TOP NEWS THIS WEEK
Federal Funding Package Avoids Expanding Primate Testing: After concerns were raised about $30 million being allocated to expand primate testing infrastructure at the National Institutes of Health, animal advocacy groups mobilized supporters to contact legislators about the issue. The final federal funding package released this week contained no such provision. While the battle is never over, this outcome shows how raising our voices can make a difference.
UK Streamlines Approval for Animal-Free Foods: The UK’s Food Standards Agency has agreed to reforms that will modernize and accelerate the approval process for cultivated meat, precision fermentation products, and other novel plant-based foods. This should help get these ethical alternatives to market faster. However, the traditional meat industry is pushing back, falsely claiming there is insufficient research on safety and demanding more ‘dialogue’ in an attempt to protect their exploitative business model at the expense of animals. Read the story on Vegconomist.
Netflix Drives Societal Shift Toward Plant-Based Living: A retrospective by VegNews highlights how Netflix has played a pivotal role over the past decade in raising awareness of veganism and the impacts of animal agriculture through influential documentaries like Cowspiracy, What the Health, and The Game Changers. The article provides a compelling timeline of how this mainstream media platform has helped inspire dietary changes and more ethical consideration of animals used for food, clothing, entertainment and other purposes. See the timeline.
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
Man Pleads Guilty to Eagle Killing Spree
A Washington man pleaded guilty to killing thousands of eagles on a Montana reservation to sell their feathers and body parts, which hold significance in many Native traditions. Although Native American can receive permits to kill eagles or receive their body parts, the man is in trouble because he illegally shot the birds and then sold their body parts on the black market.
The narrative is that this is wildlife trafficking. The only issues are the illegality and that it is a violation of Native American tradition to kill indiscriminately. If his killing spree had been authorized, no one would be talking about this case at all. Killing birds is not an issue for those involved in the case.
No spiritual or cultural tradition should come at the cost of death for fellow beings who are just as deserving of life. We must find a way to uphold important traditions while evolving perspectives to align with respect for all sentient beings. See the story in USA Today for a good example of a narrative that completely disregards the interests of the animals who are affected.
QUICK BITES
Vegan Diner-Style Pancakes: Start your weekend right with a stack of these nostalgic, fluffy vegan buttermilk pancakes. The simple 3-step recipe delivers diner-quality results, perfect for celebrating leisurely mornings. Check out VegNews for the recipe.
Kale Avocado Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing: This fresh and nutritious salad combines massaged kale, creamy avocado, white beans and crunchy sunflower seeds in a zesty lemon dijon vinaigrette. It’s a light and satisfying meal option as the weather warms up. Get the recipe from Oh My Veggies.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ahimsa: The First Vegan Restaurant in the U.S. opened in 1966
The first vegan restaurant in the U.S. opened in 1966 in Atlanta. Originally called Ahimsa, it was founded by Jai Maharaj Singh Saraswati and his wife Veerama. The restaurant aimed to provide food that was ethically sourced and prepared according to the principles of ahimsa (non-violence). It closed in 1991 but paved the way for the growing vegan restaurant scene today.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Cultural Traditions Involving Animal Exploitation
There is a perpetual tension around the world between tradition and animal protection. How can we respect traditions while respecting nonhuman animals? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Stay informed and keep advocating for a more vegan world. See you next week with more updates!
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