Vejay Anand S’ Post

Environmentalism, animal rights & anti-racism are ONE thing. Many people believe that human interests matter much more than the like interests of animals, & because of this “speciesist belief,” the mistreatment of animals is utterly pervasive in human culture. The traditional attitude toward animals is that animals are merely a resource that humans may dispose of as they see fit: in this way an animal has instrumental value only. People who perceive themselves as more similar to animals are also people who tend to have more pro-social or positive attitudes toward outgroup members or people from stigmatized & marginalized backgrounds. Belief in evolution would also act in a similar way, because it would reinforce this belief that we are more similar to animals. Speciesist thinking involves considering animals—who have their own desires, needs, & complex lives—as means to human ends. Speciesism is sheer prejudice—nothing more,—& our giving greater consideration to humans than to animals is utterly unjustified. Moral favouritism towards members of one's own species is a prejudice. This prejudice has been labelled “speciesism,” in analogy with racism & sexism. No one has succeeded in showing race or sex to be a morally relevant characteristic, or in showing how preference on these grounds could be justified even if race & sex are not morally relevant characteristics. Since this belief-forming process of speciesism does not track moral truth, it can be concluded that we’re not justified in believing that human interests matter more than the similar interests of animals. No other human practice has contributed so profoundly to animal suffering & death than factory farming & the industrialisation of slaughter with its efficiency & automation of murder. History proofs that the same techniques used to exterminate millions of humans in the 1930s & 1940s continue to be employed today through similar but perfected & even more efficient techniques in the slaughterhouse, & the history of the development of factory farming & the industrialisation of slaughter have been interwoven in the progression of capitalism & can be explained through the popularity & resilience of Fordism, a system of mechanized mass production that relied on the foundational principles of standardization & mechanisation which is geared towards mass production & depends upon mass consumption: although the purpose of killing, as well as the identity of the victims differs, the industrialisation of slaughter that treats human & non-human animals alike as nothing more than commodities in a system designed for speed & efficiency, links the slaughterhouse & the extermination of billions of non-human animals & the extermination of millions of humans in the Holocaust,—& the “Eternal Treblinka” for animals continues today as the interwoven practices of factory farming & slaughter have increased as the demand for animal flesh rises.

📃Editorial of the issue n.244 of the "Flash-e news" EAAP #newsletter, written by the Secretary General, Andrea Rosati: "Navigating the Ethical Landscape of In Vitro Meat Production "🧫🥩 Read it here👇 "The discourse surrounding the production of In Vitro Meat (IVM) encompasses various facets, including social, environmental, economic, and moral considerations. While experts ponder the potential advantages of IVM, such as its capacity to reduce environmental harm and enable cruelty-free meat production, moral apprehensions take centre stage when interacting with individuals lacking specialized knowledge. It is imperative to explore the main moral concerns, even within the constraints of this editorial's brevity. Cultured meat is frequently perceived as a humane alternative, as it does not entail the slaughter of animals. Animal rights activists regard its development as a moral imperative, with organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) offering incentives for its advancement, and philanthropic groups lending support to IVM research. However, a critical caveat emerges: if IVM displaces traditional meat production, it could profoundly diminish or potentially eradicate livestock populations. This could create societal and cultural upheavals, particularly in regions where animal husbandry has social and economic significance. We do not endorse this scenario, but it aligns with the aspirations of many animal rights activists. To contest their proposals, we must show the impracticality of their strategy. Animal rights advocates assert that IVM will not sever our connection to animals. If we value this connection beyond meat production, it should endure even if animals are no longer kept for consumption. Nevertheless, this raises queries regarding why animals should be bred if they lack commercial value. It is also worth noting that cultured meat may never be entirely devoid of animal involvement, as cell sourcing remains a requisite for its production. We contend that animal husbandry, deeply rooted in human history for millennia, is perceived as an integral facet of our relationship with nature and animals. Critics argue that the "logic of the larder," which suggests that humans confer a benefit upon animals by raising and consuming them, is invalidated by poor rearing conditions. Furthermore, the moral obligation toward non-existent beings is a metaphysical dilemma. IVM also engenders practical and religious quandaries. In conclusion, IVM represents moral progress compared to conventional meat, but its real-world implications transcend animal rights perspectives. As this innovation progresses, we anticipate that more comprehensive exploration of its moral dimensions will be necessary, rendering this conclusion provisional. " #invitro #culturedmeat #research #innovations #animalscience #europeanresearch

