The animal industrial complex (AIC) refers to the systemic and institutionalised exploitation of animals for financial gain. This differs to individual acts of cruelty in the it refers to a system that normalises animal abuse. Though the most obvious harm caused by the AIC is that done to the animals raised directly for food, clothing, entertainment and testing - it is essential that we identify the clear intersections between human and environmental rights that exist within this exploitative system. To effectively dismantle the AIC we must advocate for all those it harms, human, non-human animals and the planet alike.
Humans’ relationship with animals is fundamentally fractured, we view animals for what they can give us and often fail to recognize their inherent will and right to exist in this world for their own unique, individual purposes.
The United Nations has identified animal agriculture as ‘one of the most significant contributors to today’s most serious environmental problems’, including climate change, widespread land clearing, species extinction, high use of freshwater, rainforest destruction, air and water pollution and loss of habitat.
The animal industrial complex (AIC) is not only harmful to animals, the environment and humans directly involved with farming or living in farming communities; many people may not realise that the AIC can impact their health from the other side of the world.
Though the most obvious harm caused by the animal industrial complex (AIC) is that caused directly to the animals raised for their food and fibre, humans also suffer immensely due to this system; from workers in the industry, to the communities surrounding CAFOs.