Dear Editor:
Most people have heard about the salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 57 people in 16 states and forced JBS Tolleson—one of the nation’s largest meat producers—to recall nearly 7 million pounds of ground beef. Relatively few people, however, have thought about all the cows who were killed to make this meat, which is now just being tossed out. We mustn’t overlook their needless deaths.
When cows are very young, they’re branded with hot irons, their horns are cut or burned off, and males are castrated—all without painkillers. At the slaughterhouse, cows are hung upside-down, their throats are slit, and they are skinned and gutted. Some remain conscious through the entire process.
It’s no wonder these gentle giants go to great lengths to escape from slaughterhouses. They value their lives, just as you and I value ours.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning people not to eat ground beef produced by JBS Tolleson. This is good advice, but if you really want to live healthy and stop animal suffering, try going vegan. For more information and a free vegan starter kit, see www.PETA.org.
Sincerely,
Heather Moore
The PETA Foundation
501 Front St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
941-330-6430
