Appaling Deaths

I was in my favorite second hand store yesterday when an Acquaintance called me over to ask if I knew the location of a local farm. I didn't know, as they were looking for a farm that raised cows for human consumption and I have little interest in such fare.

A small discussion ensued where it was noted that Acquaintance wanted this particular farm mainly because the animals were gently reared, grass fed, and slaughtered humanely.

I am dumbstruck that Acquaintance and others all think this is a better life for the animals raised! Yes, said cow isn't being pumped full of antibiotics, hormones or other man-made horrors. Yes, said cow is free to range on grassy lands. Yes, said cow is treated and tended with care by the farmers. Yes, the cows will be labeled 'organic' and are touted as to be best for the health of the human consuming it. All good things for the eater and I suppose it helps them to rationalize the killing of another sentient being.

What about the COW? The beast knows nothing. Bovine don't know that their life will end for your dining pleasure. They're unaware that the caring farmer will one day decide it is time for them to meet their premature demise. They don't even know the farmer is caring! Does death comes to the cow with a bullet to the head; a sharp knife to severe the aorta; a hammer blow to the skull; a nasty form of staple gun or some kind of deadly injection? WHATEVER is used, the cow dies. It's life is over.

I think if you really had compassion for these and other 'food animals' you would seriously consider living a meat free life. Your body will thank you, the environment will thank you, the economy will thank you and the cow won't have to endure premeditated end-of-life terror.