Have to say I very much sympathise and empathise with the views that Wayne has expressed. It's difficult not to regard myself as anything other than weak willed and hypocritical insofar as I own a handful of badger brushes and I'm not a vegetarian either. So, much as I feel bad about the animal cruelty that is rife the world over, I'm not, actually, man enough to stand up and be counted and protest about all the things that go on, and sell all my animal related goods, and stop eating meat. etc etc.
For sure I won't be buying any more badger brushes...due the the treatment the animals must receive... but additionally to do with the fact that I no longer have the need nor desire for them as I find the synthetics I own do everything I ask of a shaving brush (and as a bonus/further self justification synthetics don't shed - or if they do it's usually less than badgers do).
But I have to also acknowledge that, for all the cruelty we, as humans, are capable of inflicting on each other and to the animals we share the planet with, the "natural world" is capable of similar levels of pain and suffering.... witness the daily need for animals to eat other animals in order to survive... and the manner of which can seem horrendous i.e. the Sparrowhawk which plucks the feathers from the throat and chest of it's prey whilst the poor victim is gripped by piecing talons prior to subsequently being pecked to death. At least a greyhound or whippet has the decency to attempt to snap the neck of its victim and despatch the creature relatively quickly.
Prior to sending the "Post a reply" key I'm wondering if this could be the start of a contentious and ugly, off topic, discourse between members. I guess all will have a view and some will see things differently - so maybe I ought to suggest we respect the topic that the OP has posted and either be brief here, or start a separate thread if anyone wants to?