I find it slightly amusing that the PEI driver in the above situation is not only a vet student at the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI in Charlottetown, but also a Vegetarian. The nerve of the cows! As a vegetarian, she insists on surviving on soy products and veg alone in order to protect the lives of these beasts that cause traffic mayhem on PEI roadways. Imagine how dangerous PEI roads would be if all PEI residents were vegetarians. The Trans Canada and all of PEI’s back roads, both dirt and paved, would be congested beyond reason, with everything from Herefords, to Black Angus, and maybe a Highland or two with those dangerous horns.

Consuming PEI beef is likely one of the most prudent and effective methods of maintaining safe Island roads, and blaming PEI vegetarians alone is hardly the answer. After all, some vegetarians, as in the case of this driver, believe their sacrifice of animal protein in their diet is one statement they can make to assist their cause. Call it the K.D. Lang syndrome, but the need to preserve bovine life is quite pervasive in some circles. It is also the responsibility of Prince Edward Island farmers to assure the public that their fencing is properly installed and maintained to limit cattle escape from pastures. That said, accidents do happen, and beef farmers are busy people, working long days for low beef prices, in a society that allows vegetarian free speech.

The debate will continue as well meaning vegetarians strive to save herd life in a world driven by hamburger sales. Hard working beef farmers will continue to toil in PEI barns, hoping for the day that fair prices for their animals once again return. In the meantime, stay vigilant at the wheel and be sure to get your protein, whether it comes from a Ribeye or a chickpea! And the cows in the photo should be very thankful that the Vet Student’s Toyota wasn’t factory flawed.