The animal
cause
Our commitment to animals is totally aligned with the urgencies of human health and environmental challenges, as well as with the interests of farmers.
I just can't go on in my life knowing what's going on in the animal world and, like, not doing anything about it.
Billie Eilish
Artist
How can humanity demand respect for life, liberty, and well-being while denying these same rights to other sentient and sensitive beings— the animals?
How can one claim to love animals while consciously accepting that they are subjected to such extreme suffering that it would be considered a crime if applied to humans?
Every year, billions of animals are born artificially through insemination or hatchery incubation. They are genetically selected to increase yields despite their physical tolerance. This is simply to ensure economic gain that completely ignores the daily suffering of these animals and the consequences for humanity.
These farm animals endure a short and miserable existence, locked in cages or buildings without natural light, deprived of any connection with their fellow creatures.
And then, sadly, in the horror of the slaughterhouses, they are killed at a frantic pace, suffering a death in fear and pain – an unbearable violence, even for those who carry it out.
A life worth living?
The big issue:
our food
Beyond the ethical considerations linked to the animal cause, it is urgent to recall the colossal impact of our food on major issues: public health, purchasing power and sustainability .
The civic, political and media debate must address this issue without delay.
However, questioning our diet means encountering four resistances :
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A certain idea of freedom : "No one is going to forbid me what I want to eat, deprive me of my pleasures, we live in a free country."
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Nutritional assumptions : "We need meat and dairy products for our growth, our protein, our physical condition."
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The imagination of traditions : "The exploitation of animals is normal, that's all they're used for. We mustn't touch what man has always done."
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Perception of rurality : "We must respect our breeders, who work hard to provide us with quality food."
These arguments are based on an unfortunate ignorance of history, science, and facts.
👉 The tradition argument? False. In France, we consume twice as much meat as the global average, and this consumption has tripled in less than a century. So it's not a tradition, at least not on this scale.
👉 Meat for health? False. The massive increase in the consumption of animal products coincides with the explosion of chronic diseases: diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease... We are sold the idea that meat is essential, when in fact it harms both humans and animals.
👉 The freedom to eat whatever you want? Of course. But we must also be aware of the consequences, not only for animals, but also for our own health and our environment.
👉 And what about livestock farmers? Contrary to popular belief, animal exploitation doesn't even benefit farmers. They are among the most vulnerable citizens, often crushed by debt and subsidies that artificially maintain a loss-making and unsustainable agricultural model. Far from supporting them, current policies lock them into a form of modern feudalism, preventing any transition to a more virtuous and profitable agriculture.
Let's understand reality, respect science, and open ourselves to listening...
Changing our diet is an opportunity, not a threat. For animals, for our health, for our economy, and for farmers themselves.
The animal cause:
a common cause...
The Sanctuaire La Garie cannot limit its actions to the salvation of a a few survivors of human unconsciousness.
It must carry a message, raise awareness and build with fellow willing citizens a fairer future for all living beings.
The animal cause cannot advance without integrating the human issues that are intrinsically linked to it:
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Health 🏥: Overconsumption of animal products puts a heavy burden on our healthcare system and clogs it, exacerbating preventable chronic diseases.
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Purchasing power 💰: Returning to a more plant-based diet allows us to reduce our food expenses while improving our health.
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Food autonomy 🌾: An agricultural transition to plant-based agriculture would make us much less dependent on imports and ensure sustainable food sovereignty.
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Farmers' Dignity 🚜: It is urgent to free livestock farmers and cultivators from debt and dependence on subsidies. A just agricultural transition must guarantee them a basic income and real economic autonomy.
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The environment 🌍: Livestock farming is a climate disaster, responsible for more emissions than the entire transportation sector.
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Natural resources 💦: Most of our agricultural land is taken to feed livestock, while we destroy entire ecosystems to import animal feed.
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Biodiversity 🐝: In 60 years, agricultural policies have caused the collapse of wildlife and pollinators, jeopardizing our own survival.
