In the January issue of Science, arguably the most prestigious scientific publication in the world, a small study on baby chicks suggested a profound connection between these little animals and all human beings: we both think the same way about numbers. Wondering what that means? OK, try this: imagine the numbers 1 through 10 then pretend someone just asked you …
Earlier this week, the New York Times admonished “the moral depths to which the federal government — working as a handmaiden to industrial agriculture — has sunk in pursuit of cheaper meat and fatter corporate profits.” The editorial board was referring to Michael Moss’ gut-wrenching expose of a facility in Nebraska, where pigs, cows, and lambs suffer immense cruelty – …
Chickens sneeze! But you knew that, right? You probably saw the YouTube video that went viral over the holidays – but there is so much more to chickens than just their obvious adorableness. Did you know chickens can do math? They might not “scratch three times” when you ask them what 2+1 is, but they are capable of mathematical reasoning …
In a disappointing turn of events yesterday, a federal court struck down a California law that prohibits the sale of foie gras, a cruelty-laden product made from the diseased livers of ducks and geese. This decision, which will hopefully be appealed by the state, means it can once again be sold in California. California’s ban went into effect in 2012 and …
Meat industry balks at proposed dietary guidelines Last week, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee issued its proposed nutrition policy for 2015 that has the meat industry crying foul — and The Washington Post calls it the “meat industry’s worse nightmare.” The current proposal, which will soon re-open for public comments, recommends that Americans eat more fruits and vegetables while …
Starting January 1, 2015, millions of farmed animals being raised in California can no longer be intensively confined inside tiny barren cages or crates, as mandated by law. Thanks to “Prop 2” – a history-making ballot measure overwhelmingly passed by California voters in 2008 under the official title of “The Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act” – egg-laying hens, pregnant pigs, …
Behind nearly every “incredible edible” egg sold in grocery stores today is a hen so intensively confined inside a barren wire battery cage, she can barely even move. With just 67 square inches of floor space on which to live – about the size of an iPad – she can’t even flap her wings, let alone nest, perch, dust bathe, …
It’s been all-over the news: President Obama has officially signed the final government spending bill, averting yet another a near-complete government shutdown. Dubbed “cromnibus” it’s a continuous financial resolution that includes all kinds of random “kitchen sink” line items, and it reached an outrageous $1.1 trillion by the time Obama signed it last week. What’s not so much in the news are some of …
Scientists across the nation are teaming up to save animals and the environment while also feeding the world – and a roster of big-name international investors and venture capitalists are on board. Just last week, the Wall Street Journal announced that a new round of investments in Hampton Creek Foods totaled $90 million. In explaining why his firm as taken …