Why are there humane laws for pets but not farm animals

Question

How is it consistent to enforce humane treatment of pets but not animals that will be used for food or fur? According to law, its OK to inflict great harm to animals if they are going to be used as food. Why is it that in one case its OK to hurt animals and in another case it is wrong? Seems like animals are animals whether they are used by humans for a different purpose or not.

NOTE: please don't try to convince me that "because all animals are cruel to each other they don't deserve to be treated well." It is a bad argument because for not all animals are cruel to each other and also humans are not supposed to use animals as role models.

Answer 1

Where I live there are definitely laws regarding the humane treatment of farm animals.  Recently a large number of horses and cattle were removed from a farm because they were not being properly cared for.  Perhaps this varies from place to place.  It shouldn't.

Answer 2

In Canada farm animals are under the same protection as are domestic pets. I've heard of many reports of farm animals being taken from their owners due to neglect or abuse.

Answer 3

New Jersey has laws about the humane treatment of farm animals, which this past week were strengthened.  

Answer 4

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