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

Cruelty-Free Foods

Published in The Idaho Statesman on April 8, 2003.

I was disappointed to read that the dairy industry is spreading and becoming more industrialized in Idaho. (“Got milk? It brings in money and jobs, but concerns persist,” March 17.)

Cows on today’s dairy farms suffer through near-constant pregnancies to produce unnaturally high amounts of milk. They are often fed growth hormones that contribute to the development of painful udder infections such as mastitis, which can cause their udders to become extremely heavy and perhaps drag on the ground.

Let’s not forget that cow’s milk was intended for baby cows, not humans. The calf for whom the milk was intended is not only deprived of his mother’s milk and company, but is also taken away from her after only a few short days after birth to be used by the veal or beef industries. If the calf is female, she’ll likely join her mother on the dairy line.

Although myths about the necessity of dairy products are still believed by some, a growing number of people and health experts are realizing that meals can be satisfying and nutritionally sound without dairy. By enjoying meals free from dairy and other animal products, we can be proud that cruelty-free foods lead the way.

Laurel Long
Rockville, Md.