Voiceless the animal protection institute - How much is cheap meat really costing us?

To advance the public debate on matters of eating animals, Voiceless presents a discussion about the cost of meat via a new online platform. The teaser is the provocative question How much is cheap meat really costing us?

To provide some background to the issues first, The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, former High Court Judge and now Patron of Voiceless, provides a summary of the true cost of cheap meat to our health, to the environment and to the animals raised for human and animal consumption. He then puts forward the fundamental question in terms of cost that we all must ask ourselves: What is the social and moral cost of subjecting other species to suffering and death in almost unfathomable numbers?

Five panelists are invited to comment on the following five points and present their case in individually recorded video sessions:

1. On what basis is it right for humans to own other sentient, living beings?

2. There are numerous laws that protect our pets from being mistreated. Why is it legal to treat animals raised for food with such cruelty and what changes should be made?

3. How does Australia compare to other first world countries as an ethical nation?

4. Change needs to come from industry, consumers and government. What will galvanise these groups and what do you see as the tipping point?

5. What did you see or learn that had the biggest impact on you personally and how do you channel your desire to take action?

The panelists include animal lawyer Antoine F. Goetschel; economist Dr Ken Henry AC; Director of Feather and Bone Laura Dalrymple; Leader of the Opposition, NSW Legislative Council The Hon. Luke Foley MLC; and author and academic Dr Deirdre Wicks.

Last edited 24.5.2013