Giving Thanks to the Humane

Thanksgiving, being the annual day of thanks, I can't help but think of all the lives that go un-thanked... like the turkeys and other animals who didn't make it, and many times, the un-thankful way of raising them.  As a way to thank those people and companies that care to treat their animals humanely, I'd like to link to a few sites that might be of interest for those hoping to make a change or just see some of what's out there.

Humane Treatment of Farmed Animals

The Animal Welfare Approved seal, from the Animal Welfare Institute, is used on meat, poultry, dairy and eggs that the nonprofit group has determined met their high standards for the humane treatment of farm animals. http://awionline.org/

The Certified Humane Raised & Handled label certifies that producers and processors have met certain standards set by Humane Farm Animal Care, an independent, non-profit organization. http://www.certifiedhumane.org/

Free Farmed Certified means that the farm from which the product comes has been inspected by the American Humane Association. http://www.americanhumane.org/

This website suggests the best way to support products from animals raised humanely is to know more about the supplier. Talk with your grocer about the products being sold. Buy from small family farmers who have proven that they have met specific guidelines. Check labels and look for Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane, or Free-Farm Certified products. Finally, make your preferences known to your local, state and federal representatives.

www.ncga.coop/newsroom/animal-treatment

Happy Humane Holidays!