OakRidgeRabbits wrot
First of all, I just have to say that humane treatment is not picked over money or convenience. In the poultry industry, there is so much demand that farmers simply cannot meet the demand by raising chickens in big grass fields with tons of room to run and play. It's not that they're more interested in money, it's that they would not be making money at all, they're making so little already.
The whole reason the demand for chicken is so huge is because the meat is so inexpensive. Rabbit is not.
If chickens were raised in grassy fields, as I personally believe they should be, the meat would be more expensive, so there would be less demand. Problem solved.
I am not a vegetarian, but I do try to eat meat only one or two meals a week. I believe this is healthier for my body, as well as the planet. There are plant-based protein sources, but on the whole, Americans consume way more protein than is necessary. We somehow have this notion that we have to have protein at every meal, or we'll become unhealthy, which is not true at all. There is no reason animals should be treated inhumanely, just so people can get cheap food.
I was raised eating meat, and I think it tastes good. I feel guilty every time I eat it, though, so I try to keep my consumption at a minimum. My husband is a devoted meat-eater, so it's often difficult in my house.
I am also trying not to buy anything made of leather. I think it's gross to wear or sit on the skin of a dead animal. Yuck. Plus, I think it smells disgusting.
I am very particular about the meat I do eat. I will eat ground beef, steak, bacon, chicken or turkey breast, and an occasional bit of ham. I do like many kinds of fish.
Growing up, I lived with my grandparents, and my grandpa would often go hunting. I was once given a rabbit tail to play with, and was delighted until my mom told me what it was. I threw up. I never liked the flavor of any wild game, including rabbit, duck, goose, pigeon, quail, pheasant, and deer. I have memories of my grandpa cleaning game in the garage or the back yard. I will never eat any of those animals again, I would prefer to go hungry.
To me, rabbits are pets, never food. I will not patronize restaurants that serve rabbit. I do realize that some people view rabbits as food, just as some people view cats, dogs, guinea pigs, etc. as food. But I do not.
I get really upset when people criticize my choice to not eat much meat. I don't go around insulting people for their food choices, even if I don't personally approve of their choices. I don't understand why meat-eaters feel so threatened and angry by people who choose not to eat meat. I am not infringing on anyone else's rights, I am not unpatriotic, I just don't eat a lot of meat.
