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.
Gestation crates for pigs are a highly controversial practice in modern animal farming. These small, confined spaces are used to house female pigs, or sows, during their pregnancy. The practice has sparked widespread ethical debates surrounding animal welfare, as it often results in significant physical and psychological distress for the animals involved. This article delves into what gestation crates are, why they are used in industrial farming, and the ethical concerns they raise. What Are Gestation Crates? Gestation crates, also referred to as sow stalls, are small, confined enclosures made of metal or wire designed to hold pregnant pigs (sows) in industrial farming settings. These crates are specifically engineered to restrict the sow’s movement during her pregnancy, providing little room for physical activity. Typically measuring no more than two feet wide and seven feet long, the design is intentionally narrow, allowing the sow only enough space to stand or lie …