The Documentary, Earthlings

This is a very long and in-depth look at all manners of animal uses by humans and potential for abuses. I watched the entire hour and a half movie with voiceover. I have to say, while there were a few places in it where I cringed at the abuse, overall I didn't react. I am not hard-hearted, nor do I condone the mistreatment of animals. However, I took what was being shown for what it really was, minute, singular examples of abuse. Not the norm as was suggested. I was also appalled at the horrendous amount of misinformation being spewed to the viewer. The entire purpose of the movie was to turn people against all uses of animals by human beings in all forms.

Think it over, why would someone carry a hidden camera to a facility that is actually following good practices towards animals? Why would they bother to show people doing the right thing? The average person wants shock factor. They don't want to hear that in reality, most animals are treated beyond humanely, are given quick and painless deaths, and do not suffer as was indicated. Now could it be happening in other countries? Of course, but since I don't study the laws and practices of those countries, I really couldn't say for certain.

Education is the real key to improving conditions and treatment for animals, but most people like the producer of the film aren't interested in educating the public. Only in changing as many as possible over to their side of the issue. That would include showing antiquated clips that had already served their purpose decades ago to change practices.

Now, was some of what he showed true? Yes. Were some of the things he claimed also true? Yes. Was all of it accurate? Absolutely not! I have been in many different processing plants (slaughter houses) and never have I witnessed anything even remotely close to some of the things he showed.

In the end, it's something each person will have to decide for themselves. But remember this: The ones doing most of the yelling are the ones trying to tell you that those who work with animals are evil. Sadly, the advocates for animal welfare are too quiet to be heard much of the time. I will point out though that every person that has ever attended any kind of agriculture classes will have been taught not only about animal welfare, but also ethics.