Vegetarians & Meat Eaters -- Where Do You Stand On The Issue Of Animal Rights?

Have you been to a petting zoo lately? Aren't they the best? Furry, feathered farm critters can illicit oooos and aaaahs from the most dedicated gravy-lovin' beef-and-potato fans based on the sheer fact that they're so darned entertaining to observe, feed and interact with. Between their quirky little personalities and cheerfully social demeanors, people of all ages can appreciate the simple pleasure of hangin' with the ducks, pigs, cows, goats and chickens. It's especially nice to observe them in the environment that Mother Nature intended because they seem so, well, content. The last thing on Earth that crosses our minds as we stroke silky ears and offer hungry little mouths tender blades of grass through a fence is, "Mmmm, I could go for a burger or a pork chop right now." Come on, surely I'm not the only one....

Vegetarians are the most obvious demographic when it comes to championing animal rights, and groups like PETA are founded on the philosophy that if it swims, flies or struts, it is not an acceptable part of one's diet. Beyond promoting the benefits of consuming completely vegetarian-based foods, they take extraordinary measures to spread public awareness regarding the appalling conditions that factory-farmed animals must endure. While on occasion their tactics may hover on the extreme end of the spectrum, I think that they are well-intentioned, because the bottom line is that animals deserve a decent quality of life -- they are living, breathing creatures just like us. As an occasional meat eater, it may seem hypocritical of me to say this, but I actually do care a great deal about the humane treatment of animals. Although I have not yet made the commitment to become a staunch vegetarian, when I do venture out to the stores in search of animal protein, I exclusively purchase organic brands that offer their livestock free access to grass pastures along with all of the other hallmarks of humane treatment. That doesn't make me a 'holier than thou' meat eater.

I realize that no matter what efforts I take to make responsible and conscientious consumer choices, animals are still dying for my meals. I'm the first one to admit that it is not the ideal scenario. Perhaps I justify my diet by believing that the Niman Ranch pork and Great Range buffalo products that I select are at the very least raised from farm to plate in the most humane manner possible. Amazingly, if you're going to eat meat, it is an easier decision to live with when you can tell yourself that your food was treated with respect. Odd mentality, but accurate nonetheless. While the majority of us are sympathetic toward the fact that pigs and cows have feelings, a new trend has emerged in which animal rights activists are rallying around the rights of invertebrates such as crayfish, lobsters and crabs. Yes, those prehistoric looking hard-shelled critters. Tireless European-based supporters have been lobbying for new laws that offer the same legal protections against cruelty that pigs, cows, and other mammals are theoretically offered.

Is this laughable or sensible given the fact that several animal advocacy groups have published conclusive evidence proving that the neural circuitry that invertebrates are already hardwired with enables them to feel pain? Perhaps people are innately more sympathetic on the other side of the ocean. Since 2005, Reggio Emilia (in Italy) has banned live lobster boiling altogether, New Zealand has recently included crustaceans in its animal protection laws and European parliaments are considering adopting shellfish-rights at the national level. What is your stance on the basic rights of a lobster? Would you be willing to invest an estimated $1000 in the Crustastun, a humane killing device that administers a high-test electrical shock to your future dinner? On the whole, do you believe that there are ever any humane ways to end the life of a creature? When you sit down to eat a meatball hero sandwich, do you ever wonder what quality of life your cow had when it was alive? Does humane animal treatment matter to you?