Thanks for posting that story, H. I hope others who raise food animals, or eat, for that matter, have read it. It is so full of 'holes' it could be considered humor, and surely is far from real science based research.
Yes, animals 'want' to interact with their keepers. Most especially when they are FED and treated well by people, as are the vast majority of such animals.
Hasn't long term study and science based research told us that animal have instincts? How do animal instincts differ from human 'feelings'? I don't have the science background to answer that question. Of course that doesn't stop many activists from making their claims.
Some differences seem quite clear, but to eliminate boredom with the subject, consider sex (it is used to sell many other things, isn't it). Animals are governed by hormones only, or instinct. HOPEFULLY, humans are governed as well by ideals, morals, religious faith, and more where sex is concerned!
If people on another thread here would consider, and learn the facts of differences between cattle producer organizations, they would find that NCBA (the dues payer Policy Division) works diligently to counter groups such as those behind the article linked by 'leanin H'.
That work includes exposing HSUS, PETA and all their allies do NOT give consumers factual information about food animal production, and to expose the truth of Animal RIGHTS groups' dedication to their fund raising, with the huge majority of money spent on their own leaders salaries, director fees, retirement funds and generous consulting fees, with directors sometimes serving in more than one of the groups, thus 'double dipping' financially.
Contrast that with recent attempts of one of the same groups often working with or for the same end as groups attacking NCBA and/or the Beef Checkoff: OCM/Mike Callicrate tried to partner with HSUS in a lawsuit.
Another 'difference', many groups attacking NCBA fought against the Beef Checkoff. They lost, but continue the battle, rather like guerilla warfare, by sniping here and there with largely false, or certainly only partial little 'truths' to support their premise: that NCBA "is working against you with your checkoff dollars".
It STILL is a fact that contracts to do work for the Beef Checkoff are on a cost recovery ONLY basis. No Profit. Maybe that is why few organizations bid on those contracts!
mrj
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