media release

Animal rights group urges Charlie Pederson to turn vegetarian.

A Wellington animal rights group is urging Federated Farmers president Charlie Pederson to turn vegetarian after he had a heart attack this week.

Wellington Animal Rights network spokesperson Mark Eden says Mr Pederson could reduce his risk of another heart attack by giving up meat and dairy products.

“We know it will be hard for Mr Pederson to make that choice, given that his job is to promote the meat industry, but the choice is between his money or his life. I know which one I would choose” said Mr Eden.

“Many studies show that avoiding meat and dairy products can substantially reduce a persons risk of heart disease. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death and illness in New Zealand and if it wasn’t for meat industry lobby groups we would have health warnings on meat products just like we do on cigarettes” he said.

“Not only will turning vegetarian be better for Mr Pederson, it will be better for animals too. Thousands of animals suffer a horrible death every day in New Zealand slaughterhouses, for a product that isn’t even healthy. Animal based agriculture also accounts for 31.8 percent of our total greenhouse gas emissions”.

“Its time we stopped promoting meat, and its time the government started looking for ways to make money that don’t involve animal cruelty and environmental damage” said Mr Eden.

The Wellington Animal Rights Network is organising protests to be held next weekend outside a meat industry conference where Mr Pederson is speaking. “If Mr Pederson eats lots of fresh fruit and vegetables he just might be well enough to attend!”

ENDS

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