“I wouldn’t be surprised if the mercy for animals people were behind the mistreatment themselves...”
Yes, aren’t they in favor of killing off all cattle? These people aren’t wrapped real tight in the first place, I wouldn’t put very much beyond them.
This group is in favor of vegetarianism and I myself have no interest in a world full of only soybeans and humans. I also understand why some farmers may be wary of suburban and city do-gooders who have no idea of the needs and practical care of thousand-pound-plus animals.
But there is constant price pressure on farmers. They themselves are being culled from the market if they don’t respond to heavy cost pressures in ways that lessen standards of care below what a humane society should accept. Societal standards for humane treatment may be the only bulwark against both aberrant and growing brutality.