Hey Mark, By the way, I never said I condoned cruelty to animals. I, however, do not believe it is a sin to eat meat, although it should not be eaten every day - perhaps once or twice a week. As a Catholic, I have fasted from meat every Friday for years now, not only during Lent, the whole year. For the last 5 years now, I have also participated through a Catholic Church group in a strict fast the first week of Lent (starting Ash Wednesday) of not eating anything  for 7 days. We only drink non-carbonated water - no juices, etc. It's not easy but we meet for Holy Mass every evening and then sit in a group and discuss a theme (topic) that the Pastor has decided on in advance. This year it was the 100th Anniversary of Fatima. During this week, we also have an evening of Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity to Confess. Going to daily Mass and Confession, Adoration, praying the Rosary often, help my decision-making. I'm more in tune to sinning. Conscience very alert!