Since the beginning of time, we have shared this world with animals. They have been a source of food, clothing, shelter and companionship and are an essential part of our environment. There are widely varying views of what constitutes good animal welfare, and much depends on different cultures. The way we treat animals reflects on the society.

Many people are concerned with the way animals are treated both during production and distribution. There are two main concerns, animal welfare issues ranging from intensive factory-farm practices such as the conditions for battery hens, regular dosing of antibiotics and hormones for growth promotion, and the way and distance livestock travel.