Animal Aid

Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year, and the start of the Year of the Ox. Whilst enjoying the beautiful celebrations, spare a thought for the millions of cattle killed for beef each year.

Most are raised in dirty, crowded factory farms for half of their lives and denied fresh air, exercise and the freedom to carry out their normal behaviour. These conditions cause animals great suffering and stress, as well as leaving them prone to diseases - which can then be passed on to the people who eat them.

Cows are often bred to be as large as possible in order to maximise the farmer’s profits, meaning some must be born via Caesarean section because their sheer size makes natural delivery impossible. After a short and miserable life, all face a terrifying slaughterhouse death.

Traditionally people abstain from eating meat on Chinese New Year, but why not take it one step further and make the decision to go meat-free permanently? You could save thousands of animals from a life of suffering, as well as improve your health and reduce your impact on the environment - making it a happy new year all round!