Animal gift may not be the best way
Dec 1 2010 Buckinghamshire Advertiser
CHRISTIAN Aid, Oxfam and other aid agencies are once again tapping into public disquiet about the existence of plenty in the midst of hunger and asking you to make a Christmas gift of a farmed animal to an impoverished person in Africa, or in another of the world's poorest regions.
This is despite mounting evidence demonstrating that animal farming is environmentally destructive; an inefficient user of agricultural land, water and energy; and that it generates disproportionately high volumes of global warming gases.
Because meat and milk production consume such high levels of precious resources, only communities with surplus wealth can afford them. A 'gift' of animals to destitute communities, who are without such resources, will simply impoverish them further. It is far more rational to support such people in growing food that they can eat directly.
There is also the very real issue of animal suffering. Where people are unable to provide adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care, animals get sick and die wretched deaths. This is the case, currently, in the drought-ravaged regions of Kenya.
Please support agencies that help people, animals and the environment. For details contact Animal Aid.
ANDREW TYLER Via email
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