This is a question I like to call a ‘vegan loophole’: a hypothetical and likely improbable question raised in order to challenge vegan ethics. Other loopholes include ‘if you were on a desert island…?’ and “What if you were living in Siberia…?”
What are we really asking here?
Every vegan will have experienced some version of the ‘vegan loophole’ and will more than likely have asked something similar themselves before making the switch to veganism. The issue with these questions is not the meaning, but the intent. The fact that questions such as these are so commonly drawn upon by non-vegans only goes to highlight the illogical need to cling on to the highly questionable ethics set out for us by society.
Vegans believe that every life is equal and that as humans we have no higher right or authority over the lives of animals. With this in mind, posing this question to a vegan is akin to asking ‘Is it okay for people to eat humans who have died naturally?’ Ridiculous, right?
It’s accepted that eating dead people is not okay, ethical, or moral and shows a complete disregard and disrespect for the life of the deceased human. So where did this double standard come from when considering the life of an animal?
Let’s rewind
From birth, most of us are brought up to believe that it is acceptable and in some way necessary for us to kill animals for food, clothes, cosmetics etc… and for a lot of us this is ‘just the way it is’.
This concept of equality for all and the idea of ‘speciesism’ is alien and widely disregarded by many. I know as well as anyone how hard it is to go against the grain and it seems absurd that what we all believe and trust as ‘normal’ could be wrong.
If not for sympathy, then for health
Let’s say you see an animal that has been struck down on the side of the road. If your first thought when looking at this ill fated, possibly disease riddled creature is ‘dinner’ then yes, you could argue that it would cause it no further harm to scoop it up from its death bed and do with it what you will.
In reality, if not for feelings of sympathy and loss for this animal, but for health reasons, most of us wouldn’t immediately take the animal home and eat it.
As a vegan, I would look at this scene with great sadness. Since I truly believe that all lives are of equal importance, I would not even fathom using this animal’s demise for my own gain. If a beloved pet or even a family member had died, we certainly wouldn’t consider eating it.
“WE ARE ALL SENTIENT BEINGS LIVING ON THE SAME PLANET ORBITING THE SAME SUN”
A final thought
When looking at these ‘loophole’ style questions we need to focus on the context rather than the content. We are so conditioned to believe that one life is worth more than the other, that we don’t consider stepping outside of this mindset and questioning these societal norms. Despite any pre-existing beliefs, the fact remains the same: we are all sentient beings living on the same planet, orbiting the same sun.
Although eating an animal that has died of natural causes could be seen as harmless, if taken subjectively and acknowledged as an equal life rather than just a piece of meat, doing so would not align with our usual morals or beliefs.
FAQs
As a vegan, I would look at this scene with great sadness. Since I truly believe that all lives are of equal importance, I would not even fathom using this animal's demise for my own gain. If a beloved pet or even a family member had died, we certainly wouldn't consider eating it.
Can vegans eat animals that died naturally? ›
One vegan may be strictly against all animal products, no matter the cause of death. Another may argue that the process of slaughtering animals is unhealthy and immoral, but natural death is not, and therefore they may eat a naturally deceased animal.
Can you eat an animal that dies of natural causes? ›
You can quite easily. Meat from a natural-death cow will be tougher - age and movement makes muscles fibres stronger. Also a dairy cow will be much leaner than beef cattle, a consequence of much energy going to milk production instead of fat storage. The flavour is also stronger and more gamey.
Why is it forbidden to eat meat from an animal that dies on its own? ›
Why don't we eat meat from animals that have already died instead of killing them? The primary reason is animal start rotting the minute they die and rotting spoils the meat. That's in addition to the problem that what killed them might still be in the meat and the fact that they will be very tough.
Can you eat an animal that died of an infection? ›
Dead animals can carry several diseases that may be transmitted to humans when they eat the meat. Rabies is a fatal viral encephalitis (brain inflammation) which occurs in wild and domestic mammals and occasionally in humans.
