Angry vegan loses it at neighbours in Burns Beach, Perth, for cooking meat

A letter from a vegan neighbor asking a resident to close the window when cooking meat to prevent the “sickening” smell from spreading has sparked fierce debate over whether the request was reasonable.

The handwritten note, captioned “‘Take seriously’ and ‘Important message’, was shared on social media by Sarah, who lives in Burns Beach, a coastal suburb of Perth.

“Hello, neighbor,” the note begins.

‘Could you please close your side window while cooking?

“My family is vegan (we only eat plant-based foods), and the smell of the meat you’re cooking makes us feel sick and upset.

“We appreciate your understanding.”

The letter drew sharply divided reactions.

“I would understand if they smoked cigarettes and the smoke and smell spread and affected the health of the family,” one person wrote.

“But if you don’t like the smell of meat, that’s not really a good reason to ask someone to close the windows.”

“What does she do when she takes the kids to the park and people are barbecuing? Ask them to stop cooking. Dare.’

The neighbor’s letter was in an envelope begging the woman to please take it seriously

Another argued that vegans were deluding themselves.

“Ignore the letter, because there is no such thing as a real vegan,” they said.

“All vegetable growing has a huge impact on the land and kills thousands of small mammals and birds.”

However, not everyone thought the request was unreasonable.

“I feel like this was a really polite letter, and it’s true that the smell of meat is overpowering,” one person wrote.

“It would be nice to see some respect for your neighbors, and not publicly try to shame them for having strong ethical morals.”

“Yes, no,” was one of the curt answers.

“Most people are downright mean to people who don’t eat animals.”

Another replied that: ‘no they have a right to tell you how to live in your own house!!’

‘Be vegan. Eat meat. To each their own!’ was the answer.

No one has the right to force opinions on another or be expected to have control over what they do. If she doesn’t like it, close her own window. Simple.’

Another found the letter “absolutely polite” and suggested that the recipient “could close his windows, don’t you think?”

While most of the responders condemned the letter for its “boldness,” some thought it was a reasonable request

However, this was met with the quick reply, “Not polite, actually so self-righteous and rude.”

Some commentators suggested that Sarah take matters into her own hands.

“I’d cook bacon and steak any day and put a fan behind it and point it out the window!” one wrote.

“Write back saying you are offended and saddened by what they said about your cooking and can they please move to another room as you would appreciate their understanding,” another suggested.

“Please get a smoker and cook meat all day,” was another suggestion.