67
A Plucky Revelation: a Look into the Poultry
Industry
Becca Hanika
I am a current student, almost done with my associate's
degree. Eventually I will be pursuing a doctorate in
veterinarian medicine. Until then, I will continue to research
and inform on the topics that mean the most to me. I think we,
as America and as the Human race, need to stop being so
conceited. We are using and abusing our planet. This piece is
debating the ethical balance between meat consumption and
animal welfare. I think there is a solution, but the public needs
to be aware that there's an issue.
Stop and go. Stop and go. Red brake lights reflect off the wet
pavement in a Seattle rush-hour limbo. It’s I-5, and it’s booked
solid. Along the driver side of my car, a large truck comes to a
grinding halt. This truck is thrumming in the sleepy traffic; but
the cargo was live. Hundreds of white chickens were crammed
into small, wire cages. Some tried to stand, but most had their
legs splayed to the side in an uncomfortable-looking crunch;
beaks clipped, legs lumpy and deformed from their life on the
wire. Bald patches all over their bodies revealed red, irritated
skin where the cages had rubbed their feathers off. Their eyes
were half-closed and practically begged for death as drips of
water fell from their limp, pale combs. They sat openly exposed