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

Vegetarianism Good for Animals

Thank you for Fred Marion's thoughtful article, "Vegetarianism Appeals On Several Levels," (June 21). As the number of vegetarians continues to grow, so do the reasons for making the switch.

In addition to alleviating strain on our environment and reducing our risk of heart disease and cancer, a vegetarian diet also reduces suffering. To most people's surprise, the meat, egg and dairy industries are wrought with cruel practices that include intensively confining mother pigs so that they cannot turn around, cramming hens in wire cages so small, they can't stretch their wings and immobilizing calves in crates to produce sickly, anemic flesh that is marketed as veal.

From birth until death, farmed animals are routinely treated in ways that would be illegal if the same things were done to dogs and cats.

To meet consumers' demands for healthier and more humane options, restaurants everywhere - from fast-food to four-star - are adding vegetarian options to their menus. For more information on vegetarian eating, including free recipes, visit TryVeg.com.

Dawn Ratcliffe