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In late October, a certified organic Vermont slaughterhouse named Bushway Packing, Inc. was shut down due to numerous videotaped cases of alleged animal abuse. The Humane Society charged some of the animals handled by the plant were "so young they still had their umbilical cords attached and could not walk" and that Bushway workers tried to "force the animals to walk by slapping, kicking, dragging the animals and using electric prods."
Taken at face value, this story appears to illustrate a well-regulated industry in which animals are treated as humanely as possible and when some uncharacteristic cruelty occurs, the authorities promptly step in. But what exactly constitutes "animal cruelty" in a slaughterhouse? When cows are often hoisted upside-down by their hind legs and dismembered while they are still conscious, isn't the point moot?
Like all mainstream media stories, news reports of the Bushway shutdown were designed to be taken at face value, but those of us who lean toward green might wanna know if it's cruelty...
- when a male calves' testicles are ripped from their scrotums without pain relievers?
- when cattle are fed high-bulk grains and other "fillers," which can include expired dog and cat food, poultry feces, and leftover restaurant food?
- when "veal calves" are taken from their mothers within the first few days of birth and crammed into individual crates or stalls, tethered by their necks?
I could go on but you probably get the idea. Yes, a minute percentage of the meat industry doesn't utilize factory farming, battery cages, veal crates, etc. but they still kill the animals to make food that is contributing to a human health crisis. If you look at the big picture, what you see will not be pretty. What you see, I hope, will inspire outrage followed quickly by action.
Three Simple, Immediate Steps to Help Animals and the Planet
1. Go Vegan
3. Become an Activist for Animal Rights
Video: G Word: Keep it Vegan
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