The Fundamental Ethical Stance
At its heart, veganism is defined by The Vegan Society as a "way of living that seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation and cruelty to animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose". This philosophical position dictates that animals should not be treated as commodities to be used for human consumption or other purposes. Many people are aware that vegans don't eat meat, but the exclusion of eggs and dairy is a logical extension of this core belief.
The Exploitation in the Dairy Industry
The dairy industry is not a passive process of taking milk from a willing animal. It involves a continuous cycle of exploitation that includes:
- Forced pregnancy: In order for a cow to produce milk, she must first give birth. Dairy cows are subjected to repeated artificial insemination to keep them in a constant state of pregnancy and lactation.
- Separation of calf and mother: Within hours of being born, calves are typically separated from their mothers. This is a traumatic event for both the cow and the calf, who form strong maternal bonds. The mother's milk, intended for her baby, is then taken for human consumption.
- Culling of male calves: Male calves, unable to produce milk, are considered a waste product of the dairy industry. They are often sold for veal or slaughtered shortly after birth.
- Slaughter of worn-out cows: A dairy cow's lifespan is artificially shortened. When her milk production declines and she is no longer considered profitable, she is sent to the slaughterhouse.
The Cruelty in the Egg Industry
Similarly, the egg industry, whether on factory farms or 'free-range' operations, is fraught with ethical issues that vegans reject:
- Culling of male chicks: The commercial egg industry breeds chickens specifically for egg-laying. Male chicks, which are considered useless because they cannot lay eggs and are not the same breed as meat chickens, are culled, often within hours of hatching. This is typically done by gassing or being ground up alive.
- Mutilations: To prevent aggressive behaviors in overcrowded and stressful conditions, chickens may have their beaks trimmed with a hot blade, a painful procedure done without anesthesia.
- Shortened lifespan: As with dairy cows, egg-laying hens are considered unprofitable when their egg production slows. They are then sent to slaughter, long before their natural lifespan would end.
Ethical Justifications vs. Health Choices
While the ethical reasoning is the foundation of veganism, some individuals also adopt the lifestyle for health reasons. The comparison below outlines the primary motivations for abstaining from eggs and dairy, highlighting the differences between an ethical and a health-based perspective.
| Aspect | Ethical Vegan Reasons | Health-Based Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Core Motivation | Rejecting animal exploitation, cruelty, and commodification. | Concerns over saturated fat, cholesterol, and hormonal content. |
| Stance on 'Humane' Products | Still avoids, as the core process of using an animal's body for a product remains unethical. | May consider, but often finds plant-based alternatives superior for nutritional reasons. |
| Focus | Rights of the animals involved in production. | Personal health outcomes, including heart disease and cholesterol management. |
| Scope | Extends beyond food to clothing and cosmetics (e.g., leather, wool). | Primarily focuses on dietary choices and their impact on physical well-being. |
| Products Avoided | Eggs, dairy, honey, and any other animal-derived ingredient. | Eggs and dairy are avoided due to specific nutritional profiles. |
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Many people operate under the misconception that dairy cows and egg-laying hens are treated kindly and that their products are given freely. This belief is often challenged when individuals learn the practices of commercial-scale animal agriculture. The idea of "happy" eggs or "grass-fed" dairy, while marketed as ethical, still involves the same fundamental systems of exploiting an animal for its reproductive output, followed by premature slaughter. Vegans argue that even in the most idyllic farm settings, the inherent violence of separating families and controlling an animal's life cycle for profit is unethical.
Conclusion: Beyond Diet to an Ethos
In summary, the decision for why vegans don't eat eggs and dairy extends far beyond simple dietary preference. It is rooted in a deep ethical commitment to animal liberation and a rejection of animal exploitation. This perspective holds that animals are sentient beings deserving of bodily autonomy and respect, not resources to be harvested. For many, this is a moral stance akin to the abolition of slavery. While health and environmental benefits are significant, the ethical foundation is the driving force that unites the vegan movement, explaining why all animal products, even those that don't require immediate slaughter, are avoided. This commitment defines veganism as a holistic lifestyle rather than just a diet. For more information on veganism, visit The Vegan Society.
