What we eat can make a difference

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

It is telling that few veterinarians are able to make a living by treating farm animals these days ("Large-animal vets: A vanishing breed," March 20).

Although fewer large animals are seen by veterinarians, virtually none of the 9 billion chickens and turkeys we raise and kill each year are provided with veterinary attention.

Because the poultry industry sees these birds as meat- and egg-producing machines, the animals are not treated as the sentient individuals they are.

Almost all of the birds we raise for meat have been bred selectively for unnaturally rapid growth, which is further exacerbated by routine antibiotic-use for growth-promotion.

Growing so large so quickly causes immense animal welfare problems, including increased rates of leg, heart and lung disorders.

And virtually all of the egg-laying hens in our national flock are confined in cages too small for them even to spread their wings.

We do not need to be a veterinarian to help farm animals.

Each one of us can make a difference every time we sit down to eat.

By reducing our consumption of meat, eggs and dairy products, we can help make the world a more humane place.

Paul Shapiro

Manager

Factory Farming Campaign

Humane Society of the United States

Washington, D.C.

pshapiro@hsus.org