When The Sexy Vegan — that would be the affable Brian Patton — started dating his now-wife, he wooed her with Friday night happy hours at her apartment or his. When their friends heard of the lovely summer evenings they were having, the happy hours expanded, both in terms of the number of guests and the types of tapas.
Shortly after the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) released an undercover video exposing extreme animal abuse inside Wyoming Premium Farms, a pig breeding factory farm, several employees, including two managers, were charged with cruelty to animals.
After learning that an estimated 95% of egg-laying hens on factory farms are intensively confined in tiny wire cages so small, they can’t even spread their wings, many well-intentioned urban dwellers are flocking to the idea of raising backyard chickens as a more humane alternative. Unfortunately, this trend which has gained momentum largely from the sustainable and locavore movements, is not all it’s cracked up to be, especially for the birds.
Like many new vegetarians and vegans, when I started to examine my food choices in early 2008, I needed an outlet for my new-found knowledge and enthusiasm. And just like other animal advocates in Southern California at that time, I started volunteering for the successful Yes on Prop 2 campaign (a ground-breaking initiative that bans the cruel practices of intensively confining calves, pigs, and birds in tiny cages or crates). After tabling for the campaign at just one festival, I was hooked. I knew I had found something meaningful that would remain a part of my life for years to come.
For anyone who’s had the opportunity to meet cows, pigs, and birds in an up close and personal setting, like a sanctuary, it’s an incredible experience. Much like the cats and dogs in our homes, these animals are very social and playful, and they have individual personalities. It can be a life-changing experience. So can watching an undercover video filmed inside a factory farm or slaughterhouse. And while such information has compelled millions of Americans to change our dietary choices by leaving animals off our plates, would more people be willing to alter their behavior if they could experience what life is truly like for farmed animals?
Last Thursday, the Montgomery County Council issued a “Meatless Monday” Proclamation officially endorsing a nationwide effort to promote kinder, climate-friendlier, and healthier foods. Compassion Over Killing worked with the Council on this initiative and applauds the County for taking this important step in promoting the many benefits of choosing more plant-based foods.
Our friends at Vegan Cuts have launched a new line of super cute necklaces featuring three different maple wood pendants – a rabbit, a lamb, and a fox. These necklaces aren’t just adorable and stylish — they also support Compassion Over Killing’s work to protect animals! How?
When you buy your necklace (necklaces) on Vegan Cuts, simply select Compassion Over Killing from the non-profit drop down menu and 10% of your purchase will be automatically donated to support our live-saving campaigns.
Last week, something pretty interesting happened in the US Capitol. And while it may not have involved sweeping bill proposals or read-the-phone-book filibusters, the event — the “Healthy on the Hill” luncheon — is definitely worth talking about.
As a Southern California native, I grew up going to Knott’s Berry Farm, a quaint amusement park that boasted Snoopy as its mascot, stomach-dropping roller coasters, a Halloween-themed fright fest, a wild west-era Ghost Town, and of course, delicious, albeit unhealthy carnival snacks such as funnel cake and buttered popcorn. Though it’s been a while since I’ve visited, I now have an excuse to go back: all those foods associated with my childhood memories have now been veganized!