Belén tells us how she instills empathy and respect for animals, regardless of species, in her daughter Sayuri, and the challenges a mother faces in this process. These challenges, however, do not outweigh her desire to give Sayuri a proper upbringing.
Why do you think it's important to raise your daughter vegan?
Porque es mi forma de ver la vida, basada en el respeto hacia la vida y hacia los seres no humanos, como amigos, compañeros y como seres sintientes que son.
Have you started to teach your daughter respect for animals in ways other than food? How?
Yes, I've always tried to make them respect me as one of the family. At home we have Anan (cat), Ramtha (dog), and our newest kitten, Itij, whom we rescued from the street. They are our friends, and we make a happy family of five.
When we see an animal in the street or in nature, I always try to explain to him how it lives and how we have to pass by it without bothering or harming it. He has always lived with animals and plays with them, with his friends. He loves them and, like me, has always had a special sensitivity towards them.
We also take many trips to the countryside to admire nature, see animals in their natural habitat, and show her things that are impossible to experience in the city. We live in Burgos, and the countryside is full of birds, squirrels, and insects. Going into the river to see crayfish, ducks, and fish, all just five minutes from home, is a real luxury.
What would you say to those who accuse vegan mothers and fathers of imposing their ideology on their daughters?
Well, as I always say, my daughter is healthy (she's only had a few colds) and happy. She's glad we don't kill animals to eat them or use them. I don't force her to eat anything; we eat healthily, and she knows there's another way to eat and to see life.
Have you had any problems with people around you for raising your daughter vegan?
Yes, I have them. I'm separated, and her father doesn't accept that way of seeing life. When she's with him, she always tells me that they tried to give her "chicken" or "meat" and got angry because she didn't want to eat it. It's sad, but I hope that with time (Sayuri is only three years old) and when she's older, they'll end up paying more attention to her.
What would you say to those who accuse vegan mothers and fathers of imposing their ideology on their daughters?
Everyone is free to raise their children as they see fit, just as there are meat-eating families who raise their children believing that eating and wearing animals is necessary for survival, or religious families who raise their children according to their faith. I maintain that the important thing is to raise children with health and love, each according to their own beliefs.
Do you think veganism will be a sacrifice or an opportunity for her?
I'm proud to live like this, and I think she will be too. Perhaps we'll never see an elephant or a tiger, because I don't expect to see them in captivity or enslaved, but if the only solution is to see them in nature documentaries, so be it. When we go to the countryside, it's enough for us to see squirrels climbing trees, a couple of playful rabbits in a meadow, or a praying mantis that's landed on our backpack; we're happy to see them happy, alive, and free.