Treats Are Produced Without Factory Farming, the Root Cause of Infection
For Immediate Release:
June 8, 2011
Contact:
Kristin Richards 202-483-7382
Vernon, Conn. — In response to the recent recall of salmonella-tainted pig-ear dog treats by Vernon-based dog food company Bravo!, PETA is offering up an alternative that won't make dogs or their guardians sick: vegan pig ears, which are not only salmonella-free but also cruelty-free. Salmonella can cause lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever in dogs. It is also easily transmitted between species, so PETA cautions all dog guardians to stay away from the products that can carry a risk of infection—namely, meat and eggs.
"From salmonella to mad cow disease to swine flu, filthy factory farms are responsible for an enormous amount of disease and infection," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "PETA wants people to know that there's a wide range of vegan treats available—for humans and dogs alike—that are delicious, nutritious, and animal-friendly in every way."
News of the salmonella contamination comes as the European Union struggles with an outbreak of E. coli that has already resulted in at least 22 human deaths and hundreds of infections across several European countries. Disease runs rampant on crowded factory farms, and E. coli, salmonella, campylobacter, and other bacteria all originate in animals. When plant-based foods become contaminated, it is typically from feces-polluted groundwater and fertilizer from factory farms. The responsibility lies squarely on animal agriculture.
Animals pay a terrible price too. On factory farms, pregnant sows are confined to narrow metal stalls that are barely larger than their own bodies. They are unable to turn around or even lie down comfortably. Piglets' tails are chopped off, their teeth are cut with pliers, and male piglets are castrated—all without any painkillers.
For more information or to order the new dog treats, please visit PETA.org or click here.