Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

I saw this article yesterday and really found it interesting. I have to admit, I have never thought about this.  This has never crossed my mind and I was just so glad to read it and become aware of it. That has been one of the most impactful things about becoming vegan, the opportunity to really be aware. Not only of the things I choose to put into my mouth but about the things that go on outside the specific sphere of my life in this moment. Awareness equals action (if we choose) and I really like that.

Here is the article I read in its entirety from This Dish is Veg. Enjoy.

American Airlines will no longer transport primates destined for lab research.

By: Karyn Pyle @ Nature Conspires

Something many of us don’t consider as we are travelling by air for business or to our next vacation destination, is the animals about to begin a life of torture, pain and confusion – all in the name of research, who may be travelling along with us in the cargo hold below.

Animals used for research are often transported to laboratories far away and many airlines support this cruel practice by agreeing to carry these poor animals to their dire fates.

British Union for Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) has announced that American Airlines (AA) “will no longer transport primates used for laboratory research, experimentation or exploitation purposes.”

“We welcome the action taken by American Airlines to clarify its policy on this important issue. The shipment of monkeys for research is a subject that raises strong public concern, said Michelle Thew, BUAV’s Chief Executive. “We urge travellers to check our list of airlines before booking their next flight. We call on all remaining airlines to end their involvement in this cruel trade.”

So many of us are vigilant about the foods we eat, the clothes we wear and the cosmetics we use in our personal regime when it comes to the protection of animals. Considering the airlines we travel with and the ethics of those airlines, may not even be on our radar.

Please take a moment and view the list of air carriers that do not support the transportation of animals for research purposes, and be sure to travel with them in your future flights.

I loved reading some of the supportive letters the BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) has received, so I shared them here.

Support for BUAV campaign

The BUAV has received many statements of support from airlines that are anxious to dissociate themselves from the cruelty and suffering of the international trade in primates:

“At Swiss World Cargo (cargo division of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd) we dissociate ourselves from the cruelty and suffering of the international trade in primates and we do not accept either monkeys (non-human primates) or live cats/dogs for research, for transport on any of our routes.”

– Swiss International Airlines

“Indeed, we would want to be in the list of airlines in the fight against international trade in primates destined for the research industry.”

– Malaysia Airlines

“We wish your campaign to be successful and that the list of airlines rejecting transportation of these animals grows more and more.”

– TAP Portugal

“On behalf of China Airlines, we would like to extend our appreciation on your dedication to protect the life of primates from unnatural human interference.”

– China Airlines

“Please know that we do not support the transportation of non-human primates and we would be happy to be placed on the list that bans this practice.”

It is unexpected to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of animals when making decisions about travel and everyday things that on the surface don’t appear to have anything to do with animal welfare. Being aware of how our decisions affect the lives of others is the first step in making choices that make a difference. That is a liberating and wonderful thing.

Have a delicious day.

Image courtesy of Morrisonworldnews.com