http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20121013/OPINION02/707299993
Published October 13, 2012 in the Rutland Herald
Allow Bill and Lou to live
My name is Miriam Jones, and I am the co-founder of VINE Sanctuary in Springfield, Vt., a refuge for formerly farmed animals, formerly fought animals, and animals rescued from other dire situations. I am writing an open letter to the president of Green Mountain College, as well as all others on staff or in attendance at the school, to urge that they reconsider their decision to slaughter Bill and Lou, two oxen who have served their school hard and well for over ten years.
When GMAD (Green Mountain Animal Defenders) originally notified us of their scheduled slaughter, we offered to take care of Bill and Lou. Unfortunately, the farm manager said no, and so in conjunction with GMAD, we initiated a campaign to encourage the college to change its mind.
The outcry has been nothing short of remarkable. Thousands of people and organizations from all over the world and, most significantly, from Vermont, have written to the college to ask that they spare these two lives. What the college might not realize is that many of these folks are also alumni of the school — alumni who are shocked that this decision was made.
Tragically, the college continues to uphold its decision for various reasons. At some point in the future, it would be instructive to openly and publicly discuss those reasons, as they speak to broad issues about environmental responsibility and animal ethics. For now, however, the clock is ticking. Bill and Lou literally have 19 more days to live upon this earth before the blast from a bolt gun will destroy them both.
Is tradition really so sacrosanct that it should trump the clear wishes of so many people? Should it trump the will to live of Bill and Lou themselves? We say no. We urge the school to allow Bill and Lou to live. There is no reason whatsoever not to allow these two folks to enjoy their “retirement” and live in peace.
MIRIAM JONES
Springfield
Why would they kill the oxen? I makes no sense.
ReplyDeletemodern healthcare makes no sense
DeleteThey are killing the oxen because they are not able to work on the farm any longer. As has been the case for thousands of years, now that they have outlived their usefulness on the farm they will become a food source which will sustain the students at the college for a month or two. I'm sure those who will be taking sustenance from these animals will appreciate knowing that their beef lived a happy and humane life, unlike the meat which they would otherwise be consuming from megafarms.
ReplyDeleteAnd the fact of the matter is, Bill and Lou are the property of the school and are theirs to do whatever they wish. I personally think Miriam Jones is being ridiculous and her behavior regarding these humanely treated animals is shameful to true animal rights activists. She should be focusing on the many animals that are abused and malnourished rather than berating a farm that has done nothing wrong at all.
Exactly right! I agree 100%
DeleteAs a matter of fact, I did the same with my parents when they became unproductive.
And then one day they came for me and there was nobody left to turn to
DeleteOxen burgers....yummy! Hopefully they use them to make some good chili and meatloaf for the students.
DeleteThe ox should be allowed to live at the sanctuary and not be killed. Apparently one is no longer able to work and the other won't work alone. Let them have a peaceful existence for the rest of their lives. There is no good reason to kill them since the sanctuary will take them.
ReplyDeleteFor food. Food is a good reason to kill them.
DeleteI cannot respect a group of people who pick on a small farm.
ReplyDeleteThey should be directing their efforts towards animals that are truly being abused on a daily basis.
Their efforts to save two farm animals who have been treated with respect and love throughout their lives is basically setting the message that "some animals are created more equally then others."
This is wrong. All animals should be treated with respect regardless of whether or not they are turned into sustenance.
VINE is fighting the wrong people. I would gladly stand with them if they were to attack factory farms. Leave small unsubsidized farms out of the mix. GMC does not receive government funding as it is a private run school.
Thank you,
GMC Sustainable Ag. Student