Vegetarianism and Animal Cruelty

A vegetarian for over 45 years, Michael Kern is a strong advocate of the prevention of cruelty to animals and animal rights.

Ethical Vegetarianism

Every day in the UK over 2,000,000 land animals are slaughtered, and nearly 600,000 tonnes of fish are killed every year.

70% of UK pigs are farmed intensively, broiler chickens are farmed to grow three times as fast as they did half a century ago, and calves have to endure castration, dehorning and disbudding. Due to these horrific practices, it’s impossible to claim that animal rearing methods can ever be considered humane.

No wonder an increasing number of people are becoming vegetarian…

Other Reasons to be Vegetarian

Of course, taking a stand against animal cruelty is an important reason to go vegetarian. However, there are many other compelling reasons, including:

• Preventing, treating or even reversing heart disease (a low-fat diet can stop the progression of coronary artery disease or prevent it entirely)
• Losing weight (and keeping it off)
• Living longer (you could add years to your life)
• Feeling an increase in energy (too much cholesterol from meat slows us down)
• Saving money (it’s cheaper).

Vegetarianism and Veganism

Not everyone who practices vegetarianism entirely cuts animal products from their diet. Even being a part-time vegetarian can be a step in the right direction and is better than making no commitment at all.

Ovo-lacto vegetarians don’t eat meat or fish but still eat dairy products such as milk, cheese and eggs. Unfortunately, poor conditions and cruelty can still exist in the production of dairy goods, but free-range options are usually available… and at least the animals are not slaughtered. Vegans go the whole way and don’t eat any meat or animal products such as dairy, eggs or honey.

A Healthier Lifestyle

There is plenty of scientific research that demonstrates the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet, and these days responsible governments often recommend that the majority of the calories in our diets should be consumed from fruit, vegetable and grain products.

It’s estimated that 70% of all diseases, including a third of all cancers, can be related to diet. A plant-based diet significantly reduces the risk of chronic degenerative diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer (including breast, stomach and lung cancer). Being a vegetarian or vegan is a no brainer!