I logged on to mention Temple Grandin too - I read about her in Oliver Sack's "Anthropologist on Mars" - and it's quite fascinating reading. She designs chutes that drastically reduce the animals distress before they come to the actual slaughtering, which involves a air gun shot to the brain.

I, like Takuan, see no conflict in reducing suffering whenever possible.

Absolutely chilling, yet fascinating.

I agree a auditory unicorn chaser is in order here.