Vegetarian ideals laudable, but can be overstated
In regards to Ms. Register’s letter to the editor Wednesday about vegetarian options, I first would like to agree with her about the variety of vegetarian options at the dining halls.  As free individuals, we can choose to eat or not eat what we want.  However, Ms.¸ Register seriously needs to get her facts straight in terms of “animals raised for food.” For one thing, stating that everyone should consider not eating meat because of proof she’s seen mistreatment of animals through organizations like PETA is so far from the truth. PETA only shows the most extreme cases of animal cruelty, but, in reality, most farmers raise their animals humanely.And as to what she mentioned about “the most horrific abuses in the farming world” being the dairy industry is wrong. Although PETA likes to show the extremes — and that is what circulates through the general public — there are laws over each industry, not just the dairy industry, that set up guidelines and standards that are followed by most farmers.  For example, the dairy farm on our own campus is well-run, and the staff who work there know proper protocol in terms of what is best for the animals.  I ask you to pass by it one time and even take a tour of it to see how well the cows are treated. They are not starved or cramped within their living spaces and are treated to prevent diseases at a very young age. I wish you would open your mind to expand your horizons. I am not asking or telling you to become a meat-eater, like you tried to suggest with vegetarianism, but rather to learn a little bit about these various industries before letting someone or some group’s own opinion shape yours.  Let me ask you this: why would I want to pursue animal sciences as my major if I didn’t love and want the best in terms of welfare for them all?  Please don’t make assumptions of society based on one or two organizations; back it up with some research.Nancy Pessesanimal sciences junior
 
 
 
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