Hi Folks,
I am still in the "I want to do this stage" but I have not gotten past the slaughtering of fish questions. Anyone with thoughts on the subject? I am currently a meat and fish eater. In the past I was a lacto-ovo vegetarian for 8 years which I began as a reaction to the ethical question - should I be taking advantage of someone else doing "the deed" for me? I have finally come to some comfort area as long as I can reassure myself that the care and slaughter of a living creature in its lifetime was humane and as good as it could possibly be. I remember reading about an organic pig farmer who proclaimed their animals had only one bad day in their lives.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Replies
This is a good, ethical question. I think your pig farmer was right. Our cattle get treats of pomegranates and graze on abundant green grass. Compare that to cattle grazing in the desert fighting cacti & the harsh environment.
For me there are three things that are important. 1. The animals are given a great life of comfort, security, and good health. 2. The "deed" is gentle, quick and final (After being in a car accident & hitting my head years ago, I know that death can be instant and painless!) and 3. I appreciate the sacrifice that was given for my sustenance, so I don't waste any part of the animals and I don't consume more than necessary.
Thank you for the feedback, Sheri. I could almost see myself raising livestock as long as your no. 2 is always the case. I have always thought long and hard and appreciated the Native peoples practice of a "thanking" ceremony for the animal giving up its life as you say in no. 3.
I am glad there are others who have consciously addressed the question. I did find a preference (on the internet after I posted the question) for fish harvest to use freezing water to put them into a permanent sleep. All the other 'possibilities' require skill.
Thanks again.
Thank you, Sheri, that is a good suggestion. When I wanted to get goats I took lessons from the gal I ultimately bought from just saying "I want to do whatever is necessary to take care of them" so I did mucking, milking, feeding, hovve trimming etc.
I need to do more research but you have helped my focus. Thank you.