PETA urges government to save more money by making all functions meatless
Group Cites Lower Costs, Environmental Benefits of Vegetarian Foods
-- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has sent an appeal to Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi asking them to ensure that recently announced cost-cutting measures include directions to serve only meatless food at all government events.
In the letter, PETA points out that the meat industry – with its reliance on huge amounts of grain required to feed animals raised for food – has been forced to raise prices to reflect the rising prices of grain in today's market. The cows, pigs, chickens and other animals used for meat must be fed many more pounds of grain than we get back in flesh. The animal rights group also mentions the savings on health-care costs because of the healthful nature of vegetarian foods.
"It makes no sense to require officials to fly economy class while throwing away money by serving meat at government functions", says PETA India Chief Functionary Anuradha Sawhney. "Requiring vegetarian food at these events will send a powerful message about the wasteful toll of the meat industry – in both rupees and animals' lives."
For more information, please visit PETAIndia.com.
A copy of PETA India's letter to Dr Manmohan Singh and Smt. Sonia Gandhi is available upon request.
Notes to Editor
PETA India isan Animal Rights Organisation based in Pune in India.