Mass cull of pigs

Dear editor,

There are more important topics to discuss but the inhumane destruction of live animals reminds me of wartime burial graves as well as crimes against humanity.

Yes, I mean humanity because biologically speaking, pigs are the closest animals to humans. They are our biological cousins. Moreover no animal should have to die such a long, frightening, painful death. My grandfather was a veterinarian in charge of large cattle in rural France. He would not approve of this method and neither do I.

A country which calls itself “civilized” should not have to resort to such horrors.

I had a close encounter with a pig when my daughter was born. She was born far from civilization, delivered by her Vietnamese father, a doctor. My daughter survived her difficult birth but I was dying of a massive postpartum hemorrhage. We had no blood and were too far from the Red Cross. A live sow was brought from the village and I was given a blood transfusion directly from the pig’s blood. I survived.

Without the pig’s blood, I would have died. I have a lot of respect for all animal creatures which I find much superior to so-called human beings. Please stop the carnage as I am deeply offended and hurt by this practice of burying animals alive until they choke to death.

It is similar to mass graves, Nazi camps and other atrocities as far as I am concerned.

I will not even eat pork, out of respect for a creature badly understood and treated. Please stop the slaughter as it pains me greatly.

We do not have the divine right to do that. How can we discuss peace in Northeast Asia and protection of civilians when we are barbarians as far as animals are concerned. Peace starts with them. Peace begins with the respect we owe to all living creatures.

Romy Kerwin

Toronto, Canada