Feb20
This Just In: Harris Teeter Helps Animals!
Posted at 05:07 PM | Permalink
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Comments (29)
During my time in Norfolk, Virginia, where I worked at PETA's headquarters, I got to know my local Harris Teeter very well. I'm the kind of person who likes to visit the grocery store on an almost daily basis so that I can load up on the freshest produce or just stroll the aisles. This led to quite a close bond with the store, and I even affectionately called it The Teet.
As you can imagine, when the news of Harris Teeter's new animal welfare policies flew into my in-box minutes ago, I was thrilled to learn that their plan is going to surpass national rivals. Under the new plan, they will do the following:
•Increase its purchases of chickens killed by controlled-atmosphere systems—the least-cruel method of bird slaughter—from 11% to 26% over the next three years. The Teet will also start purchasing turkeys killed by controlled-atmosphere systems, starting with 2% this fall, and giving purchasing preference to controlled-atmosphere systems suppliers.
•Increase its purchases of pig meat from suppliers phasing out gestation crates—restrictive metal enclosures that confine pregnant pigs—by 10, 15, and 20% over each of the next three years. Harris Teeter is also giving purchasing preference to suppliers that don't use cruel gestation crates.
•Increase the total percentage of its egg sales that represent cage-free eggs from 6% to 9% by 2009, and will work to increase that number to 12% by 2010 (the national average is only 5%). The company's new line of Harris Teeter brand eggs will also be cage-free, and Harris Teeter is giving purchasing preference to cage-free egg producers.
I am in no way saying that these changes make eating animals, eggs, or dairy products OK in my book—they don't. I still believe the best thing anyone can do to end cruelty to animals is to go vegan, but this is a small step in the right direction. And now I don't have to feel as guilty about my little love affair with a grocery store anymore.
-Amy
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Comments
I agree, whilst we'd love if the world went vegan we need to be realistic and realize that this is not going to happen over night, BUT in the mean time lets try and make better changes for animals inside the factory farm and slaughterhouse, although i am not sure if they actually work at all, killing is killing but if we can eliminate the worse abuses then i hope it helps some what but again in the mean time it's best we keep pushing vegan and vegetarianism to cut all the above out!
Posted by: John Carmody | February 20, 2008 05:37 PM
Harris Teeter does what all publicly traded corporations are legally required to do - put profits first. It is likely that they believe that by announcing these marginal reforms (if they actually get implemented and if they actually reduce suffering is another question) it will increase their bottom line, possibly through positive public relations that will drive increased consumer demand.
As more and more people go vegan, the flesh, dairy, and egg industries will reform themselves to stay profitable. If you merely want to reform this unjust system - go vegan. If you, like me, are not satisfied with anything less than total abolition, the answer is the same - go vegan.
Posted by: Brandon Becker | February 20, 2008 05:59 PM
Brandon,
I couldn't agree with you more. True I want the least suffering possible, but I get no joy in these stories. No matter how its spun meat is still murder and murder is still cruel. Also what about all the processed foods these cooperate giants like Safeway and Harris Teeter sell, is SPAM cruelty free? Of course not, I will applaud these stores when they don't sell any meat.
Posted by: Trey | February 20, 2008 06:25 PM
YAAA!.. vegan by design! (pcrm.org) now if ole tetter will juz go that last step and offer vegan (burgers, hot dogs, ect..) foods..
Posted by: indycar01 | February 20, 2008 10:52 PM
I understand loving your pet I have three wonderful dogs. But people have the right to wear what they want if their money can buy the best then wear the best if that means fur so be it. I rather spend my time on saving children than animals. Save them .then start on the rest.
Posted by: Dr. Robby Simpson | February 21, 2008 12:34 AM
Ride On '' Brandon Becker '' spot on with your analogy, just a sick marketing ploy that means very little for Animal Welfare.
Posted by: keith | February 21, 2008 07:49 AM
This is a shout out to Neshoba and "Dr." Robby Simpson.
Just a quick question...
How is caring for animals rebut caring for humans? Really? Do you know what organizations that every PETA member is involved in? I was always raised to NEVER trust anyone that can hurt an animal..they, like children, are defenceless. Great leaders such as Ghandi and Abraham Lincoln were vegetarian and stuanch animal supporters, does that make them no less a greater inspiration for human rights? No. And Neshoba, you should check out PETA's 500 companies that DONT test on animals. Its pretty frickin easy to be cruelty free now a day if you look into,but you strike me as the type of person to put your own comfort and convenience. At the end of the day, we its not about refraining from all things animal (which is obviously ideal) its about making educated and compassionate choices.
