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

Where Are Rights for the Animals?

Factory-like pig farms, like the one proposed in Wayne County, not only harm the way of life for area residents they routinely abuse animals ("Towns, farm deal with spills, stench, cleanup," and "Issues shadow farm decision," July 24).

With few laws to protect them, pigs as well as other animals raised animals raised for food are routinely treated in ways that would be illegal if the same things were done to dogs and cats. For example, female pigs used for breeding often spend months at a time immobilized in iron crates so narrow they can't even turn around. And piglets have their teeth trimmed, ears cut and tails chopped off -- all without pain relief!

Whether we're concerned about our own quality of life or that of millions animals, we'd all be better off without factory farms.

Erica Meier
Washington D.C.

Erica Meier is executive director of Compassion Over Killing