What began as a quiet candlelight vigil marking World Farm Animals Day quickly became a debate last night between the Pennsylvania Beef Council and the Humane Farming Association.
The event, at the University gate on College Avenue, was organized to expose the public to the animal abuse taking place within the agriculture industry, said Peggy Keating, one of the organizers and a member of the farming association.
About 75 people attended during the event's first hour between 7 and 8, anticipated by organizers to attract the largest crowd. The vigil was scheduled to last 13 hours.
Keating estimated only a handful of supporters would stay the total 13 hours.
Organizers distributed literature to those who were interested in the cause of animal rights. A sign-up sheet was placed on the distribution table for people interested in joining Humane Farming Association.
As soon as the first candles were lit, a dissenting group approached the vigil celebrators and disputed the literature being distributed.
The material was not representative of the whole farming industry, said Barry Sands, a student representative for the Pennsylvania Beef Council.
As Sands (junior-animal production) was asked to move to the side, he said, "Does anyone here feel strong enough to talk to me -- I am a farmer."
The vigil then divided into two groups, those who argued and those who kept a quiet vigil.
"Working (as a member of the Pennsylvania Beef Council) all summer, I've seen the info and most of it is false," said Anne Marie Granbery (junior-business management). "If it wasn't such an emotional issue it could be slander."
Trying to maintain the essence of a quiet vigil, Keating stated: "This event is for people who care about animals."
"I can understand their anger and interest but the point is moot -- the nature of this gathering is to educate," she added.
Steve Kochersperger, president of the Vegetarian Society of Pennsylvania said he expected the event to give insight to those interested in animal rights.
Kochersperger gave an animal rights lecture Sunday, titled "God, Animals and Man -- A Vedic Perspective." Vedas is a principle of Indian philosophy concerned with the proper relationship among God, humans and non-human species.
Many of those attending the vigil sympathized with its aim.
"I have very strong feelings for animal rights and I have learned a lot tonight," said Julie Pechersky, a student at State College High School.
Allen Gordon (junior-general arts and sciences) said he came to the vigil to learn more about health and humane aspects of animal rights.
Keating summarized the purpose of the vigil: "As compassionate people who should recognize the dignity of all living beings, the present industry -- perceiving animals as products as a means to an end -- is contrary to that belief."
