Poultney
posted
Nov 12, 2012
The controversy over Green Mountain College's intention to
slaughter its two oxen, Bill and Lou has caught widespread
attention in the college community and beyond. Many state
politicians have weight in and letters and petitions have flooded
GMC inboxes.
Now it's Chuck Ross's turn. Ross, the Vermont Secretary of
Agriculture, Food and Markets, recently issued the following
statement:
"A sustainable food system is a complicated web. It involves many
participants. The slaughter of animals by those able and interested
in eating meat has been part of the human experience since the
beginning of recorded history. Doing so in a humane fashion
is standard practice today, and subject to regulatory
oversight.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets respects
and supports the people involved in the food system. We
applaud the efforts of those working towards community-supported,
sustainable, diversified agriculture.
Recently, there has been much attention directed towards a
decision made by Green Mountain College to slaughter two oxen
raised on their campus farm. This decision has drawn interest on a
national level. Here in Vermont, however, it is not uncommon for
people to raise their own animals for meat, or join a
meat-CSA. Our culture is closely tied to the food system.
Green Mountain College has reached their decision after careful
contemplation and input from the campus community. They have raised
these animals humanely, and have made a responsible choice.
We encourage others to respect their decision, even if their own
personal philosophy includes abstaining from eating meat.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets will not
tolerate the inhumane treatment of animals and addresses reported
incidents with its full regulatory authority. This situation,
however, does not constitute inhumane treatment. Instead, it is the
progression of two animals from one stage of the food system into
the next."
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets (VAAFM)
facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of
agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape,
human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the
environment. For more info visit www.VermontAgriculture.com
