Motion for a resolution | Doc. 14990 | 04 October 2019

Are anti-speciesism and humanism reconcilable?

Signatories: Ms Martine LEGUILLE BALLOY, France, ALDE ; Ms Mònica BONELL, Andorra, ALDE ; Mr Bertrand BOUYX, France, ALDE ; Mr Bob De BRABANDERE, Belgium, NR ; Mr Vernon COAKER, United Kingdom, SOC ; Ms Yolaine de COURSON, France, ALDE ; Ms Marie-Christine DALLOZ, France, EPP/CD ; Ms Jennifer DE TEMMERMAN, France, ALDE ; Ms Shpresa HADRI, North Macedonia, SOC ; Mr Dimitri HOUBRON, France, ALDE ; Ms Catherine KAMOWSKI, France, ALDE ; Mr Jérôme LAMBERT, France, SOC ; Ms Eva LÓPEZ, Andorra, ALDE ; Ms Alexandra LOUIS, France, ALDE ; Mr Jacques MAIRE, France, ALDE ; Mr Josep MAJORAL, Andorra, ALDE ; Mr Thomas MÜLLER, Switzerland, ALDE ; Mr Ian MURRAY, United Kingdom, SOC ; Mr Frédéric REISS, France, EPP/CD ; Ms Laurence TRASTOUR-ISNART, France, EPP/CD ; Ms Martine WONNER, France, ALDE

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only those who have signed it.

The relationship between humans and animals has evolved considerably over the past century. The link with livestock farming for family food production has disappeared and given way to more concentrated professional livestock farming: many of today's children no longer have direct links with farms. On the other hand, the relationship with pets has become more important: they are now full members of families. Concern for animal welfare is growing all over Europe.

As regards human food, farming methods are changing considerably. At the same time, so-called “welfarist” and abolitionist associations are emerging and multiplying. They aim to eliminate all forms of animal exploitation and, as a result, to put an end to a number of activities, including livestock farming, slaughterhouses and butchers.

This current climate of mistrust and criticism has significant consequences for many professions. The rising agribashing is characterized by an increase in violent actions. The consequences on the farming process are not neutral.

Every two days a farmer commits suicide in France. While this anti-speciesism dynamic is not the only cause, it contributes greatly to their sense of unease. This tendency also contributes to making people feel guilty about their daily lives, about the way they eat or dress. The actions of some associations, particularly in schools, influence children's behaviour, as shown by the increase in cases of child malnutrition in hospitals linked to vegan food.

This situation raises the question of the link between anti-speciesism and humanism. Are they reconcilable? To what extent? The Parliamentary Assembly must consider this issue.