Expert: Tina Volpe - 7/6/2009

Question
hi tina, i'm a vegetarian and writing a research paper for a college course. i have two questions:

1. Are there any substantial animal protection laws concerning the food industry?

2. How do you personally feel about animal cognitive abilities in correlation with their rights? (I found a source that mentioned that animals are "senseless creatures" because of their small brains and do not have interests or have the capacity to feel pain and therefore do not merit rights).

thankyou!

Answer
Hi Ash,

As far as substantial laws?  No.  There is the Humane slaughter act, which can be goggled for more info - but it is NEVER abided by.  It would not matter if it were illegal to hang a pig by it's neck, the industry does what it likes and the USDA and FDA turn their head.

Personally - hmmm, I have a sanctuary, and have read nearly every book on the subject.  Animals are sentient beings, which means they feel pain, sorrow, anguish and emotions.  The screams at a slaughterhouse should indicate that, and the fact that they escape every chance they get when they smell the blood and hear the screams.  They feel fear and struggle to the very end to hang onto their life, just as humans do.  They cry when their babies are removed from them, they cry when they are separated from their mates.  Animals are quite intelligent as well.  

Please, pick up a copy of my book "The Fast Food Craze, Wreaking Havoc on Our Bodies and Our Animals" for further details and proof.

Hope this helped.  Can I ask you something?  Do you think your cat or dog feels pain or sorrow?  It's exactly the same, if not more intense for pigs (they are smarter) and most other farm animals.  

Tina Volpe