Why (Not) Vegan? — A question for animal rescuers

Until recently most of my work was done in the animal rescue community.    When I first started I was surprised to find that most animal rescuers continue to eat animals.   After a while I was no longer surprised, but I can’t say I ever got used to it.   In the entire time I’ve been involved in rescue I’ve not to my knowledge met another vegan.   I’ve met a few vegetarians.    I’m not one to judge other people…I went back to eating animals for 10 full years after being vegetarian in college, so I understand how easy it can be to blind yourself to the truth.   But I think it’s important for rescuers to understand that no matter how many dogs and cats you rescue in a day, a weekend, a year, if you are continuing to eat animals, or animal products, you are still ending more lives than you are saving.   Next time you do a transport or pull from a high kill shelter, look into the dog’s eyes and know that the unconditional love you see there is also present in the eyes of cows and pigs.    Next time you’re laughing with friends about your rescued cat’s quirky habits, know that chickens and turkeys have quirky habits too.   And next time you’re protesting a puppy mill auction know that there are animals of numerous species suffering and dying within walking distance.   I’m honestly not trying to be mean or tell anyone that they are “bad,” but I *am* trying to make you think.   All animals deserve our love; if you are caring enough to give your time helping animals in need, I think on some level you already know that.

Check out the counter to your right to see how many animals have been killed in the time it took you to read the above paragraph.   For more information on veganism, please check out veganoutreach.org