J Graf asked:


If those who consume mass meat products could witness either a) the conditions 95% of the animals in the factory farm industry have to endure, or b) the loss that is accruing in humanity’s inner life due to this animal abuse  - the industry would grind to a halt overnight.  Surely the human race cannot be as diabolical as its relationship with the animal kingdom suggests.

                                                                                    - the Earth Vision project, 2008

Recently, although an omnivore in my own diet, and given to eating some meat (organically and humanely raised), I was ready to give up on humanity, a species that was continuing to allow acute brutality and suffering to visit animals (could this be the same humanity that initiated the SPCA?  Or was that a mere ruse toward humane treatment of non-human species?). 

However, I was not aware, at the time, of certain developments that gave cause for hope.  For example, some European countries are slated to ban the harshest aspects of factory farming.  And speculation suggests that the entire European Union will go on board in the (hopefully) near future.  This development, in turn, will generate pressure upon North America to eventually follow suit.

            And on this continent, the state of California has recently put forward a proposition to oppose the worst aspects of factory farming.

The real picture

The crowded conditions of factory farming require the use of increasing dosages of antibiotics and pesticides to maintain operations.

These chemical applications (through which the pharmaceutical industry is reaping obscene profits), it turns out, amount to the cultivation of superbugs that will almost certainly assail humanity in devastating ways.

The degradation of cattle is linked to the rise in Alzheimer’s disease, as the human brain gives way to a spongiform condition.  Contrary to popular opinion, cows are still being forced to be cannibalistic, as they are fed blood, bone meal, and other miscellaneous aspects of other cows (no brain matter, but most everything else).  And testing for Mad Cow currently involves only a tiny fraction of overall herds.  Further, because Mad Cow can take ten years to manifest, it is estimated that thousands of infected cows per year are likely entering the system.   If you are still eating beef, run like hell the other way!

(And see The Return of Bison and Wolf for an alternative.)

Environmentally, manure and wastes from combined animal operations account for three times as much waste as humans produce, wastes that commonly go untreated. This waste is contributing to emissions that are rapidly warming the planet and creating water pollution and “dead zones” nationwide.

            The factory farm industry, and the wealthy and powerful agricultural and pharmaceutical lobbies, are at this moment fighting laws that would mandate the provision of information on toxic emissions.

Many North Americans and Europeans cite the cost of food as a reason to both avoid choosing organic food and to continue the barbarism against animals.  In fact, the cost of food in North America is extremely low.  Consider how in many Third world countries vast numbers of people are working all day just to feed themselves.  That is truly expensive provision!  In the developed countries, food  - even if buying all organic and humanely raised food  - is very inexpensive.

The factory farm issue is not at all a question of affordability.  Rather, and quite remarkably, when we consider the economic impacts of environmental damage, human health impact (already big, but only the tip of the iceberg), socioeconomic impact, not to mention the weighty load of nasty karma diners-on-suffering-flesh are surely accruing. . . it’s becoming clear now that we cannot afford to continue factory farming.

Some of the ingredients in animal factory feed translate, ultimately, into what they are feeding you:  excessive grain (not a natural diet for cattle  - leads to liver and digestive imbalances and illnesses); shredded bits of plastic(!) in lieu of natural roughage; meat from the same species (cannibalizing effect, leads to BSE, avian bird flu, lots more to come); animal by-products (so-called “animal protein products” -  rendered feathers, hair, skin, hooves, internal organs, beaks, bones; drugs and chemicals (needed due to over-crowding).

Numerous forms of abuse

Foie gras, in fact diseased liver,  is produced by force-feeding ducks and geese an unnatural amount and type of food until their livers become diseased and enlarge up to ten times their normal, healthy size. More than a dozen countries, California, and the city of Chicago, have all legislated against foie gras production on animal welfare grounds.

Routine mutilations, usually without anesthesia, include castration, de-beaking, de-toeing, tail docking, and others.

As a final aspect of exploration on this issue, let us use the domestic chicken as a point of departure, in order to explore the difference between, on the one hand, the abused and obliterated non-entity that factory farming creates, versus the dynamic being that became a close companion to humanity several thousand years ago:

            Jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), ornate, exotic, adorned in fiery, multi-hued plumage, prefers forest edges.  Originating in the foothills of the Himalayas, the jungle fowl is equally at home where it can retreat into the protection of a dim thicket, or emerge to explore opportunities in open spaces.  When kept as pets, chickens are known to exhibit intelligent behavior. The rooster of the species displays remarkable nerve, often fearlessly confronting a being 20 times its size.  Dubbed the Herald of Dawn, in more ways than one it delivers a wake up call.  In the human cultural context, its call is said to mean “liberation from darkness.”

