Ethical Framework

The ethical framework for veganism is encapsulated in these lines from The Vegan Society’s web page:

“The Vegan Society defines veganism as “a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals”. Yet, there are those who only follow the diet aspect of veganism, by having a plant-based diet without animal products. They are known as ‘dietary vegans’ (or simply ‘plant-based’) and when they choose this diet for health reasons alone, they are known as ‘health vegans’. Moreover, those who follow The Vegan Society’s full definition, to encompass lifestyle alternatives (such as clothes, entertainment, household products, cosmetics, hobbies, etc.)—not primarily for their health, but for the animals, the environment or social justice—are known as ‘ethical vegans’.”.

I agree. My ethical considerations also include the additional non-violence of not stepping on insects when walking, as far as practicable and possible, of course. For example, during and in the aftermath of rainfall in warmer seasons, earthworms make their presence known on Canadian sidewalks. For me this is an opportunity to practice this version of non-violence. Likewise, I do the same when I see ants, snails, and other tiny creatures. I do something else which may seem extreme. I also tend to proactively gauge my distance from birds, squirrels and other vulnerable beings, so that I don’t scare them. For example, if I see geese resting near a sidewalk, I give them a lot of space, less out of fear than out of a commitment to avoiding violence of even the subtlest variety. I see this as akin to yielding to a child on a sidewalk, or someone in a wheelchair. Strength is best demonstrated in protecting and nurturing the vulnerable, as opposed to cowing them or attempting even the subtlest versions of dominance with them.