evidence: Vegandale organizers did not respond to a request for comment, but their policy reflects a long-standing argument within the vegan community over the ethics of vaccinations, with a vocal group denouncing them as non-vegan due to animal testing and because some vaccines contain animal byproducts. That includes voices from conspiracy theorists like German vegan cookbook author Atilla Hildmann. In fact, in England, vegans are considered by law as a protected class, afforded the same exceptions as those who say religion prohibits them from certain practices, including vaccinations. That’s led some U.K. anti-vaxxers to feign veganism as a strategy to avoid a jab. None of the three U.S.-approved COVID-19 vaccines contain animal products, though laws require animal testing before medications reach the market. Animal rights activists and proponents of veganism at PETA have advised vegans to get vaccinated, as there is no better option right now and staying healthy is the best path in continuing to support animal rights. Though breakthrough cases are possible, health experts point to data revealing that vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death by roughly 90 percent, even as the more contagious delta variant wreaks havoc across the nation. [...] "As far as the vaccine not being vegan?" he says. "If there’s a better option, let me know."