A typical lifecycle of a broiler chicken would begin with an synthetic incubation, congested and parentless childhood followed by endless periods of confinement in crammed, rusted and unclean cages, all the while classified as 'machinery for the production of eggs' by the animal husbandry and when they cease to be clinically unfit for producing eggs, they are due a promotion plus a bonus transfer. A re-labeling as 'economically ripe for meat production' precedes the transportation phase when the chickens have their maiden breath of fresh air and the more fortunate ones could hope for a glimpse of this beautiful world of ours - since this transportation is usually carried out in the dead of nights. Every chicken that has endured these hardships and reached the butcher shop is a perfect example of Charles Darwin's theory - 'Survival of the fittest' - but wait, only to be bleeding to death in full view of others in a days time. Is this the life a so called civilized man has to offer to his fellow animal ?

     Let me narrate another precarious life story. When senility sets in for a cattle that has served its owner, either as a draught animal or as an instrument for milk production it is auctioned off to butchers. Typically a cattle auctioned in any market in Tamil Nadu has to travel an average of 100 km to reach Trivandrum. The mode of transportation is commonly the cheapest mode namely the 'nataraja' service. The heads of three to five cattle are tied together and made to walk on hot tarmac with no proper food or rest. Innumerable whip lashes accompanied by occasional tail-twisting is all that required to make these 200 kilo lumps of meat walk. If the sojourn happens to be during the night, their horns dual as torch bearers, reflectors and what not - the oil used to light the torches often find its way to the eyes tallying to their agony. However , a few occurrences of hoof splitting and a few collapses are the only reason that should concern the accompanying 'tour guide'. On reaching the destination, one would be put to surprise only if none of these four-legged life-forms craved to be spared of the imminent murder.

     The slow, but painful and inefficient method of butchery is next on the agenda. The 24-hour mandatory medical examination is never carried out. I am always reminded of the assembly line seeing the way the animals are queued up and everyone witnessing the faithful death of their companions. Meanwhile waiting for their turns to draw closer, and then submit themselves to the same kismet. Never would I even curse my deadliest foe to this fate.

My simple message to all the non-vegetarians is 

· Research has proved that man is naturally designed a herbivore - as is evident from the absence of sharp canines and paws, weak digestive fluids in our stomachs, smaller length of intestines as compared to carnivores.

· Research has also proved that chances for occurrence of colon cancer is twenty times more for non - vegetarians and the levels of colon produced in disturbed and agonized animals is fifty times more than that in calm animals. That is why in western countries, so much emphasis is laid on ensuring proper temperament of the animal and fast methods of stunning accompanied by quick death. This however, would reduce the risk of cancer and not purge.
· Humanity and civility demands attaching moderate levels of dignity and decency to the life of other creatures and so every effort should be made to make their life less agonizing. By this, I mean provision of roomy trucks for their last journey, provision of enough food and water supply, adopting better and apparently less painful procedures for execution.

     Keeping all these specifics in mind, once I arrived at a conclusion that perhaps it will only be appropriate that more and more of non-vegetarians come forward and join this cause, for this also strengthens their demand for clean and hygiene meat that is challenged at the first place, let alone the animals well-being. Moreover I am sure that no one will have objections if he helps further the animals cause too in the process. I have somehow hushed away my reluctance to disclose that at least on this count non-veggies have a firmer foothold as against me, in this pursuit. However, I stand unaltered.

     My inquiry compels me to settle that it is never the lack of attitudes and feelings in us that is responsible for this worse a state affairs, but the absence of a cohesive channeling of these opinions which could and would make a big difference. The tribulations would simply be simplified if we momentarily ponder for these modest, speechless - but otherwise intelligent animals and realize that they too have emotions, happiness, pain and grief like any other human being. I am sure that the next commonsensical step for all of us would be to acknowledge and respond to their concerns appropriately and sufficiently.