Are Farm Animals the Same as House Animals?
Today I had the great fortune of attending the Farm Sanctuary walk for animals. It was so fun …. but I have to say I was very disappointed by the turn out. Where are all the animal-loving vegans out there? Apparently there aren’t many. Now when we have an event for the dog and cat rescue, there are 5 times the amount of people there and the rescue earns 6 to 7 times the amount of money. Why is it that people can love their dogs and cats as members of the family…. let them sleep in the bed, feed them expensive food, buy them toys and clothes but they don’t see cows, chickens, sheep, and pigs in the same way?
I was talking to a equine veterinarian last weekend and she explained it like this … there are “food animals” and then all other animals. I asked a few times what is the difference between horses and pigs or cows. The answer was always the same. They’re “food animals” and horses are not. I reminded this vet that not so long ago – like last year – horses were considered food animals. “Yeah but it’s different and that’s not legal anymore.” Why is it different? I fail to have an answer as to why people see it this way.
However I’m thankful for the vegans, vegetarians and even meatatarians that came to the walk today. I expected it to be like all other walks but these great Farm Sanctuary peps actually made signs with cute farm animals on them. They said things like “go veg” and “don’t eat farm animals”. As we lined up to start the walk my friend Linda commented that it seemed a bit like a protest. I was immediately excited as I’ve never been part of a protest! I don’t think protest was the intention but like with all Farm Sanctuary efforts they seek to raise awareness.
We peacefully meandered through downtown Phoenix through Margaret T. Hance park. We received a few thumbs up and honks from cars but most of the journey was through the park and our main audience was homeless people. Our biggest fan started chanting “no sex with farm animals”! We all agreed to that! When all was said and done, Farm Sanctuary raised $3,000 at the Phoenix walk. $3,000. Come on Phoenix, we can do better than that! Next year I hope we get to $20,000 … hey why not think positively 🙂