Too many pets and not enough animals. Mother Jones‘ adaptation of interesting essay from Lapham’s Quarterly. “Animals acquired the identities issued to them by man, became labels marketed by a frozen-food or meat-packing company, retaining only those portions of their value that fit the formula of research tool or cultural symbol—circus or zoo exhibit, corporate logo or Hollywood cartoon, active ingredient in farm-fresh salmon or genetically modified beef.”

Conservation meeting decisions hanging in the balance. “It is expected that an attempt will be made to re-open the debate on sharks after the conference voted in favour of regulating international trade in three endangered species earlier this week. Another major decision looms on attempts to regulate the ivory trade. The conference has identified 23 countries including China, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo that are key to the supply and consumption of ivory.”

Ex-Orange County inmate: Jail deputies ‘tortured’ me with vegan meals. “I don’t eat vegetable because of my stomach problems and yet they gave me vegetable-only diet. This torture caused me to lose weight and undermine my defense in court.”

And in other “vegan (anti) news…”

12 year old vegan has the degenerating bones of 80 year old. “If raised strictly vegan, the child would almost certainly have severe deficiencies of Vitamins A and D, both of which are essential bone nutrients that can only be obtained from animal products.  In all likelihood, she would also be lacking needed calcium, zinc, B-12 as well as other B vitamins, Vitamin K, the EPA and DHA fatty acids and the sulfur containing amino acids methionine and cysteine.” The comments go on forever. Be sure to add yours to this uninformed anti-vegan diatribe. (Incidentally, the article’s author is Vice President of the Weston A. Price Foundation, who believes butter and all animal fats are the keys to a happy and healthy life.)

Photo credit: Seng1011 via Flickr