China puts a stop to snake-bitten cock-in-a-pot

[CoopCrazy]

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I dont think any one is bashing America, I for one am not.... I am merely pointing out that we as a people have our issues when it comes to care and production of our food animals as well ... Just different issues...

It wasn't you!

But when people assume that all farms treat animal like crap - they are just ignorant and have probably never stepped inside a "factory farm".

I, however, inspect these farms for a living. So I actually know what they look like and a PETA movie they are not.

No prob ... My issue is the waste .. Where other countries seem to use all the animal we tend to pick and choose and end up wasting so much...

 

[rizq]

When I was a kid my Grandparents ran a dairy farm and I know for a fact that their animals were treated very well. How much milk do you think a miserable, mistreated cow will produce? Stress greatly reduces production in most, if not all animals. They produced large amounts of top quality milk from their herd. Sanitation and proper care and feeding of the animals were top priority.

While of course there are farms that have problems, I would suspect those that are truly like the ones you see on YouTube, Opera and 60 Minutes really do not last long. Sick, miserable animals do not grow or produce like well cared for animals. It is just a fact of life.

 

[ji]

But when people assume that all farms treat animal like crap - they are just ignorant and have probably never stepped inside a "factory farm".


Duck boys I think you might be referring to my statements and I never said or even sugessted "all farms treat animal like crap".
My statement was basically that "much" of American factory farming is not humane. This is my opinion. I am open to change my opinion. Describe a factory farm that raises chickens that you think is humane.
And if you asking if I have stepped inside factory farms - yes I have visited some and I have seen some excellent investigative photo journalism that I think took a fair look. Not everyone gets to visit these farms but that doesn't mean they can't educate themselves.
I do not accept the arguement that says "if you haven't seen as many as I have your opinion doesn't count"

 

[sparkles2307]

I agree 100% that we are a wasteful people, and that SOME - not all - of our "factory" production methods wouldnt be hurt if they brushed up a bit... and the waste is disgusting, but still not brabaric and inhumane!

 

[ji]

If you wouldn't leave your pet chickens on a factory farm while on vacation then in my opinion the place isn't humane.

My place would be El Pollo Hilton if I advertised. There would be a waiting list and I would have to turn chickens away and suggest a local motel.

 

[rizq]

There is quite a wide gap between inhumane and "El Pollo Hilton" You can be humane to your animals even if you do not totally spoil them (if you choose to spoil them, that is fine, lol).

 

[ji]

rizq I agree with you completely. I would place my chickens in a "motel 6" neighbors care and be fine with it but not most conditions of a chicken factory farm.
I think many of us might disagree with what is the definition of humane. Thats ok. I think people who even ENGAGE in the discussion are on the right track in my opinion and I respect them for that.
To me it is more disturbing that most Americans don't even want to know what was done to their dinner in the weeks or years before it hit their plate. They REALLY don't want to know.
To those who DO want to know and differ in opinion I am very comfortable.

So if I had to suggest some things I consider humane in the raising of chickens -
- intact beaks and enough room so that they are not driven mad into pecking each other severely.

 

[vfem]

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it is called balut.

I have a friend from Vietem that eats that.... he (needless to say) keeps asking if my duck's egg will be fertile or not!!!!

Lets just say, as americans and we are offended by a lot around the world... as if our ways are 100% right... you know how we are, spoiled and rightous.

However, other countries are being more and more judgemental of cultures as well. I still think we should mind our business.

If it ends in China because their own culture and people complain about it, then that's great with me... I really don't think its anyone else's place to judge.

 

[rizq]

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I totally agree with you definition humane. Crowding, and debeaking because of crowding, is not the way to raise healthy, much less happy, animals. Good food, clean water, shelter, sanitary living conditions and adequate space for the species is also what I would consider humane.

I also agree that it is sad that most people give no thought to the treatment of food animals, but a lot of people do not think to think of it (if that makes sense) and, like you said, really do not want to know and probably feel that there is nothing they can do about it. I know in our case, we have no room to raise our own food (other than chickens and eggs) and cannot afford the prices on most locally raised food. We are barely able to make it as it is and have to eat, thus we must buy our meat from the store without knowing how it was treated at any point in its life. I do not think it is because most people do not care (wishful thinking perhaps? mabe most people really DON'T care ... I want to believe that those of us who care are not the exception), some just never think about it and some have no other choice.

 

[AngieChick]

Just want to clarify that the monkey brain thing is an urban myth. It's always one of those "a friend of a friend of a friend's aunt saw....." types of stories.

I agree that America has much to answer for in terms of animal treatment before we here can start throwing stones at other cultures' food choices.