I suspect that the person who may the statement that has generated all these responses, was referring to the "mind-set" of the breeder and not the specific conditions that the animals find themselves in -- though these conditions are often spawned by that mind-set.

It boils down to how you feel about these creatures. Are they beautiful and fascinating creatures deserving of the time and effort we put into sharing our existence with them? Or, are they simply "things" in which one can make a profit by with little or no personal sacrifice made to accomplish that goal?

Peace