A forthcoming documentary, *The Dying Trade*, shines a light on the harrowing experiences of slaughterhouse workers, revealing a hidden cost of our meat consumption. Tom, a former worker featured in the film, recounts a particularly traumatic incident: skinning a cow alive while she was giving birth. This wasn’t an isolated event; the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of slaughterhouses often leads to animals being butchered while still conscious. The relentless nature of the work, combined with the emotional weight of taking a life, leaves lasting scars.
Tom, a self-described animal lover, describes the process of desensitization that occurs, transforming workers into “robots.” He coped with the trauma through heavy alcohol consumption and hallucinogenic drugs, but even now, years later, he continues to struggle with nightmares and violent thoughts, a condition he attributes to perpetration-induced traumatic stress (PITS), a form of PTSD. His story is sadly not unique.
While physical injuries are a known hazard in slaughterhouses, the mental health consequences are less understood due to limited research access. However, available studies reveal high rates of anxiety, depression, and a propensity for aggression among workers. Many have shared their stories of mental health struggles, highlighting the urgent need for further investigation. The problem is likely to worsen as global meat consumption continues to rise, leading to the construction of more slaughterhouses.
The American Medical Association’s Journal of Ethics has even dedicated an issue to the meat industry’s impact on societal health, including the psychological toll on workers. Social psychologist Rachel MacNair, who coined the term PITS, emphasizes the cyclical nature of the trauma, fueled by continued public demand for meat. Her research, which initially focused on combat veterans, has expanded to encompass other forms of violence, including slaughterhouse work, revealing that perpetrating violence can be just as traumatic, if not more so, than experiencing it.
David Magna, a former slaughterhouse inspector, offers another perspective. His job involved witnessing the suffering of animals, from those arriving dead after transport to those enduring horrific abuse on farms. The constant exposure to cruelty and death, coupled with inadequate regulations and lack of accountability, led to severe respiratory problems, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. He too turned to excessive drinking to cope, experiencing recurring nightmares. He now advocates for animal rights, finding solace in activism.
The experiences of Tom, David, and other workers highlight the systemic issues at play. Many slaughterhouse workers are undocumented immigrants, facing economic hardship and limited options. Their communities often bear the brunt of pollution from factory farms, creating a cycle of exploitation and trauma. The high demand for cheap meat fuels this system, outsourcing the psychological and physical costs to vulnerable populations. The stories of these individuals are a stark reminder of the hidden human cost of our food choices, urging us to consider the ethical and social implications of our consumption habits.
