May05
PETA Asks for Memorial at Former South St. Paul Stockyards
Posted at 12:08 PM | Permalink
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Comments (19)
Update: And we’ve got pics! Lemme know which design you like best for the suggested memorial.
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After 122 years in business, the world's largest stockyard closed down last month, holding their very last livestock auction in front of a nostalgic crowd on April 11. After we had finished celebrating here in the office, we decided that, much as one might like to forget them, the actions of South St. Paul Stockyards—where around 300 million cows have been poked, prodded, kicked, and dragged to their deaths in the last century—need to be commemorated. Today, we sent a letter to Greg Miller—president of Interstate Partners, the company that plans to redevelop the stockyard property—urging him to erect a memorial to the animals who passed through the stockyard's gates. As PETA President Ingrid Newkirk puts it:
"Millions of cows were bought and sold at South St. Paul Stockyards with no more regard for their feelings than if they were made of tin. At the very least, they deserve a stone or plinth that helps people remember the suffering the animals endured on their way to people's dinner tables."
You can read PETA’s letter to Greg Miller here. I’ll let you know if we get a response.
TAGGED:
vegetarian south st. paul stockyards
Comments
Tears are streaming down my face, as I read Lindsay's touching letter. A monument would be a wonderful way to tribute the lives of these terribly abused and feeling, sensitive, animals. Never forget.
Posted by: Pamela L. | May 5, 2008 02:07 PM
oh come on these are cows. don't you this doing this is going way to far?
Posted by: william | May 5, 2008 04:57 PM
Great idea—if they were of the human variety, there would be a massive monument.
A friend of mine lives not too far from a slaughterhouse in Toronto. There are few sadder sights than a truckload of cows headed to their final destination.
Posted by: Mike Quinoa | May 5, 2008 05:14 PM
A wonderful idea but we all know it won't happen. These people thrive on the meat market industries. But for sure the stench of fear of these gentle beings will linger on for many many years to come.
Posted by: Maureen | May 5, 2008 05:40 PM
this is a very important idea - i think like this people start to think about the horrible animal abuse worldwide still going on! people have to develop their conscience to a higher level in order to come out of the gravel pits and marching forward into a new century of real compassion and feelings for all living beings - and not just considering them as food or tool or entertainment! so humanity shall find again dignity and character because all the living beings are in this world for their own sake and not because of the human being - as many people are still thinking! this is shameful and backminded! every animal belongs to itself and not to any human being and has a right for a respectful life and a respectful death!
Posted by: animalfriend | May 5, 2008 06:59 PM
I WISH THERE WAS A HIGHER POWER TO HELP THESE POOR INNOCENT LOVING GENTLE SOULS FROM ALL THE ENDORE BY THE CRUEL HANDS OF MAN. PETA TURNED ME INTO A VEGETARIAN AND I LIVE WITH A HAPPIER CONSCIENCE. THOSE ANIMALS "AT LEAST DESERVE A MEMORIAL" THEY WERE GIVEN NO LOVE, DIGNITY OR AN OUNCE OF PEACE WHILE ALIVE. GOD BLESS U PETA FOR THINKING OF SUCH A WONDERFUL, CARING THING TO DO.
Posted by: MICHELE FIORE | May 5, 2008 09:16 PM
I have many cows that I raise. Some for selling, some for weaning babies and some are for meat. Meat products are a staple for life; a natural source of proteins, vitamins and nutrients. I purchase many new born’s "Bottle Babies" from auction barns. Some are not in the best of shape when purchased. However, those that I do buy, I will nurse them back to health. Many times, they make a turn for the best and grow healthy. And at times, no matter how much time, effort, and care I give them, death is the outcome. I do not condone beatings of any animal, either in the sale barn or on the farm. I consider all my farm animals my pets, no matter what the outcome may be in their future. Some folks take the time and effort to teach their children how to raise and treat animals in a proper manner. To work with the animal and utilize it for the betterment for the family and the farm; graze in pastures to keep grass growth down; utilize the by-products to further growth in gardens or fields; to teach them how to care for and help the animal in time of need or distress. We have been up many hours of the night during births, feedings or tending to a sick animal and praying that our efforts are not in vein. I ask that you please do not lump the characteristics of some people, versus those that work to make a living on small family farms. The small farmer is just as helps, rather than hurts..
Thank you for your time.
Posted by: Brian B | May 5, 2008 11:31 PM
Thank God that hellhole has been closed down for good. Hopefully more will follow soon.
Posted by: Deborah Kemp | May 6, 2008 06:10 AM
Opening up somewhere else is no good though.
Posted by: Deborah Kemp | May 6, 2008 06:20 AM
Factory Farming makes me livid.
Posted by: HannaBanana | May 6, 2008 12:53 PM
* Brian B, small farms like your are a rarity! Although I would rather people go veg, those that do choose to eat meat should be more conscientious of where their steak came from. This is where your small farm steps in.
To me, death does not HAVE to be the outcome for cows... death is only the outcome because people make it so.
* William, you say cows are "just animals." Very good. But what did you expect them to be? Part plants?
* From a point of view, William, you are "just a person." Out of the billions of people on this Earth, who cares who you are? You are "just human" right? Does that mean that we should beat on you and kick you and drag you to your death?
Posted by: Jaclyn | May 6, 2008 03:53 PM
i'm mourning these innocent souls and i love PETA for their noble thoughts and actions - people should learn from them every day a lesson!
Posted by: Rainbow Warrior | May 6, 2008 04:43 PM
Factory Farming is First degree Murder. It's planned and carried out.
That also includes all farm animals that will be slaughtered. The guy above that says his animals are "PETS",
and them has them slaughtered is truly in his own demonic nightmare. I agree what PETA would like to do.
Peace, for all animals
Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | May 6, 2008 05:43 PM
A beautiful gesture, Peta.
Posted by: lynda downie | May 7, 2008 12:29 AM
Jaclyn,
Small farms like Brian's are not rare. I don't know where you are from, but around my neck of the woods we have many small farms scattered all across the land. Anything from beef cattle to dairy cattle are all over.
In fact, my roommate from college lived on a small cattle farm. They would usually butcher one steer a year, which could feed a family of six I believe. It also stocked our little freezer at our house at IU.
Posted by: Kurt K | May 7, 2008 03:38 PM
I think this a wonderful idea. The cows deserve to be treated finally as living beings, not "things". Animals are not "food" they are living creatures. I have been vegan for some time now, and I am in perfect health. This needless killing is so sad. Thank you Peta for standing up for these cows and all animals!
Posted by: Kathleen Wissenz | May 7, 2008 08:10 PM
This is in response to what William wrote.
What does it matter to you if people would like to do this for cows or any animal? Why do you care? You're insensitive.
Posted by: Kim | May 8, 2008 09:24 AM
I like the red one for the memorial. I can't see the details of the other one to understand what it is...like the object in the shape of a cow?
Small farmers...we only kill because we have chosen to eat them. There is another way, it does not have to be this way. It's just another choice, you could raise organic vegetables or make tofu steaks instead.
Posted by: Soleil | May 8, 2008 07:06 PM
I agree Judith, FFfA.
Brian develops a bond with his animals, calls them his pets and then has the heart to have them slaughtered- an ultimate betrayal of trust.
Posted by: lynda downie | May 8, 2008 11:11 PM