“Buncombe County’s restrictions (on slaughterhouses) were enacted to protect a growing tourism industry, the report notes” [“The Slaughterhouse Debate: Will WNC Farmers Get a Local Meat Processing Plant?” June 17, Xpress]. Of course. Because killing’s not pretty — and out of sight, out of mind.
I say, if we want to feed the tourists red meat, then let’s put the slaughterhouse on Pack Square — with lots of windows and tours on the hour. Because however we may feel about it, the killing is real. (Along with all that comes with it: labor issues (http://avl.mx/1d3), public health risks (http://avl.mx/1d6), social and environmental impacts (http://avl.mx/1d7).
And do we really want to outsource all that? I say, let’s keep it in sight, and let’s keep it in mind.
— Lida Sparer
Asheville
4 thoughts on “Letter writer: Keep slaughterhouses in sight and in mind”
Sorry, not interested. When I want a burger, I just want a burger. Not the entire history behind it.
I completely agree with the opinion expressed in the article. If you can’t stomach eating meat after seeing animals slaughtered or butchered, then you shouldn’t eat it, which is ok too.
Chop shop on charlotte street already allows you to watch the butchering. Delicious meat too.
Butchering is not the same as slaughtering.