Letter: No slaughterhouse for Suffolk
Tom Geppel, co-owner of 8 Hands Farm in Cutchogue visits with the Tamworth, Gloucester Old Spot pigs on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. Farmers say efforts to open a slaughterhouse in Suffolk County could be a game-changer for Long Islanders raising cattle, sheep, pigs and bison. Credit: Randee Daddona
I was disappointed to see that Suffolk County officials are promoting the livestock industry with the attempt to privatize the county slaughterhouse [“Slaughterhouse drive,” News, Jan. 27].
The story didn’t mention that animal agriculture contributes to water pollution and environmental degradation, and it’s a leading cause of global warming. In addition, eating meat has been linked to serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
Despite the cute photo of the livestock owner petting his pigs, the industry is notorious for inhumane treatment of animals. Suffolk officials should take this opportunity to close the slaughterhouse.
Robert W. O’Leary, Sayville
Editor’s note: The writer is the president of Plant Based Organix, a nutrition consulting business.
