Here’s the ethical dilemma that I wonder about: Saving animals only
to feed them other animals.
Although dogs adapt easily to eating vegan and cats can also adapt,
with supplements; and there are vegan dog and cat foods and supplements
sold, most people are unaware of these products, don’t care, or are
discouraged by misinformation concerning the nutritional needs of their
companion animals.
Years ago we had a rescued dog, Heidi, who appeared to be a shepherd/
collie mix. Heidi thrived on a vegan diet. After a routine check-up, I
asked the vet’s opinion on her health. So as not to influence his
opinion, I had not told the vet that Heidi was vegan. After he told me
that Heidi was in very good health, I let him know that she was vegan –
ate no animal products.
I read about the dairy cattle – more than 25,000 – who died in the
California heat wave. Since there were more cattle carcasses than could
be rendered by pet food companies, farmers were allowed to dump the
excess carcasses in landfills. Hidden away in closed buildings, even
more poultry died: at least 700,000 chickens and 160,000 turkeys.
I can’t help but think of all the abused, innocent animals
slaughtered round the clock, with every bit that isn’t consumed by
humans used to feed other animals. Someone in the animal exploitation
industry has said something to this effect: “Every part of the
slaughtered animal is used but the squeal.”
I’m glad that Frank and I made a decision to stop contributing to
this hideous, unnecessary cruelty twenty years ago. How much better the
world would be if everyone simply tried to cause – directly or
indirectly – as little suffering as possible in their everyday lives.
