Vegan Facts

This argument does not primarily rely on moral theory but on verifiable data. The following facts describe the scale, structure, and documented practices of modern animal production.

1. Number of Animals Killed

Worldwide, more than 80 billion land animals are slaughtered each year for food (FAO data). The number of fish killed annually is estimated at hundreds of billions to over one trillion individuals per year, since catch volumes are usually reported in tonnes rather than in individual animals.

In Germany alone, several hundred million animals are slaughtered each year (Destatis).

2. Lifespan vs. Slaughter Age

• Broiler chickens: slaughtered after approximately 5–7 weeks; natural life expectancy is several years.
• Pigs: usually slaughtered after 5–6 months; natural life expectancy is 10–15 years.
• Cattle (beef cattle): slaughtered after 18–24 months; natural life expectancy exceeds 20 years.
• Dairy cows: used for only a few years, although they could live significantly longer.

3. Land and Resource Use

Animal agriculture uses approximately 77% of global agricultural land, yet provides only around 18% of the world’s calories (Poore & Nemecek 2018).

More than 70% of global soy production is used as animal feed.

4. Feed Conversion Ratio

Producing animal protein requires substantial quantities of plant-based feed. In cattle production especially, a large proportion of calories is lost during conversion. This results in significant inefficiency compared to direct plant-based nutrition.

5. Greenhouse Gas Emissions

According to the FAO, animal agriculture is responsible for approximately 14.5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Methane from cattle and nitrous oxide from manure are major contributors.

6. Antibiotic Use

A significant proportion of globally produced antibiotics is used in animal agriculture, contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

7. Documented Undercover Investigations

For decades, investigative organizations have documented conditions in slaughterhouses, fattening facilities, and breeding operations. These investigations originate from various countries and organizations, including:

• Animal Equality (international investigations in Europe, USA, Latin America)
• PETA (USA, Germany, United Kingdom)
• Compassion in World Farming
• SOKO Tierschutz (Germany)
• Animal Rights Watch (ARIWA)
• Mercy For Animals
• The Humane League
• L214 (France)
• Equalia (Spain)
• Varkens in Nood (Netherlands)

Documented practices include:

• extreme stocking densities in poultry operations
• injuries and untreated illnesses
• CO₂ stunning of pigs
• separation of dairy cows and calves
• abuse of individual animals in slaughter facilities
• insufficient stunning before slaughter

Several of these investigations have led to criminal investigations, facility closures, or political debates. Documented conditions occurred in both conventional and certified operations.

8. Health Classification

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, WHO) classifies processed meat as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and red meat as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A).

These facts do not constitute a complete moral theory. They describe the empirical reality of a system involving billions of animals, providing the factual basis upon which moral evaluation may be built.