Animals Used for Food

 

Pigs, cows, chickens and other animals used for food are individuals with feelings and unique personalities. They have the ability to feel love, form friendships, mourn, get angry, learn and feel scared, just like dogs, cats and humans. However, on factory farms these intelligent and sensitive animals are denied even their most basic behavioral and physical necessities - to feel the grass beneath their feet, have enough space to turn around or spread their wings, or the ability to breathe fresh air. The intensive confinement that animals endure on factory farms causes animals to suffer from stress and disease. Drugs, hormones, and other chemicals are used by farmers to combat the inevitable health problems, and to speed growth. A recent side-effect of the irresponsible use of antibiotics by factory farms is the emergence of dangerous strains of bacteria.

It is hard to imagine that the cruelties animals endure to provide humans with their flesh, eggs, or milk are legal. But the sad reality is that animals used for food are afforded very few legal protections. The federal Animal Welfare Act does not apply to animals used in agriculture, the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act specifically exempts chicken and turkeys, and 30 states have enacted laws that specifically exempt farm animals from their cruelty laws.

Florida Voters Ban Abusive Factory Farming Method!

Although this extreme animal abuse may be legal, you don't have to be part of it. Consumers can make a powerful statement by taking steps toward veganism. If 5% of Americans were to stop eating animals, more suffering would be prevented than if we completely abolished every other form of animal exploitation in the United States. You can significantly reduce the exploitation of animals with the food choices you make at each meal! If you need help to make the simple transition to a vegan diet, contact ARFF today for a free vegetarian starter kit.