Have you noticed the “Certified Humane” label on egg cartons and meat products lately? While sorting through a large assortment of eggs the other day, I became curious as to what exactly this label means. As one might expect, the “Certified Humane” product is just what one might hope it would be – emphasizing compassionate and respectful animal treatment. The story is inspiring and I know that you will appreciate what you see in this video that captures the essence of Certified Humane.
Why should you care about how your animals are treated?
I think that most of us are aware now that factory farmed animals are exposed to a life of endless cruelty, which includes (and is not limited to) living in extremely confining conditions that are crowded with other animals. This often leads to rather unsanitary conditions, promoting contagious illnesses within the farms. This results in using an arsenal of antibiotics. (FYI: You may not realize that most of the antibiotics you ingest are not from your doctor, but rather, they are from your meat and dairy. This is also true of the artificial hormones you unintentionally consume – they are largely sourced from the animals you eat.)
Since factory farms are designed to promote profit, animals and birds are confined to nearly suffocating cages, which are so small they are unable to engage in natural activities. For example, chickens cannot stretch their wings or claw at the ground. The conditions created under these conditions are deemed as extremely stressful – physically and emotionally. This is not good for you, the consumer of meat, as animals under stress are releasing stress hormones, which you will then consume.
If you have not already learned of the very dismal and unmistakably upsetting conditions animals face in factory farming, please educate yourself. When I learned of the practices in factory farms thirteen years ago, I gave up meat. That’s how terrible I felt about it.
The good news is that consumers have voted with their dollars to show that they give a damn about the conditions that animals face before slaughter. And now, food producers are voluntarily improving their standards to provide quality of life to their animals. Here are some of the standards that Certified Humane requires of their certified farms:
- That the producer meets our standards and applies them to animals from birth through slaughter.
- Animals have ample space, shelter and gentle handling to limit stress.
- Ample fresh water and a healthy diet of quality feed, without added antibiotics or hormones.
- Cages, crates and tie stalls are among the forbidden practices, and animals must be free to do what comes naturally. For example, chickens are able to flap their wings and dust bathe, and pigs have the space to move around and root.
Source: www.certifiedhumane.org
Please support this conscious movement for humane and compassionate food production. The food will cost you a little more and this is worth it. Not only does it improve the lives for the livestock at each farm, but it also improves working conditions for farm workers. And of course, the end product is healthier for you because these animals are less likely to be exposed to higher doses of hormones (to fatten animals or increase their yield) or high doses of antibiotics (less stress = healthier animals = fewer drugs required).
Food & Water Watch is a great resource for staying informed on this movement as well.
How do you feel about this issue? Please leave your comments below.
Thanks for reading and for sharing with others!
With love,
Frances
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2 responses to “Certified Humane”
Actually, I have been thinking about this for a while because of a documentary I watched in Development Communication class. We were watching a documentary called Food Inc. and…
It brought me to shame and anger all over again because this was one of the few things in the U.S. I feel strongly about. Those poor animals… Every now and then, during the showing, I was either wincing or sucking in my breath when I’d witnessed what was filmed when the documentary was made. I’m already aware there are some people who think animals are inferior compared to humans…
But it doesn’t mean it’s okay to mistreat the animals like this.
I hope people will open their hearts and minds to support this!
Thank you for your thoughtful reply! There was a time when many more people didn’t respect animals, but that is changing. It is fascinating to see people come alive with emotion, similar to your experience, over other beings. It’s a good sign. Even MCDonalds is recognizing the need to raise their standards for animal welfare. Keep your chin up! The best is coming.
Sent from my phone. It’s a good time to be alive. 🙂