival due to their value to us.

The argument

The most populous species of animals on the earth are animals that we eat. This is because they have economic value to humans and so we make sure these animals are farmed, in this way they can be sustainably maintained and bred. Other than squirrels, bats, mice, rats and humans, the most populous mammals in the world are cows, sheep and pigs.

Context

In the past we have seen how many non-profits or governmental institutions use farms in order to protect endangered species by ensuring they feed and breed.

Premises

[P1]Species that have economic value to humans are farmed, bred, and sustained in large numbers. [P2] Cows, sheep, and pigs are among the most populous mammals on earth precisely because we farm them for food. [C] Therefore, eating animal products is ethical because it supports the flourishing and continuation of these animal species.

Counter-arguments

A life as a farmed animal destined to the slaughterhouse at a young age is not worth it. There is little point in keeping a species alive if they do not live life as they mean to. Them just being alive is therefore not an excuse enough to eat meat.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] Their survival is not important if we are ensuring they are doomed to a horrible life.