This argument gets so emotive…is this thread the ethical equivalent of trolling?
I personally feel that by recognising 2 options which satisfy the same end, but recognising that one is less destructive I am obliged ethically not to be destructive.
I try and follow: do unto others as you would have done unto you (it’s a classic) and you are free to do whatever you want to do, as long as it doesn’t impair someone (or something) else’s ability to do the same. There are obviously many ways to pedantically pick at this…as with any other belief system.
It seems a bit rude to me to choose something to be dead because I’m a bit peckish. As an omnivore I don’t need too, it’s just a choice.
Environmentally I feel that the farming of animals is both inefficient and damaging. Whether it’s flattening rainforest to grow cattle feed or simply rearing animals on land which could produce food/fuel crops, we could use it for better means.
The real issue extends beyond what goes in your mouth, that’s just the tip of the iceberg (lettuce).