Reflecting on need to kill animals for food
ON a visit to a cattle farm with my father recently, I saw hundreds of these animals placed in crammed quarters being fattened up for the slaughter. The very thought that these gentle creatures would be killed saddened me. Seeing them in such a vulnerable and pitiful state raised some important concerns, not just on the detrimental effects of the consumption of meat but also if it was morally right to slaughter thousands of animals for our consumption.
Meat from chickens, cattle, goats and pigs has become a staple addition to the daily diet of most Malaysians. Although the consumption of meat can lead to health-related and environmental problems, we should really look at this issue from a humane and moral perspective.
I have kept chickens, ducks and other animals as pets before. Over time, I came to realise that they too are capable of emotions and feelings. This realisation helped me to decide not to eat red meat and chicken.
I believe that we should try to eat less meat as a show of compassion for animals. I also believe that creating awareness among children can help to instil love and compassion for animals. This will teach them that animals aren’t just a source of food, and that the meat people eat comes from a living, breathing and thinking creature.
Getting children to visit farms where animals are scheduled to be slaughtered and observing their living conditions would help them to con- nect emotionally and apply that same empathy for all other animals.
When interviewed by National Geographic, singer and songwriter Sir Paul McCartney who is a vegetarian said, “For me, the bottom line is we’re on this incredible planet, and there doesn’t appear to be another one in sight. And alongside us are these little dudes, these animals. We’ve all got the chance in life to survive, and I like the idea of giving them their best shot.”
It is time to reflect on our diet, understand the full implications of what we eat and make an informed decision to change our lifestyle.
HARESH JAYANT MAHALINGAM Ipoh