I was raised in a very rural area, on a farm, where it is a perfectly normal part of daily life to kill and eat animals. I saw my stepfather kill sheep and rabbits regularly. But I never got used to it. I found and still find it deeply disgusting and horrible and I know that I would never be able to do it.
I kept eating meat for many years because I was taught that meat and dairy are absolutely necessary for human health and I thought I was just being too sensitive for this world. I'm glad I eventually found out about veganism.
To answer your other question, yes I think it's important to be aware of where exactly our food comes from.
