How does vegetarianism impact wild-animal suffering?

Abstract

This document examines the effect of vegetarianism on wild animal suffering. While many vegetarians assume their dietary choices benefit wild animals, the author argues that the impact of vegetarianism is complex and uncertain. The document discusses various factors that may influence the net impact on wild animal populations, including crop cultivation, climate change, cattle grazing, rainforest loss, eutrophication, wild-caught fishing, fishmeal, insects as feed, human lifespans, displacing other foods, substitution among meats, and the promotion of general concern for animals. The author concludes that it is unclear whether promoting vegetarianism reduces or increases total animal suffering, both in the short and long run. The author suggests that other approaches, such as humane slaughter, might be more effective in reducing suffering on factory farms. Furthermore, the author argues that the direct suffering caused to farmed animals, especially chickens, may be comparable to the uncertainty surrounding the effects of chicken farming on wild invertebrate suffering, suggesting that, pending further research, chicken consumption should be avoided. – AI-generated abstract