Dairy cows and table chickens also have rights

Although the focus of animal lovers is mainly on cats and dogs, several legislators on Wednesday explained that dairy cows and table chickens are entitled to a decent existence.

The legislators pointed out that dairy cows and table chickens must not be exploited despite the fact that they are being raised for consumption purposes. Milking cows at the expense of calves and the painful slaughter of chickens are also considered violations of animal rights.

MP Stephen Tsang (NDP) pointed out that he wonders if it is wrong to run over frogs and toads on the roads. The Animal Rights Bill does not make any specific exceptions for specific animals. If that becomes necessary, it will be done so via a decree. The sale of exotic animals such as parrots and monkeys in small cages alongside the public road will become a thing of the past as this type of trade will require a permit.

The chairwoman of parliament, Jennifer GeerlingsSimons (NDP), who is also the co-initiator of this legislation pointed out that if it were up to her the government would even have to stop giving soya beans as food to animals because it is hazardous to both animals and humans. She also sees no reason for having a huge quantity of livestock. MP Geerlings-Simons who is also a doctor explained that overconsumption of meat is not healthy for humans. “Especially when there are various hormones in the meat.” This also applies to dairy cows. “People do not need that much meat. Too much meat is hazardous to humans so raising too many animals for the production of meat is unnecessary. We can therefore adopt laws aimed at forcing everybody who owns a cow and a calf to let them stay together for a while before milking the cow. Milk is not as healthy as we assumed for a very long time.”