Agriculture
We live in a world in which non-human animals are exposed to unimaginable suffering. Of these, the vast majority of victims live their short lives on farms. They are called ‘livestock’, and amount to around 80 million land animals slaughtered annually in Switzerland. To put that number in perspective, around half a million animals are killed for research every year. This is why we focus on agriculture as a central theme in our work.
Animals in agriculture are viewed as an economic resource. They live in conditions that would be unthinkable for other animals, such as our pets. Broiler chickens suffer especially badly. They are grossly overfed, and at the end of their short existence (about five weeks out of a natural life span of three to seven years), they can barely support their own weight. Many of these birds experience damage to their legs or cardiovascular problems. Up to four percent are not slaughtered but die in the shed. Pigs also live in cramped conditions, and very few of them ever have the chance to wallow in mud outdoors, as is their nature.
There are other reasons to challenge these practices besides the ethical considerations. The conditions we raise livestock in are a breeding ground for zoonotic disease. To mitigate this, we pump the animals with huge amounts of antibiotics. Over time, there is an increased threat of antimicrobial resistance and contagious disease for which there may be no cure. In Switzerland, despite the image of scenic landscapes populated by happy, free-roaming animals, the reality is that factory farmed livestock represent the majority of our consumer purchases.
Our solutions
The immense animal suffering in agriculture is unnecessary and avoidable. Developments in research demonstrate potential alternatives. There is broad and increasing consensus that our treatment of animals raises serious ethical questions. This awareness has given rise, for example, to regulations that have resulted in a sharp decline in animal experiments. The most important of these regulations states that it is not permitted to kill an animal unless it can be proven that there is no viable alternative. Yet, in agriculture, millions of healthy animals are slaughtered after a fraction of their life span. Our work addresses double standards like these.
Sentience endorses the 3R principle (Refine, Reduce, Replace) adopted by research ethics and applies it to agriculture. Animal husbandry should refine processes to reduce suffering as far as possible, for example, through shorter transport durations and gentler, more reliable slaughter methods. The actual numbers of animals being subjected to slaughter should be reduced. And, pursuant to that goal, slaughter-based foods should be replaced by alternatives as a matter or ugency. We push for progress in all three of these areas through our educational outreach and political advocacy.
Latest articles on this topic
Why Politics Must Extend Beyond Our Own Species
Why do our laws, institutions and policies still revolve mostly around one species – our own?
From Overlooked to Unmissable: A Voice for Invisible Animals
Just over a year ago, we launched the “Invisible Animals” campaign. Through our petition – which we aimed to give a voice to pigeons, rats, bees and fish – we gathered 34,970 signatures.
When Science Meets Policy: A Milestone for Animal Sentience
The LSE is launching a pioneering Centre for Animal Sentience, led by Prof. Jonathan Birch. At Sentience, we welcome this vital step—proof that science and policy must meet to put the concept of sentience at the heart of decision-making.
Fish farming: the invisible crisis we can no longer ignore
For the World Day of the End of Fishing and Fish Farming, we are called to confront the hidden suffering of billions of fish, as well as the urgent need for a transformative approach to aquaculture.
2024 Annual Report
The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment for our organisation. Despite limited human and financial resources, and thanks to the commitment of the entire team, we managed to lay solid foundations that now allow us to look forward to a motivating...
Migros’ Decision to Weaken Animal Welfare Standards: A Step Backward for Ethics and Sustainability
Migros recently announced that imported meat products will not have to meet Swiss animal welfare standards anymore. This move marks a significant setback.
In 2025, we are letting the pigs out! 🐷
We are launching a new federal popular initiative demanding outdoor access for all animals in agriculture. This new initiative has the potential to shape the discourse in Switzerland for years to come.
In December, every donation counts twice
From now until the end of December, every donation will be doubled by generous donors — up to a total of 50,000 CHF. This means 10 CHF becomes 20 CHF, and 50 CHF becomes 100 CHF.
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