The reality seems to be that the more understanding we have of animals, the more we realize that they are more conscious and aware then we previously thought.

The reality seems to be that the more understanding we have of animals, the more we realize that they are more conscious and aware then we previously thought. Even if it doesn't change much of their behavior, it degrades their health. The list will just keep on growing, and probably in the future we will look back at what we do to pigs, cows, sheep, chicken, etc and see something despicable and one of the lowest points in human history.