Animals Australia Make It Possible Campaign

I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here. I don't really use my blog as a platform for my political views or opinions, but  really wanted to share an exciting new campaign from Animals Australia -Make It Possible. The ad was launched last night, and already has sparked some pretty heated discussions, not to mention some interesting replies from the meat and egg industries. The fact that one of the supermarket giants has agreed to jump on board and push out their factory farmed products has a whole lot of people pissed off. Well done AA! I just wanted to share some of it with you folks because some of the reactions make me want to laugh, cry, and punch them in the jaw! One in particular I read today was  a comment from the Managing Director of the Australian Egg corporation. 

"Each of the three main egg farming systems has welfare strengths and weaknesses. For example, hens in cages are likely to live longer, be more healthy and are safe from weather and predators. Just like Animals Australia, AECL fully supports greater welfare outcomes for all of our laying hens but we believe science should lead the way, not emotion or self-interest." 

Whaaat! I don't know what planet this man lives on, but I'd like to see these creatures in cages that aren't debeaked; lacking feathers, broken bones, and misshapen feet; that aren't trampled by their cage mates, and have room to stretch, flap their wings, and dust bathe. So Mr Kellaway, where are these magical cages you speak of with these healthy hens? And as for emotion - there are plenty of compassionate people on this Earth mate, and if this ad tugs at the ole heartstrings and encourages people to stop eating meat or stop buying factory farmed products, then it's done its job.

He also said

"The decision should be a consumer's, based on their personal choice and budget. Families shouldn't be manipulated by activists such as Animals Australia, and retailers such as Coles." 

It also seems to have a lot of the vegetarian community divided between vegans and vegetarians, and those that eat meat but want animals treated better. Now, I may annoy some people here, but mouthing off about how much better you are because you are a vegan or vegetarian does not make anyone listen to you. It also detracts from the main focus of the campaign, which is to put an end to factory farms - a HUGE step -and one that perhaps, may lead to even better things. Giving some facts in a calm manner, while filling your opponents mouth with the best darn cupcake they've ever had (which happens to be vegan)  is  much more likely to do some good. Nothing makes me happier than when someone tells me the food I made for them was absolutely delicious while going back for seconds. Except maybe, when people tell me I've inspired them to go veg . This has happened a few times this year, and it makes me go all gooey and want to give the person a smooch full on the lips! 

So, for anyone that would care to comment, how do you promote vegetarianism/veganism and how do people react to you? And check out the ad - it's just plain gorgeous!

What he really means of course is "The decision should be the industry's based on their greed and profit margin. The industry shouldn't be manipulated by activists." The bottom line of course, is improved standards means less profit. I doubt the finances of a family has anything to do with it. And besides which, good food goes a lot further than cheap food..but that's another debate ;) quite obviously, these people are mighty afraid of this campaign, or they wouldn't be so vocal about it!

A spokeswoman from the Pork Industry made the comment that Animals Australia  "doesn't mention any of the world-first progress made by the Australian pork industry." Um, well, der. Why would they? There are still sows in stalls. There are still animals suffering every second of every day. Shouting out about any kind of (slow) progress won't convince anyone to give up on meat now would it? Sheesh!