Meat-eating: It's our choice
V H Sheppard's comments in reply to my letter regarding the berating of meat-eaters is so wide of the mark it makes unbelievable reading ("Genesis of vegetarianism", Mailbox, April 16).
I have not used the Bible at all to defend by stance and, despite the disparaging remarks, like me, this person has a choice whether to eat meat or not. Presumably, before 2006 this individual did just that!
Instead of agreeing to condemn those who ill-treat animals in the way they are farmed for human consumption, this person attempts to deflect the argument away from this central point.
If there is wrongdoing occurring along the food chain then those miscreants should be dealt with harshly by the law. Your misguided assumption that meat eaters are the cause of the problem is ridiculous.
Let me repeat, it is not the fault of those who enjoy eating meat who cause ill treatment of animals.
To say otherwise is utter folly and as far from the truth as you can get.
I have no problem with anyone changing their habit and attitude; just don't expect everyone else to follow or preach to those who continue to enjoy a nutritious diet of their own choosing.
Remember, it is your choice to eat what you like just as it is mine and millions like me to decide for ourselves.
David Hankey, Great Easton.
Comments
by m, le3
Wednesday, April 20 2011, 10:00AM
“"To say otherwise is utter folly and as far from the truth as you can get." - I dont really fully agree with this. I think consumers have some responsibility for what they buy. So only if they choose to buy quality meat from a know source - can they say they have done all they can. But if they buy the cheapest rubbish they can get their hands on, then I dont think they can convincingly hold their hands up in shock if, for example, its chicken that has come from Thailand and not been slaughtered in a cruelty free why.
So I'll agree in as much as I think we have a choice about meat eating, and I don't like preachy types who elevate animals to a higher status than humans, saying otherwise. BUT I am not sure that meat eaters have a right to wash their hands of all responsibility for what they eat, without making any effort to buy quality produce.
I think the types that eagerly shovel any kind of processed meat product down their throats because 'its meat' are thoroughly depressing, I am not that keen on meat eaters that are squeamish about raw meat - seems hypocritical to me. But I've every respect for someone who is prepared to slaughter, butcher and cook an animal themselves.”