November is Vegan Month - 30 days dedicated to a diet that is ethical, healthy and free from all animal products.

One main reason for going vegan is concern for animals.

Every year, millions of day-old male chicks are gassed or tossed alive into giant industrial shredders, as they are deemed useless to the egg industry. And male calves born to dairy cows are also considered waste by-products so are shot a few days after birth.

Veganism is good for the planet, too, as animal farming is responsible for 18 per cent of all global greenhouse gas emissions - more than worldwide road and air travel combined.

Worried about your health? Vegans are less prone to heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. We also tend to be slimmer, as stated in the smash-hit book, Skinny Bitch. Its vegan authors have donated 12 copies to Animal Aid to give away to readers.

To enter the draw, readers should contact me at kelly@animalaid.co.uk or call 01732 364546 ext 227.

To find out more about Vegan Month's events, competitions and food fairs, or to order a free Go Vegan pack, visit www.veganmonth.com.

K Slade.

Campaigns Officer.

Animal Aid