Vegan -Because its worth it!
People often ask Vegans- why is a vegetarian diet not sufficient if one wants to eliminate food that causes suffering to animals from their diet? Years ago Vegetarianism was a new concept but now it is mainstream. We have now progressed to a new level with Veganism as people embrace the concept in increasing numbers. The vast range of Soya and plant based products in Irish supermarkets accommodating diets free of animal products is increasing rapidly.
Dairy cows are made pregnant annually to ensure they produce milk. This milk is meant for calves, not humans.In nature the calf would suckle for almost a year but nature, like the calf, is denied by the dairy industry. Some calves may be separated from their mothers after a few days of life. But as the inevitable by-products of relentless milk production each will have to endure one of several possible fates.
The least healthy male calves will be sent to market to be slaughtered for pet food; to provide veal , or for rennet to be extracted from their stomachs for cheese-making. Some females will be reared on milk substitutes to become dairy herd replacements like their mother and begin, at 18-24 months of age, the cycle of continual pregnancies. Some will be sold at market at 1-2 weeks of age for rearing as beef in fattening pens and slaughtered after 11 months, often without sight of pasture. This is why Vegans refuse to consume Dairy products, we believe that all animal violations are wrong.
More on this and other animal issues including videos can be found on our website www.afarireland.org.