            The time has come to do just that, on behalf of all domesticated species.  Picture the highest form of existence  - for cattle, pigs, chickens, all the beings we have domesticated  - free-ranging, healthy, able to fulfill their lives.  And, rather than being abused in a process of obliviation, imagine enabling our animal companions to evolve further, to a higher state of being, that which is their true destiny.

            Picture humanity freeing itself, as well, evolving the qualities and resources of the inner tapestry that weaves in tandem with its companion animals.  The two are inseparable.

Co-evolution is calling.

To view the full version of this article, and access further links and resources on this issue visit the Earth Vision site,

Click on: The End of Factory Farming

Or go here:

http://www.evbooks.net/earth_vision_029.htm



Enrik

Lisa Brodeur asked:


Some people feel that animal overpopulation is the province of people who love and care about animals. However, as a homeowner, you should be concerned about rising feral cat populations, even if you are not a cat lover yourself.

Feral cats can drive property values down in several ways. Urine marking by an unneutered male cat leaves a lingering stench that is extremely unpleasant. Cats like soft soil to deposit feces, making gardens and children’s sandboxes at risk for disease transmission. Feral cats are not usually vaccinated and therefore are the first point of contact for disease to infiltrate to pets and people. The noise made by fighting or mating cats is annoying. Cats are extremely efficient predators that can severely impact wild species.

In order to combat colonies of feral cats from impacting your property values, you should support mandatory spaying and neutering of shelter pets and encourage your family and friends not to let their cat go unspayed or unneutered. There are too many cats in shelters already - a cat does not need to have a litter to be a contented pet.

Encourage legislation that holds owners responsible for their cat’s behaviour. More and more communities are enacting laws that make it possible for owners of free-roaming cats fined. Cats can be happy as indoor pets or as indoor/controlled outdoor pets. There are many resources on the Internet for the owner who wants to redesign their property to accommodate their cat(s).

Support the rehoming of feral kittens by rescues and shelters that require that the owners keep them as indoor/controlled outdoor pets. Encourage friends and family to consider these places for a new cat instead of giving money to an irresponsible owner with an unplanned, unwanted litter.

Encourage humane traps and euthanization as an alternative to poisoned bait in your community. Besides being inhumane, poison baits can be picked up by pets, children, and wildlife.

One problem with advocating mass round-ups and euthanization of feral cats is that often other ferals take their places quickly. In some areas, Trap-Neuter-Release programs have been found successful. The aim is that feral cats are trapped, neutered, vaccinated, and released. It has been found that these programs reduce the overall number of feral cats by creating a population that is not increasing internally and keeps its territory free of unaltered, unvaccinated intruders. This is meant as a long-term plan. Over time, the goal is to reduce the colony’s numbers until zero population is reached.

Your house and yard can be protected from cats in several ways. Fences are a big help, especially if they are of a type that does not allow easy purchase for a cat to jump up on top. There are sprays on the market that are advertised as cat repellant. If you’re an avid gardener/lawn care enthusiast, consider installing a motion-sensor-powered sprinkler system. Cats are not big fans of jets of water.

Feral cats are not just of concern to animal welfare advocates and cat fanciers - they are of concern to the whole community, especially a community that wants its property values to remain high. Support the control and elimination of feral cat populations through humane methods. Help prevent a feral cat colony from starting or growing by encouraging responsible cat ownership in your community. Responsible ownership isn’t just for dog owners; all pet owners need to take responsibility for their pets’ impact on their community.



Juan

Karen Corey asked:


When you have decided that you want to add a new cat or kitten to your family, one of the best places to find your feline companion is a rescue centre. These places usually have an abundance of kittens or adult cats to choose from. Most people are looking for kittens but the older cats in a rescue centre are sometimes the better choice. You can even find pure breed cat at some centres.

The reason that adult cats are sometimes a better choice is that they are usually already litter- trained. They will generally adapt well to a new home. Older cats are usually more laid back and appreciate finding a home where they can spend the rest of their lives. Another thing to consider is older cats are harder to place in a permanent home and they may be put to sleep if no home is found for them.

 We all know kittens are adorable and hard to resist. However, before deciding on a kitten you should remember that they will need more of your time and patience. They need to be litter box trained and need constant supervision. They have boundless energy and have no fear. They will need to be watched carefully until they know what their boundaries and limitations are.

 Before deciding which cat to bring into your family you should make visits to several shelters beforehand. During your first visit to a rescue centre you should take a few minutes to look at the rescue centre overall. Look at the surroundings. Make sure the place is clean and seems to be run in an efficient manner. Also take note of the staff to see if they seem to enjoy working with the animals.

