Sanctuaries, not slaughterhouses

I have visited Animal Acres and other farm sanctuaries and have seen firsthand that turkeys, pigs, sheep and cows have personalities and a love of life that rivals those of any cat and dog ever loved by a human [“The Menu? Food for Thought,” by Brenda Rees, March 30].

If the dairy, egg and meat industries were not misinforming us about our nutritional needs, we might look more closely at the horrible conditions that most farmed animals endure because we think we need to eat them. If farmed animals could talk, I bet they would be thanking Rees for writing about the fortunate few at Animal Acres that escaped the horrors of the factory farm and slaughterhouse. As Paul McCartney said, “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian.”

PATTI BREITMAN

Fairfax, Calif.

*

I have visited the sanctuary in Watkins Glen that Lori Bauston opened in 1986 and I can tell you it is the experience of a lifetime. To look into the eyes of an animal we normally see only on a plate is a very special experience. I urge everyone to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. You will never forget your visit and these animals, and will never think about cows and pigs and chickens the same again.

JANE SHAKMAN

Ossining, N.Y.