Dear HCN,
I’m sorry it took me so
long to write you about “Raising a Stink: Factory dairies catch
Idaho’s Magic Valley by surprise” (HCN, 4/15/02: Raising a stink).
One important aspect of factory farming not addressed in your story
is the inhumane and cruel treatment of dairy cows, who aren’t
allowed any kind of natural living conditions. As someone who was
raised on a small dairy farm (about 35 cows) in the 1950s and ’60s
in western New York state, I am appalled at the turn of events for
so many pitiful dairy cows, beef cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys,
etc. It’s the main reason I have become a vegetarian who has
substituted soy products for dairy and meat
products.
While I sympathize with the horrible
odors the people in your article are experiencing because of their
proximity to the factory farms, I can’t help but wonder if they
have considered whether they are part of the problem. Do they eat
dairy products and meat? Most people do, and in ever-increasing
amounts. If the demand for such products was lower, factory farms
wouldn’t be necessary. Bad odors and environmental degradation of
our land and water would be far reduced. And, oh yes, they’d be
healthier, too.
By the way, your publication is a
great one!
Carol
Carpenter
Denver,
Colorado
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline To say nothing of cruelty.
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