Host a Healthy, Happy and Humane Thanksgiving
Most pet owners and animal lovers appreciate the simple acts of kindness and thoughtfulness that go into cooking and planning a humane Thanksgiving celebration. It’s not always easy to balance today’s holiday traditions with what most family and friends expect, while focusing on making a difference for the animal considered the main dish of the dining table.
Most turkeys in grocery stores are raised in overcrowded commercialized factory farm settings. Typically, these turkeys live horrendous, terrible lives, often in overcrowded, sickly and unclean conditions. Although terms like “free-range” or “organic” have recently become popular trends, this labeling does not mean the animal lived a good or healthy life or died a pleasant, painless death. Actually, the overall welfare of any animal raised for meat is quite limited, particularly for birds, especially during this time of year.
As a generous, selfless act, instead of focusing your meal on turkey, consider all the vegetarian and vegan side dishes, condiments, and desserts, after all, many consider these the best part of the Thanksgiving meal anyhow. As sustainable eating habits gain recognition, especially today, consumers are becoming more educated about their health, as well as the health of all animals, plant life and the environment because these factors are essentially tied together.
Not purchasing a turkey for your holiday meal significantly impacts the lives of turkeys across the country positively. Making a difference for any and all farm-raised animals as an individual is a rewarding, personal experience and the turkeys will be so happy you made that choice on their behalf.
On the following pages you'll learn more about four nearby farm sanctuaries that go above and beyond for animal lives: Farm Sanctuary, Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, and Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary. While two are local in Connecticut, the other two are located in New York, not far from Connecticut. Each has a special Thanksgiving message for you and your family.
We hope you feel inspired to host a healthy, happy and humane Thanksgiving this year so that now you and the turkeys can have something to truly be grateful for this holiday season.