Published Letters and Op-Eds from
COK’s Writers Group

Vegetarian Eating Habits Saves Lives of and Stops Abuse of Animals

Thank you for your thought-provoking article, "The Best Way We Could Battle Global Warming Is Stop Consuming Animals," (AC-T, April 2,) The overwhelming majority of animals raised for food in the U.S. today live on massive factory farms. These intensive confinement systems not only pollute the environment, they routinely abuse animals. Most egg-laying hens spend their entire lives crammed inside wire cages so small, they cannot even flap their wings, let alone nest, roost, or dust-bathe. And it's standard practice to slice off parts of hens' beaks as well as castrate male pigs and cows — all without pain relief.

As a former animal control officer in our nation's capital, I am certain that similar treatment of cats or dogs would result in legal prosecution. Each of us can help protect our planet and protect animals — one bite at a time — by choosing vegetarian foods.

Erica Meier,
Washington, DC
Erica Meier is the Executive Director of Compassion Over Killing.