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

Vegetarians Help Stop Animal Suffering

Published in The Herald-Dispatch on December 31, 2002.

Thank you for your article on the benefits of vegetarianism (“No meat please,” Dec. 23) and the growing trend toward cruelty-free eating in this country.

Like cats and dogs, farmed animals are capable of experiencing fear and pain. They are crammed in cages, pens, or sheds with barely enough room to move and are forced to live in their own excrement. Many of these animals have parts of their bodies cut off without any painkillers, and, sadly, many are slaughtered while still fully conscious.

Healthy meat-, egg-, and dairy-free meals are easy to make and give us all the nutrients we need while helping to reduce heart disease risk and lower cholesterol. Plus, nearly every restaurant offers vegetarian options, and all major grocery store chains carry vegetarian foods such as soy and rice milks, soy cheese, tofu, soy ice cream, and vegetarian burgers, hot dogs, and deli slices.

By becoming vegetarian, we are helping to alleviate animal suffering and improve our health and the earth. Being vegetarian is easier and more convenient everyday…there’s no better time to start than now.

Sarah Farr
Chevy Chase, Md.