Perhaps it isn't, but if we were to release them into the wild what do you think would happen? Other animals would eat them - so why not us as well? There are certain benefits to eating mean, provided it's in moderation.

That said, I'm not saying that I believe that there shouldn't be more laws about the care of animals - some horrifying things do happen. But prey animals are prey animals - and like it or not, humans are animals as well. That may not sit easily with your sense of eithics, but it is a fact.