Help Close Live-Animal Markets During COVID-19 Outbreak!
Live-animal markets—or “wet markets“—are blood-soaked slaughterhouses where members of the public can choose animals to purchase, such as chickens and rabbits, who are then slaughtered while the customer waits. The COVID-19 pandemic gripping the world—caused by the novel coronavirus—is believed to have started in one such market in China.
The coronavirus crisis has many officials calling for foreign wet markets to be shut down. Dr. Anthony Fauci—director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases—is joining in, echoing the sentiment that a crackdown is a must:
However, if the solution is to shut them down, why are there still live-animal markets and slaughterhouses operating here in the United States? Did you know that there are over 80 live-animal markets and slaughterhouses operating in New York City alone? Many of them are near schools, parks, and family residences.
Stressed, injured, and sickly animals are often caged in areas with public access, sometimes even on public sidewalks, where feces and blood can easily be picked up on shoes and tracked into restaurants and homes. No matter which country or city they’re located in, wet markets are dangerous breeding grounds for pathogens.
Join PETA in taking urgent action to get live-animal markets shut down now!
Just as we don’t want to become infected with or die of COVID-19, animals don’t want to suffer or be killed for food. Humans’ insatiable demand for meat, eggs, and dairy means that huge numbers of animals are reared in intensive confinement in giant, filthy warehouses before ever arriving at a slaughterhouse. Chickens, cows, pigs, and others spend their lives crammed together in small cages or feces-ridden sheds.
It’s speciesist to believe that these animals don’t suffer or feel emotions to the same extent as the cats and dogs with whom we lovingly share our homes. Animals of all species—from all over the world—value their lives and have interests and desires of their own. It’s no more acceptable to visit a wet market in the U.S. to have a chicken killed than it is to visit one in Asia where bats are slaughtered. Remember: The only truly sustainable and conscientious way to eat is vegan.
Take Action Now!
PETA’s action alerts make it possible for you to take action for animals with the quick click of a button. Even if you’re quarantined or working from home, it takes just a minute to help countless living, feeling beings.
There are multiple opportunities to help. As soon as you take one action below, another will automatically appear in its place.
Just enter your information once, and then keep clicking the “Send Message” button until you’ve completed them all. Once you’ve finished, be sure to share this page with your friends, family members, and social media followers. Encourage them to join you in taking action for animals today and every day.