Why just beef, ban all meat, says Peta founder

Mumbai: In the backdrop of the state’s ban on beef, animal rights activist and founder of Peta Ingrid Newkirk, who was in the city to take part in demonstrations against increasing poultry consumption said that such bans were not just acceptable, but were even welcome.

She said that imposed rules against slaughter of animals are a step towards complete prohibition of meat products. She said, “I’ve been told that it was done with religious motivations, but considering the cruelty meted out to these animals, it is also necessary. In fact, why stop at beef? I wish more religions had sentiments towards chicken, pork and all kinds of meat.”

Asked about whether she supported imposition of such rules, instead of advocacy for vegetarianism, Newkirk says, “The issue is that people are clamouring for their freedom, but freedom to pick the colour of your dress is different from freedom to practice or condone cruelty to animals for your taste.” Ms Newkirk, who recently dressed up as a skinned chicken tied to a chopping board to protest increasing poultry consumption informed that Peta has a roadmap to advocate vegetarianism and veganism more actively in the coming years.