I saw a debate on TV about the right of animals to "humane" living conditions. According to those who espouse change, the least we can do for animals who sacrifice their lives to feed us humans is to give them a comfortable life. Chickens, pigs and cows today are so abused that they literally are only allowed to sit and stand on one spot before they're ready to be slaughtered. Even for chickens who have the shortest life span, this may take up to two years.
On the other hand, farmers argue that forcing them to raise stock free range will require vast tracks of land which Mother Earth cannot afford. Farmers have to figure in economical costs to ensure that the value of food does not skyrocket. Moreover, keeping these animals locked are the easiest way to ensure that they are kept away from contamination.
I see merits to both sides, and my heart cannot decide on which to favor. I have dabbled on being a vegetarian a few years ago with not so much success. I love animals but I love to eat them too. Icecream without milk is fake. Somehow, I manage to disassociate farm creatures from the meat on my plate.
I place the word "humane" in quotation marks because I understand that animals are not human. But I also know that they are capable of feeling scared, love and excitement, just like we do. Anyone who ever owned a pet can attest to this. A young man whose summer job was to help his father on their farm shares this story. While holding on to the wings of a goose ready to be slaughtered, he noticed its mate slowly approaching him. The rest, knowing that they may be next in line, wildly sought refuge at the back of the barn. This one geese however, trembling but not succumbing to fear, seemed to be offering his life in exchange for the freedom of its mate. And if that isn't love, I do not know what else is.
We are taught that one's true self is reflected on how we treat the least and most helpless of God's creatures. But at the same time, these animals are given to sustain us. This extended discussion may stem from my inability to merge what I know is right from what I feel is right. And until I find an answer which can satisfy both, i shall be on my once a day meat diet.
i have to say.. i thought of going meatless din ah. purely for health reasons lang kasi i wanted to eat healthier food.. i thought i couldn't do it BUT i would find myself not eating meat for certain meals ah. i realized that it wasn't a conscious decision on my part.. it was just because tuna was what i had in my pantry or frozen veg or if i had leftover mushroom burger patties (yummy!)then i would use those. it's through those realizations that i found out i CAN not eat meat pala. i always thought it would be something that i would look for kasi.. but it's all in my head lang pala.
ReplyDeletei totally support you both on the not eating meat thingamagig... because at least now i can double my share. kidding aside... what a sad story abt the goose... if only the story were abt another animal, then maybe, just maybe, i might say i won't eat that particular animal anymore.
ReplyDeletethey say that when an elephant dies, even if you take its body away its family will go back to where it died and parang mourn on that spot for days. so there, i will not eat elaphants. :D
i think i just heard an elephant sigh in relief. haha
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