Economic argument vs vegan life

May I comment on the front-page item titled “Yes, pigs are smart as dogs: Oink, oink,” which appeared in the July 31 issue of the Inquirer. It is clear that, in presenting studies suggesting social behavior and intelligence among farm animals, Farm Sanctuary, an animal protection and vegan advocacy organization, is campaigning to promote the vegan lifestyle and an end to meat consumption. Famous personalities and numerous organizations have been doing this for quite a long time. It is interesting, however, that they seem to want all humanity to be like them, totally oblivious of the very probability it would cause ecological imbalance.

For instance, if and when their campaign becomes successful, nonconsumption of farm animals will surely result in their population exploding. And since they are mostly vegans as well (remember, farm animals are not carnivorous even if feeds are loaded with protein from animal sources), it may come to pass that they become our fiercest competitor for plant food. All edible plant species will be severely depleted, while expenses to protect farms from their attacks balloon. So, how ironic it would be if we end up slaughtering farm animals to reduce that competition rather than for consumption. What happens now to our supply of precious veggies?

As to food economics in such scenario, how about salivating for a head of cabbage (if still available) for that delectable veggie salad even if you  can’t afford the price tag, say P500 a kilo, while a meat stall nearby sells the choicest pork chops at a giveaway price of, say, P20 a kilo? Well, one can say this could potentially eliminate hunger as the poor, who don’t have a choice in the first place, will have all the meat they could want. Or would they really, given the resulting skewed economics in the food industry?

Hello there, vegans, seems like the laws of economics could yet be the worst obstacle to your campaign!

—FERMIN E. PETEZA,

Rawis, Legazpi City,

[email protected]