Go eggless at Easter – and stay that way, for hens’ sake | Letter
The name Easter comes from that of the Anglo-Saxon pagan goddess of fertility, Ēostre, who is represented by hares and eggs – hence why we celebrate the holiday with eggs and the Easter bunny. But eating eggs is nothing to celebrate.
I remember being horrified as a child when I cracked open the boiled egg in my Beatrix Potter egg cup, only to find a tiny dead chick curled up inside. That couldn’t happen today, because even “cage-free” eggs come from factory farms where hens will never see a rooster. Denied the opportunity to engage in natural behaviour, chickens exploited for eggs are crowded together by the many thousands, with no room to even stretch their wings.
Many people give up cholesterol-laden eggs for Lent but resume eating them afterwards. Let’s lay off them for good. Today, we know what hens endure for eggs and are spoiled for choice with fabulous vegan alternatives that can make it a happy Ēostre for all.
Ingrid Newkirk
Founder, Peta Foundation
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