LIVESTOCK: Treat more humanely

Idaho’s ag industry generally controls our legislature and our governor’s office. This control has led to the legal sanctioning of animal cruelty across the spectrum (livestock, domestic and wildlife). A tiny minority participates in abusing dairy cows, trapping wildlife, etc., but our representatives work tirelessly to protect these conscienceless few — in the name of profit and tradition.

But we Idahoans can significantly influence animal treatment through the power of our pocketbooks. Idahoans can make a meaningful difference simply by choosing more vegetarian options and by selective purchasing of eggs, cheese, milk and meat products (to support producers who are raising and slaughtering livestock in more healthy and humane environments). The more you research the conditions that much of the ag industry has imposed on livestock, the more outraged you will become. Chickens spend their lives in cages too small to stretch their wings. Pigs live in crates that are impossible to turn around in. Calves are taken from their mothers at birth and put in pens they can barely move in.

Use your grocery dollars on vegetarian options and support livestock producers who are operating more humanely. Together we can significantly improve the way animals are treated in Idaho.

PETER BROCKETT

Boise