Sunday, March 23, 2008

Invisible Creatures

by Gene Baur

Every year, ten billion farm animals are raised and slaughtered in the U.S., but despite comprising such a vast number, these animals are completely invisible to most citizens. Cows, pigs, chickens and other animals are raised on cruel industrialized farms that are hidden from public view. The animals are treated like unfeeling commodities, rather than as living feeling animals. It is the rare miscreant who intentionally abuses animals, but as a society, we have had a blind spot to factory farming cruelty.

Most consumers unwittingly support animal abuse by purchasing meat, milk or eggs, but it doesn't have to be this way. We can make more thoughtful and conscientious food choices. It's not necessary to eat animals to survive in our culture, and eating vegan (i.e. not eating animal products including meat, dairy and eggs) is much healthier, as well as better for animals and the planet.

With a burgeoning concern about the abuses endured by farm animals, and a deeply held societal aversion to cruelty, it's great to see more and more healthful vegan alternatives hitting the market each year.

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