ANIMAL RIGHTS AND POLICY
Mexico Includes Animal Protection in Its Constitution
Last month, Mexico added three animal protection amendments to its Constitution. The amendments require animal protection education at all school levels, ban cruelty to all animals (including farm animals), and set up a framework for Congress to create animal welfare law. Mexico’s Congress voted unanimously to support these changes.
Harvard animal law expert Kristen Stilt points out this goes further than animal protections in other countries’ constitutions: “Mexico’s approach is longer, more specific, and spans several provisions rather than just making a general statement.”
There are still real challenges ahead, though. These constitutional changes need to become actual laws with proper enforcement. There’s also the practical problem that farming animals inherently causes harm, so “banning cruelty” to farmed animals raises some big questions. Still, the unanimous support shows shifting attitudes that might lead to real improvements.
Read more about the amendments and the activists behind this change.
PLANT-BASED INDUSTRY NEWS
Plant-Based Meat Market Set to Grow Fast
The plant-based meat market is expected to grow from $8.77 billion in 2024 to $39.28 billion by 2033. This growth is driven by people’s concerns about animal welfare, environmental impact, and health. Soy is the most common ingredient in these products, while beef alternatives and burger patties are the most popular products. The industry still faces hurdles with consumer acceptance and production costs.
This growth may reduce demand for animal products, but the labeling of these foods as “alternatives” reminds us that animal products remain the standard. We still have a long way to go, and there’s a risk that many people will be satisfied with solutions that address climate concerns while continuing to harm animals. Read more about the projected growth of the plant meat industry.
Plant-Based Meat Companies Respond to “Ultraprocessed” Criticism
Plant-based meat companies are changing their approach after concerns about “ultraprocessed” foods hurt sales. Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are creating simpler recipes with fewer ingredients and shifting their marketing. Research shows that health benefits of switching from conventional meat to plant-based options usually outweigh any negative effects of plant food processing, but public perception has been shaped by criticism from both natural food proponents and agricultural interests.
Europe seems more open to plant-based options than the US. Some European supermarkets are actively cutting prices on plant proteins while ending discounts on fresh meat. The New York Times has more.
LIVING VEGAN
Veganuary Leads to Lasting Changes
Research from the University of Exeter shows that participating in Veganuary creates lasting changes in both behavior and attitudes. After the challenge, many participants find meat less appealing, with some expressing disgust at the thought of eating it again. People also become less likely to identify as “meat-eaters,” showing how dietary changes can shift how we see ourselves.
Over 80% of Veganuary participants said they planned to permanently reduce their meat and dairy consumption by at least 50%. The research suggests that simply trying plant-based eating can help people align their actions with their values regarding animals. Check out the study.
Vet Expert: Plant-Based Diets Can Work for Cats
Veterinary Professor Andrew Knight says that nutritionally complete plant-based diets are safe for cats, challenging the British Veterinary Association’s stance. Knight points to a 2023 study showing “no overwhelming evidence” of harmful effects and some “beneficial findings.” His own research found that cats on plant-based diets tend to be healthier than those on animal-based diets.
Knight notes that companion animals consume 25-30% of the meat industry’s output. Well-formulated plant-based diets could benefit cats and reduce the number of animals killed to feed them. Read the full story.
GLOBAL VEGAN ADVOCACY
China Vegan Summit Covers Multiple Angles of Veganism
The third China Vegan Summit was held in Suzhou in December with the theme “Harmonious Coexistence for All Beings.” The event covered sustainability, business innovation, plant-based foods, animal rights, and cultural influences.
Presentations included plant-based market trends, vegan certification systems, and local initiatives like Shenzhen’s Plant-Based City Map. Animal rights discussions explored advocacy strategies, China’s historical vegetarian movements, and using AI for animal protection.
The summit recognized that creating better relationships with animals requires changes at individual, community, and systemic levels. Read more highlights from the summit.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Cat Diets: Ethical Dilemma or Solved Problem?
The story about plant-based diets for cats touches on a question many vegan animal guardians struggle with: Can we be ethically consistent across all areas of our lives? We’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts:
– Have you tried plant-based cat food? What was your experience?
– What concerns do you have about feeding cats plant-based diets?
– Has new research like Professor Knight’s changed your perspective?
Stay informed and keep advocating for a more vegan world. See you next week with more updates!
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