Omnivore's Dilemma: Chapter 12

In Chapter twelwe of "The Omnivore's Dilemma" Michael Pollan returns to Joel Salatin's farm. Thist time, he joins them in slaughtering chickens. Joel explains that they slaughter their chickens outside in the open air and in plain view of anyone who wants to watch. He also hires his neighbors to help rather than migrant workers. As Pollan learns how to slaughter a chicken and eventually slaughters some, the process becomes a moving experience. Galen explains to him that they are careful to sever only the artery in the neck and not the entire head. This is so that the heart will continue to pump out blood. Pollan oberserves the chickens "dancing spastically" after being cut. This sight is disheartening for Pollan, although he admits the spasms are probably involuntary. He also notices that the chickens do not seem panicked before they are slaughtered and there is no sign of emotional suffering. After slaughtering a few chickens, Pollan explains that it is no longer troubling to him. But then he is troubled by the fact that it is no longer troubling. He explains that "in a way, the most morally troubling thing about killing chickens is that after a while it is no longer morally troubling."