In a 2023 audit report, the European Commission stated the transport of unweaned calves from Ireland to France is being carried out in breach of Council Regulation 1/2005 on the protection of animals during #transport, as the calves are not being fed. Without food, calves - which are especially vulnerable in the first weeks of their lives - can experience lower energy, weakened immune systems, and difficulty regulating their temperature levels. However, these long journeys, in which they go hungry, are still happening - despite the European Commission’s clear acknowledgement that they shouldn’t be. This lack of enforcement for the EU’s #AnimalWelfare rules cannot continue! NGOs across Europe including Compassion in World Farming EU, Ethical Farming Ireland, FOUR PAWS and Dier&Recht recently signed and sent two open letters: One to the European Commission, calling on it it to take action to end the transport of unweaned calves from Ireland to France: https://bit.ly/3WCR3jR One to the shipping company, Stena Line, calling on it to cease its transport of unweaned calves immediately: https://bit.ly/3WCR3jR Ireland has exported 158,000 unweaned calves this year to date. These young sentient beings need the EU's help. RSPCA World Animal Protection Animal Equality LAV Essere Animali Dyrenes Beskyttelse Animals International De Dierenbescherming Wakker Dier Dyrevernalliansen (Norwegian Animal Protection Alliance) Welfarm Menschen für Tierrechte Baden-Württemberg e.V. Compassion in World Farming EU Compassion in World Farming Nederland

On this National Animal Advocacy Day, we urge you to join Vegan Activist Alliance and our partners in taking action to fight for the liberation and protection of beyond-human persons (animals). Please visit the LINKS BELOW to start making a difference. Beyond-human persons have a natural right to their bodies and to live a life free from oppression and exploitation regardless of species. Their lives hold intrinsic value and should be included in the fight for social justice. How can we speak of inclusion if we exclude those who are most vulnerable? As we stand together in the fight for the collective liberation of all Beings, it's crucial to recognize the enduring impact of colonialism. For centuries, colonialism has devastated beyond-human persons and Indigenous lands, perpetuating exploitation and destruction. This legacy continues to influence our perception and treatment of animals, reducing them to mere commodities for human use and profit. We, as a collective, must challenge this and the notion that social justice and liberation should be confined by species. So join us in taking action. Tap the links below for resources on going vegan, to demand the Environmental Protection Agency stop protecting factory farms, and urge the Biden Administration to protect endangered species. Go vegan: https://lnkd.in/gRuCUmGV Stop protecting factory farms: https://lnkd.in/gHMbd_TD Protect endangered species: https://lnkd.in/gaY8Uhh9 #EarthDay #EarthMonth #AnimalRights #PlantBasedDiet #Vegan #Veganism #AnimalLiberation #Animals #AnimalRightsActivism #VeganCommunity #AnimalLover #Animals #CuteAnimals #Environment

Attention everyone! 🚨🌍 . . . This morning, as I sat down with my cup of coffee, I found myself immersed in a newspaper article that struck a chord deep within me. It wasn't just the title, "Saving animals is ethical, it's evocative. And it's smart business," that captured my attention, but the profound message it conveyed about our relationship with the natural world. The article shed light on the pervasive notion of speciesism. It's the belief that only human lives hold value, disregarding the intrinsic worth of all other beings. Our health, wealth, and very existence are intricately linked to the well-being of all creatures on this planet. From the smallest insects to the majestic elephants, each plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems. Yet, despite this interconnectedness, human activities continue to threaten the lives of countless animals. We each have a role to play in addressing this global crisis, whether it's through supporting companies that prioritise animal welfare in their CSR initiatives or advocating for policies that protect biodiversity. In addition to these initiatives, educating the young ones about animal welfare and helping them be more empathetic towards different animals is crucial. Instilling compassion and empathy in the next generation will ensure that they grow up to be responsible stewards of our planet. So, what can we do? Let's start by educating ourselves and others about the importance of animal welfare and environmental conservation. Our choices today will shape the future of all life on Earth.  Let's make them count. 🌱🌍 #timesevoke #timesofindia #news #newsupdate #trendingnews #nature #savenature #wildlife #animals #trending #india #companies #csr

Title: Embracing a Compassionate World: A Vision Where Love Extends to All Creatures In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, there exists a vision—a vision where every living being, no matter how big or small, is treated with an abundance of love and compassion. Imagine a world where the well-being of animals is a shared responsibility, and acts of kindness towards them are not just encouraged but deeply ingrained in the fabric of our society. In this utopian world, the bond between humans and animals transcends the ordinary. People no longer view animals merely as resources or commodities but as cherished companions on this journey called life. Every creature, from the tiniest insects to the grandest elephants, is regarded with respect and empathy. In our imaginary world, individuals recognize the profound impact of their actions on the animal kingdom. They understand that the choices they make, from dietary preferences to lifestyle habits, have far-reaching consequences on the lives of these sentient beings. Veganism and sustainable practices become the norm as society collectively decides to live in harmony with nature. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping this compassionate society. Schools and communities place a strong emphasis on teaching empathy towards animals from a young age. Children grow up understanding the importance of coexistence, learning about different species, their habitats, and the interconnectedness of all life forms. Animal shelters, once overcrowded and struggling, now flourish with support from the community. Adoption rates soar as more people open their hearts and homes to animals in need. Stray animals find love and care, and the concept of euthanasia due to lack of space becomes obsolete. Veterinary clinics thrive, providing quality care to every furry, feathery, or scaly friend. In this world, legislation reflects the values of compassion. Animal rights are not just a concept but a robust set of laws that protect animals from cruelty and exploitation. Poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and any form of mistreatment are met with severe consequences. The legal system actively works towards the welfare of animals, ensuring their safety and well-being. Imagine a world where entertainment is not derived from the exploitation of animals. Circuses that once held animals in captivity for public amusement are transformed into spaces for educational and awe-inspiring performances, showcasing the intelligence and natural behaviors of animals in their habitats. #CompassionateWorld #LoveForAnimals #HarmonyWithNature #AnimalWelfare #ImagineWithLove #EmpathyInAction #SustainableLiving #CrueltyFreeLiving #EducateEmpathizeAct #SpeciesEquality #ProtectOurPlanet #AnimalRightsNow #KindnessMatters #UtopiaForAnimals #EthicalBusiness #VeganLifestyle #RespectForAllLife #WelfareWednesday #CaringCommunities #HeartsForAnimals #ImagineABetterWorld

