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

Animal cruelty is big motivation to be vegan

The Technician
November 16, 2009

As a long time vegan, I was happy to read in Edward Markus' article last week that there is an abundance of healthy and humane options available to students. It's no surprise that vegan eating is on the rise nationwide as more people learn of the health and environmental benefits.

However, those reasons alone are not what has kept me vegan since college — it's the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals raised for food.

Every year in the U.S., more than 10 billion cows, pigs and chickens are raised and slaughtered for us to eat. Many of these animals suffer painful mutilations, including debeaking and castration without any painkillers. Thankfully, as Markus pointed out, grocery stores, restaurants and dining halls around the country are serving more vegan food than ever to meet the growing demand. For free delicious recipes check out VegRecipes.org.

Francesca Valente
Compassion Over Killing