I did it for the animals that go moo, cluck, bahh

People look at dogs and cats and respond with an “awwwww.”  Kinda like they do with babies.  Sweet, innocent, helpless.  They treat their domestic animals as family members, as they should.  They are cute.  Cudley.  Smart.  Loyal.  People love their pets.

But why are farm animals treated with any less dignity, love, and respect then domestic animals?  They are sweet, innocent, loving, loyal. Factory farms don’t treat animals as living, breathing, feeling beings.  These poor animals are treated in such horrific and inhumane ways, it is hard for me to comprehend. It is as if they don’t even have a beating heart.

Why a dog, a cow or chicken are treated differently, is not understood by me and never will be understood by me.  Pigs have higher intelligence than dogs.  Cows are innately loyal to their other farm animal friends.  According to Farm Sanctuary, goats are little pranksters, chickens and turkeys are inquisitive and always exploring, pigs are the brains of the operation, and cattle are the farm’s deeply social and most contemplative residents.  Cows interact with one another in complex ways, forming collaborative relationships (for example, they form “grooming partnerships,” just like chimpanzees), learning from one another, and making decisions based on altruism and compassion.  How are they so different than our domestic friends?  The only difference is that one ends up on the plate of meat-eating humans while the other gets loved and respected (hopefully) by humans.

Last weekend, here in New York, Farm Sanctuary held their annual “Walk For Farm Animals,” and we were delighted to participate in it.  We had so much fun.  Jane Velez-Mitchell (my beautiful and compassionate girlfriend) led the march and spoke out about veganism and its positive impact on animals, health, and the planet.  Gene Baur, the founder of Farm Sanctuary, spoke as well, lifting spirits with his views on a changing world, the environment, and a better future for all sentient beings.  Hundreds of people showed up for the event, raising  $52,469.98 to help abused and neglected farm animals.

Overall it was a successful event filled with laughter and the spirit of compassion.

Here are some photos from the fun-filled event.

 

IMG_2002

Donna & Jane

 

IMG_2009

Donna & Gene Baur

IMG_2010

IMG_2007

Gene Baur Speaking

IMG_2006

Donna & The Happy Cow

IMG_2005

Adorable Dog Heading the Raffle Table

 

Category : animal activist, animal rights, animals, environment, fundraising, new york, vegan
Tags : , , , , , , , , ,