If humans were killed at the same rate as animals raised for consumption, the entire world population would disappear in just 17 days. If marine life were included, human extinction would happen in less than three days. This estimate, widely shared over the last two years by animal protection organizations, helps put into perspective a form of daily violence that happens far from the consumer’s view.
Before reaching people’s plates, millions of animals are subjected to extremely cruel practices inside slaughterhouses around the world. In many cases, the methods used to stun them fail or are poorly applied. Pigs and chickens, for example, are submerged in boiling water to make it easier to remove feathers or hair after their throats are cut. However, it is not always checked whether the animal is actually dead, which means some are boiled alive, fully conscious and unable to do anything to stop it.
The investigation documented by Sentient includes video evidence showing workers hitting cows with iron pipes before taking them to slaughter, a practice that goes against industry work and safety rules. These abuses are not isolated cases. In the United States, 38% of slaughterhouse workers are undocumented immigrants, a situation that makes them more vulnerable and less likely to report labor violations or animal abuse.
The suffering does not begin at the slaughterhouse. The transport of live animals is another stage marked by overcrowding, hunger, and very long journeys. One of the most extreme cases happened last year, when a ship carrying more than 3,000 cows from Uruguay was rejected by Turkey. As a result, the ship was wandering at sea for more than two months, during which calves were born on board and dozens of cattle died under extreme conditions. The case was documented by animal rights organizations and international media, like FAADA articule.
According to Animals Deserve Absolutely Protection Today and Tomorrow (ADAPTT), comparing the rate at which animals are killed to a hypothetical human scenario is not meant to exaggerate, but to show the true scale of the current system of exploitation: 17 days until no humans remain, or less than three days if marine life is included. ADAPTT also provides accessible information for people who want to learn about and transition into veganism as an ethical and sustainable alternative.
In addition, platforms such as “Igualdadanimal” allow people to sign campaigns to end slaughterhouses in Spain, among other international initiatives aimed at reducing and eventually ending these practices.
