I see a lot of people with a romantic notion about animal ‘farming’. Even some who are familiar with ‘standard farming practices’ seem to romanticize the farming ideal that is only fantasy in children's books.
Many think of rolling green hills, open fields, big red barns, adorable baby animals, and possess a general vision that does not recognize the extremely dark and depraved acts that always must be included if one intends to ‘farm’ animals in any way.
Personally, I do not see visions of any such delusions. I see baby male calves killed for veal. I see male chicks killed simply for being born male. I see repeatedly assaulting a female - a mother - to produce offspring, both only to be seen as ‘products’ to be exploited, used, sold, and/or murdered. I see castration and dehorning and branding. I see the selfishness and pure ignorance of taking a life because they are no longer of use to me to oppress or exploit, or to partake in some utterly unnecessary personal pleasure.
In the 15+ years I've been vegan I've seen many "animal farmer turned vegan" stories. The dark side of farming ultimately took a toll on them and the person they were born as – a kind, decent, merciful human – was somehow reawakened. They simply could not sustain lying to themselves about the many terrible things that must be done to be able to “farm” any fellow sentient being.
The reality of animal ‘farming’ is not suitable for a children’s book and there is nothing romantic about it.
Create sanctuaries. Grow life-sustaining plant-based foods. Live in peace. Live vegan.