Posted by: Courtney | February 21, 2008 09:55 AM
Why do people who have nothing but disdain for PETA and (apparently)compassion read the blog and post nonsense?
Just curious.
Posted by: Karen | February 21, 2008 09:59 AM
Neshoba brings up some intresting points.
The thing to remember though, is that you can not be absolute with anything.
Just because I can't absolutely stop using all animals products, doesn't mean I'll give up. I don't wear any type of animal skins, I rarely wear makeup and the makeup I do wear is vegan, my pillows are made of cotton... and so forth.
You can't have an "all or nothing" attitude with anything in life.
Don't call people morons because they are trying to make the best available choices in life.
Posted by: Jaclyn | February 21, 2008 10:06 AM
Be careful Dr. Simpson, keep your three wonderful dogs away from the queen of soul, because her money can certainly buy the skin on your cute dogs. After all, she can wear what she wants.
Posted by: Jaclyn | February 21, 2008 10:09 AM
Willa Boswell, your post is so wrong, in so many ways, that it would take a book length of words to correct you. I'll just leave it alone.
Posted by: Jaclyn | February 21, 2008 10:12 AM
Dear Dr. Robby Simpson,
How on Earth did you get through medical school with such terrible writing skills? I do hope you can communicate with your clients better than you've communicated here. Also, could I ask what kind of a doctor you are -- seeing as you are apparently afforded time to leave disparaging remarks on internet message boards?
Love,
Rattieluv
PS: I think I see your ignorance showing.
-----------------------
Willa Boswell: I accept your dare and raise you a challenge. I challenge you to please give me 3 good, solid reasons why fur is 100% necessary in modern times. I exclude from these reasons indigineous styles of life, as I am more concerned with watching upper-class women standing on public transportation wearing entire pelts. Please provide said explanations, since you seem to be so passionate about this topic.
Thanks,
Rattieluv
Posted by: Rattieluv | February 21, 2008 10:40 AM
Neshoba, please look up the definition of "vegan".
We do not wear wool, or use products that are tested on animals. My make-up is absolutely cruelty-free, purchased online from Pangea (www.veganstore.com). My shoes were purchased at Payless and are NOT leather. My pillows are synthetic. I buy Method laundry and cleaning products. You're right that it is probably impossible to avoid having any negative impact on animals in today's world, but vegans do everything they can to prevent harm to animals.
Many vegans are also into environmental issues, using organic products (clothes, personal care items, food, etc), planting gardens, composting, driving fuel efficient cars, carpooling, using public transit, cycling to work, etc.
Many vegans are also involved in helping HUMANS, in their work or spare time. Did you know that veganism would help eliminate world hunger? It also helps to preserve this planet for ALL earthlings.
Posted by: Michele | February 21, 2008 12:03 PM
Dr. Robby,
You do understand that this is an animal rights website, therefore animal rights come first here.
I'm glad you love your dogs, but did you know fur from certain countries can actually be from a dog? Does that bring things in to a sharper focus?
Wearing fur is not a hallmark of being affluent—it indicates either ignorance of the facts or a terminal case of lack of compassion.
Posted by: Mike Quinoa | February 21, 2008 12:28 PM
to Willa Boswell and 'Dr'.Simpson:
this here is an animal rights blog and people blogging here love and care about animals! you don't know about what we care in our other spare time! if you need to help people please go elsewhere! and... did you read the peta files?????? before you open your mouth without knowing what was the subject here before!!!
Posted by: Old Spiderwoman | February 21, 2008 03:43 PM
Brilliant comment, ''Courtney.''
Lest we forget ; '' I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.''
Abraham Lincoln. President of the United States. (1809-1865)
Posted by: Keith | February 21, 2008 03:55 PM
stop johnan on the animal lovers, why be on this website if your not for it, go do something better for your self
Posted by: erica | February 21, 2008 04:09 PM
Attitudes are changing, and now companies like this one and H&M are going to make more money because of their animal welfare stance, rather than the norm - profiting from not looking after animals properly.
