Introduction

A Vegan is a person who knowingly chooses not to consume, use or wear any products produced from animals or contains animal by-products, and avoids products tested on animals.

People who have chosen to become vegan do so for varying reasons such as:

  • Because they are aware of the cruelty and exploitation involved with the production of animal based products. Vegans are aware it is unnecessary to inflict suffering and death on animals to lead a healthy and happy life.

  • Because they are aware of the environmental benefits of a Vegan lifestyle.

  • Because they are aware of the positive health benefits of a Vegan lifestyle.

  • As a result of spiritual or religious beliefs.

  • A combination of these reasons.

 

Veganism stands for respect and compassion for all animals (including the human animal) and the environment.

The aims and objectives of the Vegan Society are as follows:

  • To offer support and information to people interested in veganism in order to assist vegans and others to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

  • To promote and increase awareness of veganism as a compassionate, healthy and environmentally beneficial lifestyle choice.

  • To raise awareness of the cruelty and exploitation involved with the production of animal based products and that it is unnecessary to inflict suffering and death on animals in order to lead a healthy and happy life.

  • To research information relevant to a vegan lifestyle and where appropriate to publish this information.

  • To lobby for manufacturers to use non-animal based materials in their products.

  • To support ethical alternatives to animal based and / or environmentally harmful research and production and where appropriate to lobby governmental and non-governmental bodies to change such practices.

  • Promote respect and compassion towards all animals and the environment by appropriate means.

  • To develop and maintain positive relationships with organisations with similar aims and objectives, and to offer such organisations support where appropriate.