I have not transformed into a vegetarian or vegan yet, but every time a documentary like this comes up, I am a huge step closer to making that decision. The documentary in question is Land of Hope and Glory made by an animal rights group called Surge, and it is basically the UK version of the equally horrifying watch Earthlings. It covers the lives of animals in the food industry and how they are being treated, from birth to slaughter.
https://www.landofhopeandglory.org/
When I watched Earthlings several years ago, I was of course horrified, and I believe I stayed off meat for a good while. After having lived as a poor student for many years my meat consumption was quite low, but mainly due to the price levels. But with Earthlings being based on American animal farms mainly, it was too easy I guess, to just tell myself that where I was living, the animals were treated much better. And so the meat consumption continued.
But after watching Land of Hope and Glory, the truth bites once again. Some might say that films like this are too propagandistic(is that a word?) and I can see where they might try and up the gory details - details that might show circumstances that do not directly impact the life and suffering of the individual animal. Like truckloads of intestines being dumped, dead animals in a pile with flies and maggots. But it still showcases the absurdity of the industry and indicates a lack of respect for animals.
But it is important to look at the sufferings animals endure while they are alive, and not just the diseases and wounds and broken legs. That is of course horrible, but it is easier to tell your self that those are the exceptions, not the rule.
What is the rule though is that animals, from cows to chickens, are being forced to live in a way that goes against their natural behaviour and needs. Even if the pig sty was clean and the air fresh, and the pigs were free of wounds and diseases, they are still not able to walk around and dig in the ground and keep entertained in a pig manner. Piglets have their tails and teeth cut and their testicles sliced of with no painkillers. And all pigs still have to endure the process of being slaughtered. If you watch this and find yourself indifferent, I would like you to imagine the same life for a puppy or a cat.
Surge is eager for people to share this movie, on social media and with friends and family. So please go ahead and watch and share!
My own step towards a cleaner conscience, is gonna be a few weeks going vegetarian with my partner. This way we will hopefully get more creative with veggie meals and cut down on our use of meat. And then we can try the vegan way.
Thanks for reading.