My latest piece with Bryant Research explores the Small Body Problem. 🔎 The problem is relatively simple: smaller animals must be killed in greater numbers to produce the same amount of meat gained from larger animals 🐄 🐓 🦐 🐜 To gain the same amount of meat from one slaughtered cow, roughly 200 chickens must be slaughtered. For small fish and crustaceans, the number can be in the thousands. For insects, millions. Choosing to replace animal meat from larger animals with smaller animals can increase the number of animals being farmed by several orders of magnitude 📈 As multiple pressures pushing people towards consuming smaller animals, this insight explores the problems, numbers, and potential solutions surrounding farmed animal size. It's written as a comprehensive summary on the Small Body Problem with the intention to inform animal ethics and meat reduction campaigns - so please share it around! 🙏 https://lnkd.in/ezJzNu4C

🤨 Seriously, ECHA? Symrise forced into animal testing, a move that contradicts the ethical strides we’re meant to be making. 🌱 Europe, preaching sustainability, yet endorsing practices that harm our furry friends. 🐾 As a vegetarian, this decision is a gut punch. 😠 💔 As a society, are we willing to turn a blind eye to the collateral damage in the name of progress? 🤔 😤 As a consumer, it’s infuriating to see ethics taking a back seat. Are we okay with this collateral damage in the name of progress? Hell no! Are we embracing innovation or stuck in a loop of cruelty? Let’s question the logic and demand accountability and change ! 💬 💪 https://lnkd.in/eJnpW9rJ #Symrise #AnimalTesting #ECHA #SustainabilityHypocrisy #InnovationOrCruelty #DemandAccountability #peta #CFE

Addressing speciesism and carnism is not just about improving animal welfare; it’s about creating a more ethical, equitable, and sustainable world for all beings. By challenging these entrenched beliefs and practices, we can pave the way for a society that values compassion and respects the inherent worth of all living beings. Let’s explore practical steps toward achieving this transformation.

#cattle hashtag #existence hashtag #animalcruelty hashtag #life hashtag #love hashtag #reverenceforlife hashtag #loveofJesus OK--the star chamber has convened and decided to block access to my post below--here it is again, with a different shop window! You decide! My dear friends in a reverence for life, the Wall Street Journal, not normally known for delving into animal rights, has published an interesting exchange of letters recently on the subject of cows. The opening gambit came from a member of PETA, related the well-known if utterly ignored horrors of cattle farming, and urged readers to go vegan in order to save cows. The counterpoint agrees that we all could go vegan and follows up with this query: “But if we did, why would we need cattle anymore?” The question posed in response nicely delineates the overarching anthropocentrism that pervades life on our planet, that stands as a stumbling block to mankind’s reaching the pinnacle of our existence, to our installing an ethical aspect to the biosphere. Implicit in the question is an underlying assumption; namely, that unless humans “need”, i.e., can exploit for our own purposes another of God’s creatures, said creature has no right to exist nor purpose in being. Set forth another way: as Homo sapiens is the species that brings other species into being, we may do with them what we please, as it is merely our rights and interests that are of any consequence. My dear friends, a reverence for life is a life affirming ethos mandating that all life has worth and value, that no life may be viewed as a means to some human end, that we as humans are under a solemn duty to protect, assist, and enhance life, all life. The nub of the matter is this: is it more preferable to emerge on this planet as an actuality, given the ghastly future in store via the horrors of cattle farming, transportation to the slaughterhouse, cruel treatment at the abattoir, and ultimate destination to someone’s dinner table? Or, if an entity cannot live the life that nature intended, free from human depredation, exploitation and brutality, is it better never to be at all, never to endure an existence wherein many beings don’t ever see the sun until their last hours at the slaughterhouse? We are summoned to be stewards of God’s creation, of all nature, loving our neighbor as ourselves and esteeming every denizen of this planet to be our neighbor. We are bidden to make the love of Jesus universal. At its essence, our mandate is to care lovingly for all life on this planet, and as a corollary of that love never to bring a creature into being merely to exploit and brutalize it it for our gustatory satisfaction or amusement. Let us show love, mercy and compassion to all life, that which we encounter, and that which we cause to join us on this earth. That is a reverence for life. Cum meo maximo amore!