‘Fat Tax’ Starts This Autumn

© iStockPhoto / jcphoto

Have Denmark’s legislators been reading Animal Writes? PETA has long maintained that a tax on meat would help offset its negative impact on our health and the environment, and now it seems that the Danish government agrees with us. Starting in October, the country will levy taxes on certain meat and dairy products, animal fats, and other unhealthy foods. The tariff will, of course, generate revenue for Denmark, but it is expected to cut healthcare costs as well if people respond by consuming less high-calorie, low-nutrition animal fare and more grains, fruits, and vegetables. By sparing animals’ lives, consumers could also prolong theirs – by six to 10 years, on average. Who knew that the taxman could help end cruelty, improve people’s health, and protect the planet? We think Sir Paul McCartney would approve.