The Truth of What You Eat 

by Luna Sanchez, EarthScope Intern (Tam High)

April 6, 2017

Gene Baur is an inspiring person in the fight against factory farming. Not everyone knows the truth behind our food. “Factory farms dominate U.S. food production, employing abusive practices that maximize agribusiness profits at the expense of the environment, our communities, animal welfare, and even our health.”(Farm Sanctuary) Gene Baur is the founder of Farm Sanctuary. He has been advocating on the behalf of mistreated animals, because although they don’t speak our language Gene knows they need a voice. Gene is the founder of Farm Sanctuary, an organization that dedicates its to rescuing and rehabilitating cruelly treated farm animals.

So far three Gene has developed three sanctuaries in Los Angeles, New York and Orland, all home to the many hundreds of rescued pigs, cows, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, and turkeys. These sanctuaries give badly treated animals a new and much healthier life, without cages or abuse. The sanctuaries help to not only help transform mistreated animals, but they give many humans a perseptive they never knew the could have. Gene shows that animals have personalities, stories and above all feelings. He helps people understand the freedom that all animals deserve.

Gene Baur is a strong believer in veganism, he believes that without they use of any animal products, not only will improve the lives of so many animals it will make humans and happier and healthier species. Although many may think the idea of using no products from animals intimidating, Gene says it's easy you just need to find a source of protein you enjoy. It is definitely important to at least cut back on the use of animals for food and farming, the overuse of steroids and the living conditions of the animals is unhealthy and can cause health related issues.

One thing Baur warns many about is “Cage Free”, “Free Range” or “Grass Fed” labels. He says that alough some may be selling what they’re advertising many are not. The “cage free” birds still suffer de-beaking and while the they might not be in battery cages there is still a good chance they are packed in a poorly ventilated, windowless warehouse with almost no room for the animals to eve move their wigs. “Grass Fed” indicates that the animals may get most of their nutrients from grass, but the USDA “grass fed” requirements does not limit the use of antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides, all of which can be extremely harmful to the environment, animal and human health.

Animals have been treated horribly for such a long time, but it was just recently that more people started to pay attention. Almost 260 million chickens are killed each year upon hatching. Calves are forced away from their mothers just hours after being born. Sheep are “tail docked” a couple weeks after birth. So many animals are treated so badly and almost no one attempts to do anything. That's why Gene is so important, not only does he give a voice to abused animals, but he helps give a voice to people who feel the need to speak out about the mistreatment of farm animals. Without the help of Gene and the support, donations and volunteers many animals would not have the healthier and happier life they now live.