Industries

Industries are the organised systems through which animal exploitation becomes operational.
Each industry represents a structured way in which animals are bred, confined, transported, and used to produce goods, services, or economic value.

While the underlying dynamics of the system remain the same, they appear differently across sectors, from food production and materials to research, entertainment, and the companion animal trade.

The industries below map the primary commercial systems through which animals are used at scale.

Animal Agriculture

Food production systems using animals for meat, milk, eggs, aquatic farming, and other agricultural outputs.

Industries:

  • Meat

    The meat industry is the large-scale breeding, confinement, transport, and…

    Open

  • Dairy

    The dairy industry is the large-scale breeding, confinement, and management…

    Open

  • Eggs

    The egg industry is the large-scale breeding, confinement, and management…

    Open

  • Aquaculture

    Aquaculture is the large-scale breeding, confinement, and harvesting of aquatic…

    Open

  • Honey & Bee Products

    The honey and bee products industry manages bee colonies to…

    Open

  • Managed Pollination

    Managed pollination systems use animals to facilitate the reproduction of…

    Open

  • Prey Animal Production

    Prey animal production systems involve the breeding, confinement, and supply…

    Open

  • Wild Capture Fisheries

    Wild capture fisheries involve the extraction of aquatic animals from…

    Open

  • Wild Terrestrial Harvest

    Wild terrestrial harvest systems involve the capture or killing of…

    Open

Fashion & Materials

Use of animal bodies or secretions for textiles, clothing, and industrial materials.

Industries:

  • Leather

    The leather industry processes animal skin into durable material for…

    Open

  • Wool

    The wool industry is the large-scale breeding, confinement, and management…

    Open

  • Other Fibres

    Other fibres systems involve the breeding, confinement, and management of…

    Open

  • Fur

    The fur industry involves large-scale breeding, confinement, trapping, and killing…

    Open

  • Down & Feathers

    The down industry is the commercial extraction and processing of…

    Open

  • Silk

    The silk industry is the large-scale breeding and management of…

    Open

Wild Animal Products

Extraction of substances or materials from wild animals for commercial, industrial, or medicinal use.

Industries:

Research & Testing

Animals used in scientific experimentation, biomedical research, toxicity testing, and laboratory development.

Industries:

Working Animal Systems

Use of animals as living labour within human systems, performing physical, behavioural, or operational functions.

Industries:

Entertainment & Sport

Animals used for spectacle, performance, tourism, or competition.

Industries:

  • Racing

    The racing industry breeds, trains, and manages animals for competitive…

    Open

  • Circuses

    Circuses use animals as performing attractions within travelling entertainment operations.…

    Open

  • Marine Parks

    Marine parks confine aquatic animals for exhibition, performance, and tourism.…

    Open

  • Zoos

    Zoos confine animals for public exhibition, conservation programmes, research, and…

    Open

  • Rodeos

    Rodeos use animals in competitive events that simulate or derive…

    Open

  • Film & Media

    The film and media industry uses animals in visual productions,…

    Open

Companion Animal Trade

Animals positioned as companions within commercial breeding and ownership systems.

Industries:

  • Breeding

    The breeding industry produces animals for sale within the companion…

    Open

  • Pet Sales

    The pet sales industry distributes animals to consumers through retail…

    Open

  • “Exotic” Pet Trade

    The exotic pet trade captures, breeds, and sells non-domesticated species…

    Open

Notice an inaccuracy or omission?

If you believe information on this page is incorrect, incomplete, or missing important context, you may submit a suggested correction for review.

Correction Form