This category investigates the human dimension of animal exploitation—how we as individuals and societies justify, sustain, or resist systems of cruelty. From cultural traditions and economic dependencies to public health and spiritual beliefs, our relationships with animals reflect the values we hold and the power structures we inhabit. The “Humans” section explores these connections, revealing how deeply intertwined our own well-being is with the lives we dominate.
We examine how meat-heavy diets, industrial farming, and global supply chains harm human nutrition, mental health, and local economies. Public health crises, food insecurity, and environmental collapse are not isolated events—they are symptoms of an unsustainable system that prioritizes profit over people and planet. At the same time, this category highlights hope and transformation: vegan families, athletes, communities, and activists who are reimagining the human-animal relationship and building more resilient, compassionate ways of living.
By confronting the ethical, cultural, and practical implications of animal use, we also face ourselves. What kind of society do we want to be part of? How do our choices reflect or betray our values? The path toward justice—for animals and for humans—is the same. Through awareness, empathy, and action, we can begin to repair the disconnection that fuels so much suffering, and move toward a more just and sustainable future.
Animal agriculture has long been a cornerstone of global food production, but its impact stretches far beyond environmental or ethical concerns. Increasingly, the connection between animal agriculture and social justice is gaining attention, as the industry’s practices intersect with issues such as labor rights, food justice, racial inequality, and the exploitation of marginalized communities. In this article, we explore how animal agriculture impacts social justice and why these intersections demand urgent attention. 1. Labor Rights and Exploitation The workers within animal agriculture, especially in slaughterhouses and factory farms, are often subjected to extreme exploitation. Many of these workers come from marginalized communities, including immigrants, people of color, and low-income families, who have limited access to labor protections. In factory farms and meatpacking plants, workers endure hazardous working conditions—exposure to dangerous machinery, physical abuse, and toxic chemicals. These conditions not only endanger their health but also violate their basic human rights. …
