Easter is a season of compassion and remembrance. Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection represent a victory of life over death. As Christians, we can embrace that message by extending our compassion and consideration to animals of all species. In the spirit of the season, PETA is asking people to remember that everybody is somebody’s baby and go vegan this Easter, with three new ads placed in Houston; Milwaukee; Omaha, Nebraska; St. Louis; and Sioux City, Iowa.
Mother cows have such a strong bond with their calves that they’re known to chase after them when humans separate them. They nurture their babies and feed them with their milk, which is meant specifically for baby cows—not humans. In order for humans to steal the milk, calves are torn away from their mothers, often within hours of birth. Instead of filling your Easter basket with milk chocolate candy, grab milk-free chocolate instead.
Sheep are caring mothers who have distinct calls for their young. They experience fear when they’re separated from their families and other members of their flock—when left alone in their natural environment, they stay with their family for life. In the wool industry, lambs cry out for their mothers as workers pin them down and shear them. Next time you’re shopping for a new sweater, keep mother sheep and their babies in mind by choosing one of the many vegan materials on the market.
© iStock.com/AshleyFreiheitPigs are playful animals who love sunbathing and enjoying fresh air. On many of today’s farms, mother pigs are forced to spend most of their time in tiny gestation crates, which are so small that they’re unable to turn around or even lie down completely. Piglets are taken away from their distraught mothers after just a few weeks, and their tails are chopped off, their teeth are clipped with pliers, and the males are castrated—all without painkillers. Make a positive impact on pigs’ lives simply by choosing a vegan ham roast for your Easter dinner and vegan bacon for your brunch plate.
© iStock.com/CraigW.WalshAs Christians, we are called to stand against cruelty like the abuse seen in these industries. You can anticipate the Peaceable Kingdom, in which these mothers get to spend every day in peace with their babies, by going vegan.
