Hi there,
Gandhi once said:
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
Really?
How are the animals treated in this country, and I don't just mean the ones that are eaten?
How many dog breeders out there actually care for the animals they're breeding? Not many I'd guess, it seems they are just treated as an income generator. Once they are used up, they are disposed of, either in horrendous ways I won't mention or simply 'given' to rescue centres or dog fosterers. (Basically, just get rid of them so I can get a new bitch in to breed with.)
I think there should be some kind of training commitment adhered to by all new dog owners. Maybe they have to complete a government recognised course on dog behaviour and welfare before they get given a license for a dog. Surely that would cut down on the amount of ignorant owners out there that just want a dog as a status symbol or accessory.
This is true of most pets, they're just bred for profit with little or no regard for the welfare of the animal.
That's my rant over with!
Then there's the animals bred for food.
Over the last few years I've noticed many more programmes being made about animal welfare and husbandry that are in the food chain, but how many people really care, especially if it costs more?
A couple of friends I train with were talking recently about finding a new supplier that would sell them 100 chicken breasts for £30!
Think about that, that's 50 chickens for £30. 60p per chicken!
Surely a chick has got to cost a farmer 20p or more right? Then there's feeding it for however many weeks (12 typically) till it's grown - say another 20p each. Then it needs to be transported to the abattoir, killed, butchered, and packed - that's got to cost a minimum of 20p each. So that's 60p in costs so far, not to mention any profit for the farmer. Then the end seller has to market it and deliver it and a make a profit within the remaining 0p per chicken!!!
So how do you think a chicken is raised in a pricing environment like that? Probably not well, probably in one of those cramped windowless barns with their other inmates dying around them and left where they lie.
If the old adage that 'You are what you eat' is true, then anyone consuming these chickens is eating misery, disease, fear and hopelessness. Not what I want on my plate.
Would love to hear your comments.
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
If you like this you'll probably like my other blog:
http://thechangeyourlifeblog.wordpress.com
I have to agree with you too Stu. I heard on the radio the other day that they were going to bring in dog licencing here which I think is a good thing. I owned a German Shepherd when I lived in Holland and they have licencing there. Also your dog must be chipped (chipping is another subject) but there is a different attitude towards dogs there. They are treated like little people and everyone is expected to look after their dog. Even when a new puppy is brought on the block everyone stops to say hi and make sure they are getting used to their new neighbourhood. Many people carry treats for the dogs and it is commonplace to see people blow a kiss to dogs which is really cute. I think licencing and chipping could be a great thing here although I'm not so happy about chipping. Chipping does allow the dog to be traced straight to the owner though which is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteAs for animals bred for food I have to say that I would rather pay a bit more for better treated animals. I agree that the energy from animals is passed through our food. It is one reason I started Trade 1 for Some 1 to help us get back in touch with our food. If you want to watch an interesting documentary about this, Food Inc talks about this subject.
Many Blessings,
Julieanne
Thanks Julieanne, being a veggie (well pesci as I still eat fish at the moment!) people think I'm banging that drum when in actual fact I'm not. I'm only banging the 'treat all animals with respect' drum, even the ones we eat and let our pets eat. We have pets and they only eat organic and free range meat and pet food made in the most sustainable ways. I know it costs more and some people out there are struggling financially. That's a hard square to circle or vice versa - we all have to make our own choices in the end.
ReplyDeleteStu