Who lives longer vegans or meat-eaters? ›
Due to its potential disease prevention links, it is not surprising that vegans may live longer, as following a vegan diet is linked to reduced occurrence of chronic disease. However, more research is needed to definitively conclude that vegans live longer than non-vegans.”
Is being vegan humane? ›
The notion of non-harm or non-violence is one of the key ethical justifications for becoming a vegan. The goal of veganism is to reduce and finally end the exploitation and cruelty of animals used for human sustenance [5].
Do animals get sick from eating dead animals? ›
Toxins — Birds and small mammal carcasses may carry clostridium botulinum (i.e., botulism), a neurotoxin that makes pets extremely sick and causes rapid-onset paralysis. Bacterial infection — Some wild animals can be hosts for leptospirosis, salmonella, and other harmful bacteria.
What are the disadvantages of eating dead animals? ›
It is important to not eat already dead animals because it can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. The process of decomposition begins immediately after an animal dies, and bacteria can grow rapidly on the meat, making it unsafe for consumption.
How long can an animal be dead before the meat goes bad? ›
If you wait too long to recover the deer, the blood will spoil and ruin the meat. The old bowhunters' rule is to wait eight to 12 hours before following a gut-shot deer. If you wait that long when it's 50 degrees or above, your intentions may be good, but there's a good chance you will lose that meat.
There is no direct statement on the subject by Jesus in the New Testament. The story of Jesus feeding fish to people would support the view that Jesus may have been a pescatarian. Paul seems to have been more open to meat eating, but even Paul was open to vegetarianism.
When did God say it was okay to eat meat? ›
To Noah and his descendants God said, “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs” (Genesis 9:3). And so, from Noah on, mankind, the godly as well as the ungodly, were given God's permission to eat flesh, that is, meat and fish and so on.
What does God say about eating dead animals? ›
Deuteronomy 14:21 ERV
“Don't eat any animal that has died by itself. You may give the dead animal to the foreigner in your town, and he can eat it. Or you may sell the dead animal to a foreigner. But you yourselves must not eat the dead animal, because you belong to the LORD your God.
Can you eat a chicken that died naturally? ›
It should be reiterated that a chicken found dead should not be consumed.
What animal meat is toxic to humans? ›
1. Pufferfish. The liver, kidneys, and spikes of pufferfish contain dangerous nerve toxins poisonous to humans. While the meat of some species is considered an expensive delicacy in some cultures, it can be fatal if prepared incorrectly and thus only eaten when cooked by a licensed chef.
What animal carries the most diseases? ›
Mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas are among the arthropods responsible for transmitting many of the myriad bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause vectorborne diseases―as are some mammals. In terms of infectious disease transmission, mosquitoes are considered the most dangerous animals on earth.
Can vegans survive without meat? ›
While a plant-based diet can definitely be nutritionally complete, transitioning from eating meat may require some added effort to avoid a shortage of calories, protein, and micronutrients. If you go meat free, Levy-Wollins recommends regular doctor visits and lab work to monitor nutritional needs and any deficiencies.
Can a vegan survive in the wild? ›
' THE RISING VERDICT: So, when it comes to surviving as a vegan in the wild, so long as you are fortunate enough to be in a temperate climate with access to sources of vegan protein, such as tubers and nuts, then your principles are safe.
Can animals survive on a vegan diet? ›
Both cats and dogs can thrive on complete and reasonably balanced vegan diets, and they may also experience a range of health benefits such as improved coat condition, allergy control, weight control, increased overall health and vitality, arthritis regression, diabetes regression, cataract resolution, and decreased ...
Can vegans feed their pets meat? ›
No – vegans should not feed their pets meat
Humans don't need meat and it's easy for us to just say no. Some animals are 'obligate carnivores' – they have to eat meat, they're not built to survive on a meat–free diet. Cats need taurine in their diets and a deficiency can cause blindness. They're natural hunters.
