Do you agree with these quotes attributed to Gandhi, and if so, what does that say about our society?

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” ~Gandhi (1869–1948)

“I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man” ~M. Gandhi (1869–1948)

“The measure of a society can be how well its people treat its animals.” ~Mohandas Gandhi

I refer mostly to feedlot beef production, huge chicken and pork production facilities, and shelter euthanasia rates. Do most people merely ignore the issue due to ignorance, or do people truly believe that cheap meat is worth it? I realize it’s an enourmously biased question, but I wonder about the future of our society (and species). I truly don’t consider myself a revening animal rights activist – but the information is out there, and it’s pretty shocking.