Before eating, think about where milk comes from

I did not compose the following essay. It was a letter to the editor recently printed in my newspaper, which brought me to tears. This letter brings to mind the recent Hallmark meatpacking scandal, which is common in factory farming. I share it here with you.

Once there was a cow #83729. She lived on a factory farm and never saw sunlight or felt grass under her feet. She was repeatedly impregnated. Her babies were always taken away within a day of being born, because humans wanted the milk that was meant for her calves. #83729 was milked for 10 months a year (including seven of her nine months of pregnancy). No wonder that only after four years they sent her worn-out body to slaughter.

She has also become lame because of the strain of constantly being pregnant and giving milk. During the transportation she fell and couldn't get up. They pulled her out of the truck with a chain and she crashed to the ground breaking her hip bone. They rammed her with a forklift in an attempt to make her stand up. When that didn't work they jabbed her in the eyes and sprayed water into her nose. Finally she managed to stand up and with staggering feet she walked to the killing floor where she died a horrible death. Next time you enjoy your ice cream or slice of pizza, please think about where the milk to make those things came from. Terhi Stratton, printed in the Idaho Statesman (02-27-08)


To sign-off on an upbeat, I leave you with a delicious milk-free muffin!

'Double Chocolate Muffins' from La Dolce Vegan, pg. 236.

Trust me, even finicky kids can't tell it's soy milk inside.