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

Vegetarian Diets Offers Humane, Healthy Alternative

Editor:

Thank you for Joel Davis' Aug. 11 article, "Local vegetarians say lifestyle a health benefit." It's true that a growing number of Americans are discovering the many benefits of a meat-free diet. In addition to reducing our risk of heart disease and cancer, a vegetarian diet also reduces animal suffering.

Animals raised for food in the U.S. have virtually no laws to protect them and, as a result, are routinely treated in ways that would be illegal if the same things were done to dogs or cats. For example, egg-laying hens spend their entire lives in wire cages so small they can't even spread their wings; and it's standard practice to castrate male pigs and cows without any pain relief.

By choosing vegetarian foods, we can clear our arteries and our consciences "one bite at a time." And with so many meat-, egg- and dairy-free options available in restaurants and supermarkets everywhere, adopting a healthier and more humane diet has never been easier. Visit TryVeg.com for a free vegetarian starter guide.

Erica Meier
Executive Director
Compassion Over Killing
Washington