Mark Bennett’s sales pitch for bison consumption [“Reviving the Herd,” Feb. 5, Xpress] contained several erroneous statements. First, he claimed that unlike beef cattle, bison don’t need hormones or antibiotics. Cattle kept in confined agricultural operations are given hormones to cause rapid unnatural weight gain in order to maximize profits, and antibiotics because close confinement in unsanitary conditions breeds germs. Were bison confined in such conditions, they too would be given these chemicals. Bennett then claims that a buffalo’s life span is four times as long as a cow’s. Naturally, cows confined on factory farms have much shorter lives than they would in a healthy environment where they could move freely in fresh air and sunlight, and eat the foods they were meant to eat. Comparing free-range bison to cattle in intensive factory farming operations is meaningless.
Carolina Bison’s owner Frank King stated that the bison sacrifice themselves to help the white man. King probably believes in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, too. Sorry to disappoint you, Frank, but the bison DON’T want to be slaughtered to save the white man from his foolishness. Like all animals, they desire to live and be free. We can prevent cardiovascular disease by eating a plant-based diet and exercising regularly.
King claims that his 15 white buffalo are “sacred” and have unique “presence.” The implication is that the lucky white buffalo will escape slaughter. Apparently the dark-hued bison have insufficient “presence” and aren’t worthy of worship, so are destined to be made into dinner entrees. Hmm, would that policy be called racial “speciesism?” All living creatures are sacred, regardless of color or species, and the slaughter of any living creature is a renunciation of the sanctity of life. Bennett and King are simply the latest in a long line of people exploiting animals for personal profit.
— Robbie Coleman
Asheville
I think Bison meat is a healthier red meat than commercially raised cattle even though it is considerably more expensive. However, if someone prefers a vegan diet, more power to them. Same for those who love those delicious burgers!