You only have to look at the explosion in free-range production, people do have animal welfare in mind.
http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/ng.asp?id=69742-egg-free-range-battery
While abolition remains a dream, welfare is happening and causing change. Libber groups no longer seem to push the "liberation" line in their publicity seeking, but promote their cause on welfare grounds. ie slaughter practices as opposed to slaughter itself.
Posted by: rojo | February 21, 2008 04:46 PM
I adore you fellow vegans! Let's not worry about the opinions of the people who have no idea what they are talking about, they add humor to my life making such ignorant comments. One day they might understand, but til then, power to us!
Posted by: Sarah | February 21, 2008 08:12 PM
rojo,
The "explosion in free-range production" is due in large part from consumer awareness of the level of abuse inflicted upon animals used for food. The companies that exploit animals for this purpose (and others) must satify the consumer that animals are treated "humanely."
Animal rights activists should use this interest in animal welfare by arguing that suffering is inherent in the system of exploiting animals for food. As more and more people transition to veganism, industries will dismantle factory farming themselves while we build a critical mass to work towards abolishing all animal farming.
Posted by: Brandon Becker | February 22, 2008 04:00 PM
karen, old spiderwoman, erica, and mike,
you guys are sooooo right. if you guys hate PETA than why the heck are you on this website? do you seriously have nothing better to do than go to the website you hate and trash talk them on their blog? you guys need to get a life. oh, and 'Dr' simpson, shouldnt you be,like, researching something right now since you do claim to be a doctor? not trash talking PETA.
Posted by: caitlin | February 22, 2008 06:07 PM
Brandon
Love both your comments.
How convenient for animal-killing corporations to appear so welfarist and so "caring". Blah, blah, blah......
Go vegan.....and eliminate the suffering!
Posted by: Ana | February 22, 2008 06:51 PM
brandon,
I realise what you're saying about consumers feeling better about using animals, thus being harder to wean off. The problem I see is that there will be people who fight abolition just as effectively as activists present it, so welfare is a must. Because it is acheivable in the short term.
Not every welfarist subscribes to abolition and having regard for welfare does not mean people think the next logical step is toward abolition. Abolitionists will find that unless they can come up with compelling reasons to stop eating meat other than on welfare grounds the outcome will be welfare. Telling people meat is unhealthy(for which evidence is ambiguous) etc is only going to be patially effective, think smoking and alcohol.
Suffering is inherent in nature too and liberation in this regard is no panacea. Old age, predators, disease and starvation are not painless ways to die. Certainly not as quick as humane slaughter.
Unemployed farm animals could also end up being culled for destroying crops ie. elephants http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/south-africa-allows-elephant-culling-again/2008/02/26/1203788284050.html
Posted by: rojo | February 25, 2008 05:06 PM
Although at bottom the welfarist effort is doomed--there is no way to raise large numbers of animals humanely--we must do what we can to reduce suffering.
Posted by: Dennis Vail | February 28, 2008 05:13 PM
Dennis , I'm not sure how you come to that conclusion, but I'm sure you would prefer animals not be raised inhumanely.
Posted by: rojo | February 28, 2008 11:46 PM
Amy, I shop "The Teet" too. Good for Harris Teeter, making any progressive steps towards contributing to lesser animal cruelty- YAY! I only wish they'd stock vegetarian dog chow.
By the way, I just adore PETA. XOXOXO
Posted by: Piglet | February 29, 2008 03:07 AM
Once upon a time, I admit (please no sharp stones here), I ate meat, and eggs and milk and cheese. But then something happened, and I gave up the meat. But I still ate the eggs and the cheese. But then someone said something at just the right moment in my life, and I put down the extra couple bucks for free range eggs. And then someone else said something, and I looked at PETA's site, and I went Vegan. It is a process and for some it takes longer than others. Don't chase the naysayers away because we might be part of their process. Just learn patience and tell yourself that it is as children speaking and they too must be educated.
Posted by: Debby | February 29, 2008 01:15 PM
one thing I dont get is why people that "hate" peta are ont this website anyway. they need to get a life. lol well i absoulty LOVE peta. its da bomb.
Posted by: Kenady | March 25, 2008 09:56 AM
Great. Now can we work on getting them to stop using chimpanzee in their ads?
Posted by: Amanda | April 29, 2008 09:14 AM