Treatment of animals is turning us off meat
No comparative figures exist for Ireland. However, anecdotal evidence, combined with a modest percentage comparison with that of Britain, would suggest that well in excess of 100,000 people in Ireland are vegetarian.
Vegetarianism is quickly becoming the dietary lifestyle choice for a significant minority of our population.
The main reason for the trend away from meat is the intensification of animal production. The industry, while successful in terms of profitability, has paid the price among a growing number of consumers for its relentless pursuit of increased production values.
Now consumers are finding out the true story of how their meat is produced despite the best efforts of the industry to keep it hidden and in increasing numbers are rejecting meat and turning to a vegetarian diet.
Mahatma Gandhi, the most inspirational of all vegetarians, said: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
The increasing popularity of vegetarianism show that more and more Irish consumers don’t like the way our farm animals are being treated and are taking the compassionate route to good food and to good health.
Gerry Boland
Keadue
Co Roscommon
