Christian Vegetarian Association Blog - Farmed Animals Are Sentient Beings


	CVA BLOG

Farmed Animals Are Sentient Beings
February 11, 2013

Welcome to the weekly CVA blog! In it you will find famous quotes, news and commentaries.

More Abuse Exposed

Famous Quote: Victor Hugo

Whales’ Real Threat

Bible verse: Romans 5:3-4

Crustaceans Feel Pain

This Week’s Video: Earthlings

1. More Abuse Exposed

Once again, cruelty to farmed animals in slaughterhouses has been documented. Israeli journalist Ronen Bar captured footage in Israel's largest abattoir repeatedly being stung with electric prods in the eyes, genitals and anus. He spent 19 days working undercover at the slaughterhouse where abuse was widespread. He shares, "These were the exact instructions of the managers in my first day there ... if a calf doesn't move, shove the electric probe in his arse."

Please visit Cattle mistreated in Israeli abattoir: report:
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/cattle-mistreated-in-israeli-abattoir-report-20121212-2b91z.html

Anglican Priest William Ralph Inge correctly expressed what God’s animals must think of humans when he stated: “If animals ever formulated an organized religion, the devil would be depicted in human form.” It’s time to face reality and recognize that following Jesus’ teachings of compassion, mercy and love challenges us to stand up for those who have no voice. God’s animals need us to reflect God’s love for all Creation through our actions and choices.

2. This Week’s Famous Quote

Animals run no risk of going to hell, they are there already.

~ Victor Hugo

3. Whales’ Real Threat

Although much fewer whales are hunted nowadays compared to decades ago, sadly many more are dying. The culprit seems to be overfishing, which is changing our oceans forever. Whales die entangled in fishing gear and also due to ships strikes, pollution, ocean noise and climate change. These factors and the demand for fish causing the depletion of the population of top predators to drop are threats to these magnificent animals.

Please visit Overfishing Threatens Whales
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/01/10/did-we-save-the-whales-19/overfishing-threatens-whales

Humanity’s appetite for fish (and for cows, who currently are the largest oceans predators) is driving whale populations to a dangerous low number. This is a perfect example of how the consequences of our choices can be devastating to God’s Creation.

4. This Week’s Bible Verse

(RSV) Romans 5:3-4

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,…

Sadly, suffering is all around us. However, suffering can also prompt us to do our best to alleviate it, persevering even against all odds. As long as we follow God’s will, which I think is to reflect His/Her love onto all Creation, there’s always hope. Because when we sow love, compassion and peace, we also reap love, compassion and peace.

5. Crustaceans Feel Pain

Crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters, do feel pain. This is the conclusion researches came to after studies showed that crabs are capable of remembering unpleasant experiences and therefore take action to avoid pain. These findings have tremendous implications for consumers and the food industry where crustaceans are boiled alive or their limbs reaped apart as if these creatures were mere objects.

Please visit Lobsters and crabs can feel pain and take action to avoid it happening again:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2263712/Lobsters-crabs-feel-pain-action-avoid-happening-again.html

Crustaceans, like any other of God’s sentient beings, have been endowed with the capacity to feel pain. If we ignore this simple fact and instead we choose to continue causing unnecessary pain to these creatures, I think we are dishonoring God and making a mockery of His/Her love for animals.

6. This Week’s Video: Earthlings

“Earthlings” is a powerful and informative documentary about society’s treatment of animals, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix with soundtrack by Moby. This multi-award winning film by Nation Earth is a must-see for anyone who cares about animals or wishes to make the world a better place.

To learn more about the documentary and to watch it please visit htp://www.Earthlings.com

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