Letters to the Editor
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Deceptive "veterinarian"
Very interesting letter from "a veterinarian" (perhaps one who's salary is paid by the food industry?), and also rather misleading. What he or she doesn't mention is the horrid conditions animals are kept in *before* slaughter. Jammed together beyond all reason, existing from birth to death on concrete and in cages (often never seeing the outdoors), living in their own feces, beaks cut off chickens so they can't attack each other because of the constant stress, living on diets they were never meant to eat, and on and on. Why? For the convenience of the food industry.
The REASON animals so frequently need antibiotics in the modern meat industry is exactly BECAUSE of the awful and unnatural conditions forced on them. So, to be the cause of disease and misery animals suffer and then portray yourself as a white knight because you medicate them for it is a bit of a stretch.
"A veterinarian" is right about one thing, though. Labels stating "organic," "natural," "free-range," "cage-free," etc. are all but meaningless. This, too, is thanks to heavy lobbying by the food industry so that they can use these terms deceptively to bilk unwary consumers. Do a little research about the places and organizations you buy from if you are looking to be a responsible consumer.
Suggested reading, beyond "Fast Food Nation": Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma."