While reading your Thanksgiving issue, I noted two articles that (to me) seemed to blend together: “The ingredients of Thanksgiving” by Lindsay Kuhn on page one, and Pam Linn’s column on the first page of section B, entitled “Man’s inhumanity to hens.” In Ms. Kuhn’s article there are some facts regarding the origin of Thanksgiving. As she mentions, Thanksgiving didn’t become a national holiday until 1863 during the Civil War, by Abraham Lincoln. Remembering how Abraham Lincoln acted to outlaw the cruel tradition of slavery, it is ironic that the holiday he created has come to be celebrated by another cruel tradition. If his words are any indication, Lincoln would oppose the massive slaughter of turkeys for Thanksgiving. He said, “I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.”
Since Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a holiday, it has evolved into one of our country’s most meaningful national holidays. It involves spending quality time with family and friends, and it hasn’t been too denigrated by flagrant commercialism like other holidays. But there is a problem with the way we observe Thanksgiving: At the heart of this celebration of thanks and appreciation is a meal centered on cruelty and killing.
The majority of turkeys raised for meat today endure inhumane factory farm conditions. They suffer from genetic manipulation, severe overcrowding, cruel transportation, and inhumane slaughter. In fact, turkeys are specifically excluded from most state anti-cruelty laws and the federal “Humane Slaughter” law. Turkeys are fully conscious when they are shackled upside down by the legs, and stunning is not required. Some people will impulsively resist the idea of leaving turkey off the Thanksgiving menu. Doing so, some may argue, goes against tradition. But, happily, our attachment to senseless and cruel tradition is less than our commitment to humane and social evolution. Otherwise, slavery and other intolerable practices would still be common today.
As a vegan, I have enjoyed Thanksgiving “turkey” this year as every year. My “turkey” is a turkey shaped vegetable loaf! There are other alternatives to the traditional Thanksgiving meal, there are a wide variety of plant- based Thanksgiving entreés such as “Tofurky” now available. Vegetarian Thanksgiving resources and recipes are available on the website: www.AdoptATurkey.org. Also, more people are starting a new Thanksgiving tradition by opting to feed turkeys, rather than eat turkey. There is a national Adopt-A-Turkey program, and more information is available at 1-888-SPONSOR. Individuals can sponsor a turkey who is receiving lifelong care at a sanctuary for farm animals.
Regarding the incident that Pam Linn reports in which 30,000 hens were purposely shredded alive in a wood-chipping machine, the Los Angeles Times (11/23) reported that animal control officers filed a formal complaint against the veterinarian who allegedly authorized the grisly deed. Virtually every humane organization, as well as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) itself, has condemned the use of wood-chipping machines to kill chickens since the incident was first reported in February 2003. This month, San Diego County’s Animal Services Department, which investigated the wood-chipper incident at Ward Egg Ranch, filed a complaint against Dr. Cutler. Farm Sanctuary and other animal protection organizations are now calling for the AVMA to remove Dr. Gregg Cutler from his position on the animal welfare committee, based on his alleged support of wood-chipping machines to kill hens. The farm sanctuary site will have more information on this. Readers can contact: Bruce Little, DVM, Executive Vice President, American Veterinary Medical Association, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360. Ph: 847-925-8070; Fax: 847-925-1329
Ask AVMA officials to investigate the complaint against Dr. Cutler and his alleged support of wood-chipping machines to kill the 30,000 hens at Ward Egg Ranch. Request that they remove Dr. Cutler from his position on the AVMA’s animal welfare committee, if the allegations are found to be true. For more information on farm animals please visit:
Alessandra DeClario