Plant-based foods

I WRITE in reference to ‘Strathalbyn Abattoir on track to re-open, creating new jobs’ (The Courier, July 27).

Business success for stakeholders of the new Strathalbyn abattoir will deliver no happy outcome for the animals on which the whole operation is based. No animal wants to go to an abattoir. No animal wants to lose their liberty or their life.

The nature and wildlife crisis emphasized in the Australian State of Environment 2021 Report is caused to a significant extent by huge swathes of native vegetation cleared for livestock grazing pastures. A whopping 54% of Australia’s land is now livestock grazing pasture in contrast to 3.8% for growing food for humans.

Introduced animals for agriculture has been an ever increasing threat to our precious native environment since European colonisation began in 1788.

Large-scale industrialisation has destroyed critical habitat and food sources for birds, insects and other native creatures.

A tiny 10% of the Hills remains undeveloped. It is frightening. Human need and greed must be curtailed for a sustainable, healthy environment.

Plant-based foods for people offer a brighter future for diversity and totality of life on this planet.

Simone Hunter, Hove