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Photo by “gotbrimmed” and released under Creative Commons. Original Image available here. |
The vegan experiment goes well - mostly because it’s not really veganism at this point. I’m still enjoying the occasional item that I’d purchased before last week, and I’ve resolved that if I can find what I consider to be “cruelty free” dairy products and eggs, I’ll enjoy them without worry - cows give milk, and chickens lay eggs. I just want them to be treated well. All of this leads me to a question, one I hope you can answer:
Are there any cruelty free dairies in Southern California?
I’ve found some indication that they may exist - American Humane has a list of “Certified Free Farmed™ Producers” - farms and dairies that produce milk, eggs and meat from animals that are treated well, and to their standards. The list is not long, however, and I don’t know if I can get any of the NorCal products down here.
I’d be happy with a very small but local company to buy butter and milk from, even at a premium - butter freezes, and I’ll only need milk occasionally. Eggs I think I’ll be able to find at farmer’s markets - there’s usually one or two egg guys, I just have to find out how their chickens are treated. Your fellow readers (and this writer) appreciate any help you can give.
I understand your point, but I disagree. I think we probably also have very different definitions of “cruelty” - for me, it’s restrictive pens, violence against the animal, inflicted pain, hormone treatments, and no ability to leave the indoors. I’m looking for a dairy, large or small, that has those standards.