‘A hornless cow can be the first step towards an animal-friendly society’

Leon Borgdorf advocates for genetic modification of cows to eliminate horns, arguing it could reduce animal suffering. He initiated a petition for more vegan options at the University of Twente, reflecting a growing awareness of veganism in the Netherlands. His doctoral research focuses on ethical animal treatment in the bio-industry, proposing genome editing as a pragmatic solution to improve animal welfare. Borgdorf emphasizes the importance of virtues like compassion and mercy in human-animal relationships, aiming to bridge the gap between ethical considerations and practical actions. He acknowledges the controversy surrounding genetic interventions but believes they can lead to a more humane society.