Diary product ethics (UK)?

Question

Is there anyway to be ethical about eating diary products? Does buying organic eggs instead of battery farm ones bypass cruelty? Or are eggs unethical anyway- am I eating potential chickens or what? Do we really get milk by forcing a cow to get pregnant and then separating her from calves...and is this the case with organic milk?

I've been a vegetarian for years and really don't want to become a vegan but if needs be...

Any information on cruelty in relation to diary products would be great, especially with regards to organic products. I'd like to know if it is possible to purchase diary products which haven been obtained using cruel means or if the whole industry (organic or otherwise) is filled with unavoidable cruelty (and if this is the case, could you explain why?)

Sorry this is such a confused question, and I'm sorry for my ignorance on this subject; I've just got no idea where to find the answers I'm looking for.

Answer 1

Your best bet is to buy free-range organic eggs and dairy products.  Not all free-range products are organic, and not all are entirely "free range", such as with the so-called RSPCA's Freedom Foods scheme.  Buy only foods that are certified organic by the Soil Association (their label will be on the food) to be sure.

Generally speaking, free-range organic eggs and dairy products are ethical and cruelty-free.  The folk who run these farms have a genuine interest in the welfare of their animals.  You can buy and get information from your local health food store, or check online at sites like http://www.aboutorganics.co.uk/index.htm  or http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-loca...

Obviously, be prepared to pay more, but I think it's worth it for all the right reasons.

There are a couple of good organic dairies in the UK that sell their products nationally; my favourite is Yeo Valley.  I think they make the best yoghurt I've had anywhere.  Depending on where you live, though, you might find a really good local dairy, especially in the West Country...I used to buy the BEST organic ice cream from a small local dairy in Devon not far from where I used to live.  Another good dairy is Rocombe Organic...excellent organic ice cream.   Again, check your local health food store and/or farmer's market for products and/or more information/sources.

Answer 2

Cows do have to be pregnant to give milk, but , in my case , I keep the little ones , a long time and let them wean naturally. I love my cows and their calfs, I don`t butcher any, and I do milk for the , milk and cheese I get from them. My chickens run free and the eggs are great. I think if you find a small rancher, like me, you need not worry about the curelty thing,. We are for the most part, in it for our animals. I am a vegetarian, except for the milk eggs and cheese I make here on the farm. Look in to your local county extention agency and see if you can connect with some organic farmers and local vegetarians that raise their own food. I am all for raising your own. Get started with just a few good pots for a ton of vegies in the future, good luck.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about the UK but here in the states:

In the egg industry male chicks are crushed, smothered or thrown a side because they are "useless". Chickens are also confind to small spaces that cause injury. There is also no regulation on organics, chickens may just be in a slightly larger cage or on concrete floors.

Dairy cows are kept pregnant and their calfs taken away for veal. They are then hooked up to horrific machines that harm their udders.

Besides my own personal belief that I don't have the right to take something from an animal, I don't see the problem of buying eggs and milk from local farms that are "cruelty free".

Answer 4

When everyone will be abstained from meat by the year 2021, the livestock industry will deplete all together, but would you OK with that? That is our mission, right?

Eventually we have to live like a vegan, not depending on the livestock at all.

Answer 5

Free range guarantees a good quality of life for the animals that have laid the eggs/been milked/shorn for wool.

Battery farming on the other hand is extremely cruel - animals in cages all their lives and suffering all sorts from weak legs from not being able to walk about or turn around, poor medical care etc etc. Buying free range ensures the quality of life of the animals on the farm is of a standard that ensures the health, happiness and safety of the animals. It also means that the animals have sufficient outdoor and indoor access when they want it and proper bedding, shelter and grass and food.