Vegan actor Jerome Flynn – who plays Bronn on the popular HBO TV series “Game of Thrones” – doesn’t believe that “humane meat” exists.
The British actor appeared in a recent video for international animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to talk about common farming methods. Flynn stated that despite labels such as “high-welfare,” “organic,” or “free-range,” these exist only for the consumer and not for the protection of animals.
“British farmers would like us to imagine their animals in green pastures and barnyard scenes of years gone by,” he said. “But I’m sorry to say that the reality is far from idyllic.”
He also mentioned the misleading nature of the “RSPCA-certified” label, noting that one farm certified by the organization contained pigs in squalid conditions, with one partially-paralyzed animal unable to reach water.
“The vast majority of those raised for our dinner tables and fast food takeaways lead absolutely horrific lives,” added Flynn. “Chickens used for their flesh are packed into massive filthy sheds and bred to grow unnaturally large upper bodies so that there is more breast to sell.”
He encouraged viewers not to be misled and believe that these conditions are only present on some farms. “They’re the norm,” he explained.
Like Flynn, some activists have taken issue with labels consumers see on animal products.
Compassion in World Farming (CiWF) launched a campaign last year targeted at brands such as Bernard Matthews and Dairylea, which feature happy animals and green open fields on the packaging. According to CiWF representative Sean Gilford, these images are far from the “cramped,” “barren,” unnatural reality, and consumers deserve to know the truth.
According to Flynn, if consumers did know the truth, many wouldn’t choose to buy into the meat, egg, or dairy industries. “If we’re true to our own values, can we really justify inflicting all this suffering and violence on these emotionally sensitive smart individuals? Just for a fleeting moment of taste?” he asked. “I don’t think so.”
“Please join me in rejecting this cruelty,” he concluded. “Join me in choosing healthy, ethical, vegan meals.”
Image Credit: Getty
