The devastating floods caused by Hurricane Harvey affect not
only residents and their companion animals but also millions of farmed animals.
only residents and their companion animals but also millions of farmed animals.
Texas has the
most cows raised to be slaughtered for beef in the United States. According
to the USDA, the 54 counties declared a disaster area due to the recent storm are
home
to over 1.2 million cows, about 27 percent of the state’s cattle.
most cows raised to be slaughtered for beef in the United States. According
to the USDA, the 54 counties declared a disaster area due to the recent storm are
home
to over 1.2 million cows, about 27 percent of the state’s cattle.
While it’s too early to know the number of farmed animals
killed during the storm, there have been numerous videos showing stranded cows
seeking higher ground to avoid rushing floodwaters.
killed during the storm, there have been numerous videos showing stranded cows
seeking higher ground to avoid rushing floodwaters.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time a natural disaster has
claimed the lives of farmed animals. In 1999, Hurricane Floyd dumped 19 inches
of rain on North Carolina, killing more than 2 million turkeys, chickens, and
other farmed animals. Also, more than 35,000 dairy cows froze to death in 2016 during
a blizzard in Texas. And just last year, thousands
of chickens and pigs drowned in floods after Hurricane Matthew hit North
Carolina.
claimed the lives of farmed animals. In 1999, Hurricane Floyd dumped 19 inches
of rain on North Carolina, killing more than 2 million turkeys, chickens, and
other farmed animals. Also, more than 35,000 dairy cows froze to death in 2016 during
a blizzard in Texas. And just last year, thousands
of chickens and pigs drowned in floods after Hurricane Matthew hit North
Carolina.
During natural disasters, farmed animals are often left
behind to die while farmers flee with companion animals for safety. Unlike dogs
and cats, who by law must be included in government evacuation plans during
natural disasters, farmed animals are afforded no legal protection.
behind to die while farmers flee with companion animals for safety. Unlike dogs
and cats, who by law must be included in government evacuation plans during
natural disasters, farmed animals are afforded no legal protection.
In fact, many animals are left to drown in cages, another
reminder of the dangers farmed animals face when cruelly confined and unable to
escape floods, fires, or other disasters.
reminder of the dangers farmed animals face when cruelly confined and unable to
escape floods, fires, or other disasters.
Natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey are tragic, but for
animals trapped at factory farms, life itself is tragic. Farmed animals spend
much of their lives in filthy, unnatural conditions. Many are crammed into
cages or crates so small the animals can barely move. Most are mutilated
without painkillers, and all are violently killed.
animals trapped at factory farms, life itself is tragic. Farmed animals spend
much of their lives in filthy, unnatural conditions. Many are crammed into
cages or crates so small the animals can barely move. Most are mutilated
without painkillers, and all are violently killed.
The best way to help farmed animals is to withdraw your
support from the industry that neglects and abuses them. Make the compassionate
choice and switch to a vegan diet. Click here
to get started.
support from the industry that neglects and abuses them. Make the compassionate
choice and switch to a vegan diet. Click here
to get started.
