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why vegan- for the animals
The “Humane” and “Free-Range” Fallacy-
As an increasing number of consumers seek a “humane” substitute for industrial-raised animal products, animal exploitation industries are now offering “free-range” or “humane certified” selections; millions of dollars have been spent on their “humane” and “free-range” rhetoric marketing campaigns. There are various labels being crafted by animal abusing industries and large animal welfare corporations; for more information about welfare reforms and the abolitionist position click here. Don’t buy their lies. Learn the truth.
The "organic" label is the notable exception, as it is regulated by the USDA. Other labels are provided by trade associations, non-governmental organizations, or private groups with varying degrees of enforcement and personal interest. Below are details about specific labels, what they include and loopholes to consider.
Please note that the most labels only cover how animals are raised. They do NOT change how animals are transported or slaughtered. In fact, Kosher and Halal labels may be indicative of greater animal suffering because animals must be kept conscious during the slaughter process. This also reaffirms and reinforces the property status assigned to animals, which needs to be fundamentally dismantled for true animal liberation.
Deceptive Labels crafted by animal exploiters and animal welfare corporations:
Organic - regulated by USDA.
Under USDA's National Organic Program (NOP), organic producers meet the following guidelines:
Animals must be raised under organic management from the last third of gestation, or not later than the 2nd day of life for birds. Producers are required to use feeds that are 100 percent organic, but may also include vitamin and mineral supplements.
Animals may not be given hormones to promote growth or antibiotics for any reason. Preventive management practices, including the use of vaccines, may be used to keep animals healthy. Producers are prohibited from withholding treatment from a sick or injured animal; however, animals treated with medication may not be sold as organic.
Organically-raised animals should have bedding and access to the outdoors, including access to pasture for cattle and other ruminants. They may be temporarily confined only for reasons of health, safety, the animal’s stage of production, or to protect soil or water quality.
Loop Holes:
• Newborn male chicks of egg-laying hens are not protected by label requirements, thus allowing industries to suffocate, gas, grind, or otherwise dispose of them as standard operating procedure.
• Chickens raised for meat may be kept in continual lighting, which does not allow rest and promotes excessive eating. The result is chickens grow at accelerated rates and many develop skeletal problems.
• "Access to outdoors" does NOT require that animals actually spend time outdoors. Access may be insufficient relative to the number of animals needing access.
• Dairy cows may be tied to stalls so they cannot move freely.
• Some of the certifying agents have permitted chicken producers to use the rule allowing temporary confinement to keep birds indoors most or all of the time.
• Some large organic dairies have been allowed to house cows without access to pasture.
Free-Range, Free-Roaming - regulated by USDA - only for birds
Birds have access to the outdoors.
Loop Holes:
• Newborn male chicks of egg-laying hens are not protected by label requirements, thus allowing industries to suffocate, gas, grind, or otherwise dispose of them as standard operating procedure.
• The label is sometimes used--but is not regulated--for cows, pigs, sheep, and goats.
• The amount of space or time outdoor and stocking density (crowding) are NOT regulated for any animals. Some producers have a small outside space added onto the buildings that house tens of thousands of chickens, but only a few birds can access it.
Cage-Free - NOT regulated
Applies to eggs from chickens who are not kept in cages.
Loop Holes:
• Newborn male chicks of egg-laying hens are not protected by label requirements, thus allowing industries to suffocate, gas, grind, or otherwise dispose of them as standard operating procedure.
• Outdoor access and stocking density (crowding) are not regulated. Chickens may be severely crowded and still labeled as "cage-free."
Pastured - NOT regulated
Refers to a modified free-range system whereby birds are raised on pasture and provided shelter that can be moved by hand or tractor. Chickens can get up to 20% of feed from pasture forage in these systems.
Loop Hole:
• newborn male chicks of egg-laying hens are not protected by label requirements, thus allowing industries to suffocate, gas, grind, or otherwise dispose of them as standard operating procedure.
Grass-Fed * - to be regulated by USDA - does NOT reduce animal suffering
Cattle must be fed grass instead of grains and soybeans.
Loop Hole:
• Cows may be confined and grass-fed. Label does not equate to grazing in a pasture. The label may include in small print "grain-finished," indicating that the cow spent some time confined in a feedlot.
No Antibiotics * - regulated by USDA - does NOT reduce animal suffering
USDA does not permit the use of antibiotics.
Loop Hole:
• Sick animals may not receive needed treatment because they will lose this certification.
No Hormones * - regulated by USDA for bird feed - does NOT reduce animal suffering
USDA does not permit the use of hormones for birds or pigs.
Loop Holes:
• In products from birds or pigs, the label is misleading as hormones are already outlawed.
• If the label is used on other animal products, the use of hormones is not regulated.
Natural * - to be regulated by USDA - does NOT reduce animal suffering
Refers to a product that contains no artificial ingredients or colorings and is only minimally processed. The label must explain the type of processing used.
Loop Hole:
• May contain hormones and/or antibiotics.
Certified Humane - endorsed by American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
Prohibits use of severe confinement such as cages, gestation stalls, and veal crates.
Loop Holes:
• Newborn male chicks of egg-laying hens are not protected by label requirements, thus allowing industries to suffocate, gas, grind, or otherwise dispose of them as standard operating procedure.
• There is no requirement that pigs or chickens have access to the outdoors.
• Pigs may have their tails docked (cut off without painkillers).
American Humane Certified - (formerly Free Farmed) developed and regulated by the American Humane Association (AHA)
Egg-laying hens are not caged. Animals have access to food and water.
Loop Holes:
• Fee-based regulation service makes impartiality doubtful.
• Most factory farming practices may be acceptable. Requirements are vague. Details are not provided.
• Newborn male chicks of egg-laying hens are not protected by label requirements, thus allowing industries to suffocate, gas, grind, or otherwise dispose of them as standard operating procedure.
• There is no requirement that pigs or chickens have access to the outdoors.
• Chickens may be de-beaked and pigs may have their tails docked (cut off without painkillers).