What are some of the common myths about farmed animals?
The major myth is that they can “lead a good life.” I meet people all the time who say: “I just don’t understand why you don’t eat eggs. What’s the problem with eggs? I only eat free-range eggs. So, these chickens are out there free.” But “free-range” is not regulated by the government. So “free-range” could mean they’re outside for half a minute on 5 inches of grass. If they were really free, and the chickens were living the lives that chickens evolved to live, they’d have four or five acres. They’d be sleeping in trees, and making babies maybe three times a year. If we didn’t breed them to lay an egg a day, we’d never get their eggs, because they’d hide them. It wouldn’t work, because it’s not a good economic pact. It’s a misuse of language to say that these chickens are free. It seems like we really identify more with our pets, and even wildlife, than with farmed animals. How do you think that comes about? Through denial. What is the difference between a pig and a dog in terms of co
