The Super Bowl is to the food industry what Christmas is to retail.
In fact, the USDA
reports that Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest day for U.S. food
consumption after Thanksgiving Day.
According to Forbes, a chicken industry group
forecasts that Americans will eat 1.33 billion chicken wings; that’s 2 percent more
than last year.
Sadly, this means billions of factory-farmed chickens will
be killed. On factory farms, chickens are subjected to cruelties few of us can
even imagine, including intensive confinement, excruciating mutilations, and a
merciless slaughter.
Chickens raised and killed for meat have been bred to grow
so quickly they frequently become immobilized under their own weight and
endure debilitating pain. They also suffer heart attacks, organ failure,
and other problems as a result of rapid growth.
At the slaughterhouse, these innocent animals are violently
shackled upside down, painfully shocked with electricity, and cut open at the
throat—often while still conscious and able to feel pain.
Multiple undercover investigations by Mercy For Animals into
Tyson Foods—the largest poultry producer in the world—have exposed horrific animal
suffering, including birds crippled under their own weight; workers violently
punching, beating, and stabbing animals; and live, conscious birds having their
heads ripped off.
Don’t believe us? Watch.
Unfortunately, no federal law protects animals during
their lives on factory farms. What’s more, the law that’s supposed to
protect animals at the slaughterhouse, the Humane Methods of Slaughter
Act, excludes poultry entirely. This makes not only chickens, but also turkeys,
ducks, and rabbits (yes, rabbits are considered poultry under the law) totally
vulnerable.
Luckily, with the wide variety of delicious
and humane meat-free options readily available, everyone can enjoy their
favorite flavors without supporting animal cruelty.
So this Sunday, whether you’re rooting for the Patriots or
the Falcons or just looking to spend some time with your friends and family,
make sure to enjoy the big game day vegan-style.