92.2 billion animals are killed on average each year worldwide for our consumption. And even worse, most slaughterhouses cruelly abuse the animals that are eventually going to sit on our plates.  

Before being transferred to these slaughterhouses, or abattoirs, many animals go through unethical methods so that they can produce offspring. Female animals are forced to give birth, and once they have, continue the process for many years before eventually being shipped to an abattoir. 

Although the standard procedure in slaughterhouses is to 'stun' the animals before killing them, often with a captive-bolt gun, sometimes the time period between the stunning and exsanguination (draining the animal of blood) is too long. It is possible and likely for the animal to regain consciousness while they are bled to death. Exsanguination is unfortunately a very common practice. 

Animals are also very aware of the fact that they are being carted off to be slaughtered.  Slaughterhouse workers can attest to how animals panic in the most heartbreaking ways, especially when they see others on the floor, killed. Cortisol (stress) levels spiked while being handled at abattoirs. 

Unfortunately, meat is not the only thing you're eating that has resulted from the death of animals. A lot of cheeses contain a substance called 'rennet'. This is found in the lining of baby animals' stomachs, which means, calfs, lambs, kids, and more, are being killed for this set of enzymes. 

Additionally, slaughterhouse workers also suffer from severe mental health issues, psychopathic tendencies, and trauma disorders. You have likely heard of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) but a seldom-discussed disorder called PITS (Perpetration-Induced Traumatic Stress) also may occur. Not only this, but workers are, quite literally, desensitized. Many have a strong feeling of power, and revel in the fear that they cause the animals, especially ones that engage in the job that directly kills the animals. A very large percentage are likely to have psychotic thoughts and behavior.

Overall, slaughterhouses are exceedingly unethical--not only to the animals, but also the workers. So I encourage you to decrease your meat consumption, or cease consuming it altogether.