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Rabbit Advocacy Animal Matters
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December 18, 2014 Prevention, a magazine that claims to be about optimizing a healthy lifestyle, has shocked many people this month by actually posing the question: “Is rabbit the new white meat?” Never mind that there has been considerable scientific evidence that proves consuming animals and their products in detrimental to human health. A simpler, ethical way of living is to adopt a plant-based diet. From Leonardo da Vinci, 1452 - 1519: “I have from an early age abjured the use of meat, and the time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men.” Carmina Gooch wrote to the editors of Prevention as did Patricia Tallman Re: Rabbit meat Dear Prevention Editor, I was shocked and disgusted to read in your purported ‘health’ magazine the piece: “Is rabbit the new white meat?” It’s insulting to anyone with an ounce of compassion and intelligence that this would even be considered for publication. Rabbits are social, sentient beings, just like other species, including ourselves. Many people also have them as companions, just as they do cats and dogs. Rabbits are raised in deplorable conditions, unable to express natural behaviours, and are susceptible to illness due to intense confinement. Whole Foods may say their rabbits are raised ‘humanely’, however, there is no way to verify standards are met, nor is there any humanity in making a living off the backs of animals. Rabbits are not covered under slaughter laws, and according to USDA slaughter reports, many rabbits die in transport and/or arrive too sick to be used for meat. It’s no secret that the rabbit industry is trying to promote itself, yet in many instances, such as in Australia, you hear of it being “non-viable.” There is simply no demand and prices are high, due to lack of interest. Rabbit is a dangerously lean protein meat and can cause Rabbit Starvation, also referred to as protein poisoning. Powerful industry and government control our food supply, and mainstream media is a convenient conduit for misinformation. Animal welfare and public health always takes a backseat to the economy. May I suggest you do further research and focus future articles on educating the public on the virtues a plant-based diet. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has a wealth of information regarding ethical and compassionate living, one that is good for the planet and all itsinhabitants. Sincerely, Carmina Gooch
Dear editor, I find it appalling that a health magazine is promoting meat of any kind, let alone rabbit meat. The benefits of a plant-based diet has been endorsed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Moreover, Kaiser Permanente, the largest health consortium in the US has advised its 17,000 salaried physicians to recommend plant-based diet as a first line of defense for treatment of chronic diseases instead of pulling out the prescription pad. Rabbits are very sociable animals, can be litter trained, and perform agility courses just like dogs. In fact, they are affectionate and more intelligent than dogs. If Prevention does not promote dog meat, why promote rabbit meat – it’s not a health food, it’s not food! It’s an intelligent, sociable animal. Patricia Tallman What has eyes, people conscious of their responsibility do not eat. |