 When you are visiting the shelter try to find out as much as possible about a cat or kitten that you are interested in. You want to find out why or how the cat ended up in the rescue centre. The staff might be able to tell you a little about the cats’ circumstances or the people who had them before they ended up there.

 When you are choosing a cat or kitten make sure you pick one that is active and seeks affection from people. An adult cat should be comfortable with handling and petting without hissing or scratching. Kittens should be relaxed when picked up and handled and most of them will start purring. Ask the staff at the centre about anything they have observed about the cat’s personality and take that into consideration also.

 Most animal welfare organisations will ask for a donation of a specific amount. This helps them to be able to provide care and any type of veterinary treatments needed, including vaccinations and neutering. The cost is usually minimal considering the price of purchasing a cat from a breeder. They usually have also given the cat its first vaccinations and the cat will have a clean bill of health from a vet.

Before you go to pick up your new feline friend make sure you have everything your new pet will need, including a bed, plenty of toys, food and a litter box. Once you bring your cat or kitten home, make sure you give them plenty of space and time to get use to their new surroundings. Cats adapt quickly and easily to new environments. In no time at all they will fit right in with the rest of your family and you will know that you saved an animal from an uncertain future.

 To make sure your adopted kitten or cat stays healthy and will enjoy a long life, you might want to consider getting cat insurance in case their will be unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. You have health insurance on the rest of your family and for peace of mind you should consider buying cat insurance on your newest feline companion.

 



Samantha

Art Activist asked:


There is a fundamental difference between killing for sustenance and hunting for sport. The legal definition of cruelty to animals is: ‘the unnecessary infliction of physical pain, suffering or death’. Based on that definition, hunting for sport is a cruel and barbaric pastime.

My grandmother had chickens. We ate the eggs and occasionally the chicken. She would ring its neck, and then pluck it before my eyes. It was not hunting and it was not sport. My grandmother took no pleasure in the act of killing the bird but she took great pleasure in feeding her extended family.

Hunters on the other hand derive pleasure from the hunt. They celebrate the killing. Often this is achieved by mounting a piece of the animal that has suffered on a wall or by posting a video or photograph of the hunt online.

Within the sport of hunting, the playing field is in favour of the hunter. Only the hunter knows they are in the game. Hunting often occurs in closed, prescribed zones where animals have little or no chance of escape. Discussions from hunters regarding the ethics of hunting generally pertain to the fairness between hunters themselves and not between the hunter and the animal. For example, it is “unethical” to shoot a duck resting on water and “ethical” to shoot at the bird in flight. This ethic establishes nothing more than fair play amongst hunters. The increased accuracy of shooting a duck resting on water minimises unnecessary injury and a slow painful death.

Equipment has become increasingly high tech including long range hunting rifles that are deadly to 600 yards. Given the likelihood of human error from this distance the chance of injuring an animal is high. Cameras are used to assess the size, species and sex of the animals passing the spot they plan to hunt and advanced optics to locate animals more easily. Often a GPS will be utilised to spot terrain features suitable for prey and sensors to alert the hunter of a nearby animal.

Other popular practices are baiting, which is the use of decoys, lures, scent or food to attract animals, the use of camouflage either for visual concealment or scent, to blend with the environment and using artificial light to find, light or blind animals, a charming practice known as spotlighting.

Dogs may be used to help flush, herd, drive, track, point at, pursue or retrieve prey. Hunting with dogs is particularly cruel because hunting dogs are bred for endurance not speed to ensure an extended chase, which makes for a more ‘entertaining’ sport. This of course causes the animal being pursued to suffer for longer.

Some of the most heinous hunting methods involve trapping which is the use of devices such as snares, body grippers, Conibears and legholds to capture or kill an animal. It is safer for the hunter to trap an animal and requires less time and energy. Animals caught in leghold traps suffer enormous pain as their foot or leg breaks or is dislocated. As the animal struggles to get free the trapped limb is mutilated. Often in desperation an animal will chew off a leg in order to get free from a trap. Otherwise they succumb to exhaustion, dehydration, shock and death. While leghold traps have been banned by more than 85 nations, the top 3 fur-producing countries; the U.S., Canada, and Russia, continue to use them. In addition to the cruelty inflicted on a trapped animal, the traps are often indiscriminate. Other animals including endangered species are mutilated or killed by traps. Reportedly anywhere from 10-40% of animals caught will be non-target animals.

