Top news of the week

Arrested for helping wandering cows: Tracy Murphy, the founder of Asha’s Farm Animal Sanctuary in New York, faced a harrowing ordeal after helping two cows who wandered onto her property. After Murphy’s refusal to return the cows without proof of ownership, she faced protests and threats from the surrounding farming community, including being accused of being a cow rustler (thief). Murphy was arrested and charged with felony grand larceny for her actions. This charge was notable for its severity, considering the non-violent nature of the offense and Murphy’s lack of a criminal record. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor, but she still faces the possibility of up to a year in jail. The legal process also included a gag order, which was finally lifted after more than a year, allowing her to speak publicly about her ordeal.

The trend toward vegan foods in mainstream restaurants continues: Papa John’s in the UK and Burger King UK have new vegan options on their menus. Trendy Eleven Madison Park restaurant in New York now features vegan egg dishes. A company called Steakholder Foods created a new kind of vegan eel using 3D printing. Read about nuggets inspired by the movie “Chicken Run” and more on VegNews.

13 Myths About Veganism That Just Aren’t True! Here are three of the most common and pervasive myths about veganism:

Veganism and Vegetarianism are the Same: This myth stems from a lack of understanding of the differences between these two as diets. While vegetarians avoid meat but often consume dairy products, vegans exclude all animal products, including dairy and eggs. Veganism is more than a diet, but even viewed only as a diet, it is still different from vegetarian with its focus on avoiding harm to animals.

Vegans Don’t Get Enough Protein: This is a widespread misconception. Many believe that adequate protein can only be obtained from animal sources. However, there are numerous plant-based protein sources, such as soy, lentils, pulses, nuts, and seeds, that provide sufficient protein for a healthy diet.

Veganism is Expensive: Many people believe that adopting a vegan lifestyle is financially burdensome. However, basic vegan foods like vegetables, grains, and legumes are often less expensive than meat and dairy products. The perception of high cost may come from specialty vegan products, but a vegan diet can be economical, especially when focusing on whole, plant-based foods.

These myths are often cited as reasons for not adopting a vegan lifestyle, but understanding and debunking them can provide a clearer perspective on what veganism truly entails. For 10 more common vegan myths, see the article on Vegan First.

Quick BiteS

14 Vegan Crock Pot Recipes You Won’t Believe Are Healthy

From cinnamon rolls to curry, explore a collection of 14 vegan crockpot recipes that are not only healthy but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for those busy days when you need a comforting meal without much effort. Get all the recipes on the Brit + Co blog.

Meera Sodha’s Vegan Ram-Don Noodles

These ram-don noodles by Meera Sodha are inspired by the movie “Parasite.” They’re tossed with with black garlic, leeks, and Tenderstem broccoli. Try it for a cozy winter meal.

Did You Know?

Swiss constitution was the first to recognize animals in its constitution

Switzerland was the first country to consider the dignity of animals in its constitution. In 1992, this move set a precedent for animal protection legislation worldwide, recognizing animals as beings with intrinsic value and rights, not merely as property. Since then, societal values and laws around the world have been slowly evolving to recognize the moral significance of animals. Read more about the protection of animals in the Swiss constitution on le News.

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Stay informed and keep advocating for a more vegan world. See you next week with more updates!

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