Vegan Outreach
P.O. Box 38492
Pittsburgh, PA 15238-8492
Dear Madam or Sir:
Although I have not made the leap from vegetarian to vegan, I have a great deal of respect for those who commit to the animal-friendly diet and lifestyle. As the world “progresses” I am always curious curious about where the line is drawn for vegans. For example, if a vegan is prescribed medication and the only company that makes this medication engages in animal testing, what is the vegan to do?
More recently I have been wondering what the vegan stance is on use of animals in the war on terror. For many years, dolphins have been used by the military, with mixed response from the public. More recently, rats have been trained to locate land mines in Africa, special fish have been hired that will cough if the area’s drinking water is compromised, and bees are being trained to sniff out bombs.
I understand that strict vegans do not wear silk because it is the result of forced animal labor, and do not eat honey for the same reason. We can certainly get along without eating and wearing animals. But I am torn on the use of animals for some of the above mentioned reasons. Perhaps if no one objects now, the United States will deploy retired greyhounds to fight in Iraq once we run out of troops to send. If nothing else this gives us all the more reason to work toward peace so that we do not require the services of these noble creatures.
Truly,
Liz Mann