Hunting advocates like to claim that hunting is necessary as a means of population control and that they are in fact conservationists doing everybody including the animal a huge favour. This rhetoric is deceptive and irresponsible. In the absence of predators, an environments ecological carrying capacity can be exceeded and animals will surely die a slow painful death from starvation, or so the justification goes. However, hunters do not seek out and kill only those animals within the population most likely to die of starvation; in fact the opposite is true. Whether hunting for trophy or meat it is the largest and strongest males that are targeted. This also disrupts the natural 1:1 male to female birth ratio of animals, leaving a disproportionate number of females, which will inevitably produce more in the subsequent years to the point of overpopulation.

Both of these practices disrupt natural selection. Left alone, animal populations can and do regulate their own numbers. Whilst human intervention and irregular natural occurrences can cause an animals population to rise and fall temporarily, the group soon stabilises through natural processes.

The absence of predators is almost entirely due to human intervention through excessive hunting and habitat destruction. Predators have been systematically eliminated to provide habitat for game species. When natural predators are reintroduced there is absolutely no need for hunters to do any favours. The reintroduction of predators is the most effective and natural wildlife management tool. Natural predators help keep a prey species healthy and optimum by killing only the weak or sick not the large, strong trophy animals that hunters kill.

The other regular catchcry of hunters is that they fund conservation efforts. This is misleading. It is not a donation nor charitable act, it occurs indirectly through licences and excise taxes. Hunters would hunt, purchase licences and pay taxes if none of the money was redistributed to conservation. The funding in fact is mostly used for habitat manipulation and ‘management’ for hunters, to protect their game species. True conservationists would push for all the revenue to be used for habitat protection, not manipulation to overpopulate target animals. Game officials are appointed and their salaries are paid through hunting fees. This creates a conflict of interest, as game officials are therefore not neutral and represent the hunters. Dependent on the activity of hunting itself very few are going to question conservation ethics.

Contrary to the ‘who’s going to fund conservation if we don’t’ analogy, conservation funding need not rely on hunting activities. There is a multitude of revenue raising pursuits such as eco-tourism, hiking, wildlife photography etc that can provide the necessary funds for habitat protection and wildlife preservation.

Animals die needlessly, directly and indirectly every day through habitat destruction, pollution, and other human impact environmental degradation, it is not necessary and grossly indulgent to add to this with recreational hunting.

To suggest that recreational hunting is a tradition that should be preserved is to suggest that cultural values are immutable. This is erroneous to say the least. Traditions can and have changed with changing values. Consider slavery and marital rape, both were accepted, widespread and legal but abolished and outlawed because of their inherent cruelty. Traditions are capable of change and are not sufficient to justify inhumane practices. The hunting community need to acknowledge the false and misleading arguments used to justify hunting for sport and address the validity of the counter arguments for animal welfare.



Alex

Davinos Greeno asked:


Depending on one’s level of commitment this can include not using certain medicines because they are tested for safety on animals. A Vegan will not buy or use animal products whether that’s a steak, an egg, bread with milk in it or leather shoes. The overall goal of veganism is to reduce animal suffering, environmental damage, hunger in the developing world and risks to our own health. Veganism takes all those advantages just a little further. For very many people concerned about any or all of these problems, it seems the natural step to take from vegetarianism.

Why do people choose to become Vegan?

Animal Welfare - Despite the common belief that drinking milk or eating eggs does not kill animals, commercially raised dairy cows and egg-laying chickens, whether factory-farmed or ‘free range,’ are slaughtered when their production rates decline, not to mention the appalling conditions to which they are kept. There is an ongoing debate on the finer points of what constitutes an animal product; The Vegan Society and most vegans include insect products such as honey in their definition as well.

The environment - Animal agriculture takes a devastating toll on the earth. It is an inefficient way of producing food, since feed for farm animals requires land, water, fertilizer, and other resources that could otherwise have been used directly for producing human food.

Health - The consumption of animal fats and proteins has been linked to heart disease, colon and lung cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and a number of other debilitating conditions. Cows’ milk contains ideal amounts of fat and protein for young calves, but far too much for humans. According to Gill Langley, a Ph.D. in biology and author of Vegan Nutrition, “it is clear from the example of many thousands of vegans worldwide that a varied plant-based diet not only supports health and well-being but, additionally, can have positive health benefits” (Langley 1995). A vegan diet is protective against such major killers as heart disease and cancer.

Eating fewer animal products is a good choice for the environment and your conscious. Animal agriculture produces surprisingly large amounts of air and water pollution, and causes 80 percent of the world’s annual deforestation. It also requires large amounts of water, and livestock worldwide consumes half the world’s total grain harvest.

How Do I Know it’s Vegan?

When shopping, look out for the vegan society logo. It appears on thousands of animal free products that have been registered with The Vegan Society.

You will need to examine the packaging and labelling carefully of all non registered products to ensure that you avoid animal by-products such as gelatin and rennet which can be found in everyday items such as children’s sweets.



Katelyn