A vegan family from Burns Beach, Australia, has stirred up a heated debate after sending a handwritten note to their neighbors with an unusual request.
The family, led by Sarah, a wife and mother, asked their neighbors to stop cooking meat with the side window open. The aroma of sizzling steaks and barbecues, Sarah explained, was making her plant-based family feel “sick and upset.”
“Hello, Neighbour,” the note began. “Could you please shut your side window when cooking, please? My family are vegan (we eat only plant-based foods), and the smell of the meat you cook makes us feel sick and upset. We would appreciate your understanding. Thanks. Sarah, Wayne & Kids.”
Sarah’s polite tone didn’t stop the note from becoming a lightning rod for online opinions. The message was shared on the Hey Perth Facebook page, where it sparked a fierce discussion about neighborly etiquette, personal boundaries, and, of course, meat vs. veganism.
Social media quickly lit up with reactions, most of them less than sympathetic to Sarah’s plight. One commenter joked, “I’d fire up the smoker for a 12-hour brisket, with a sausage sizzle for lunch just to make a point.”
Another chimed in: “If they can’t stand the smell, maybe they should move to the bush. Everyone cooks, and this is just outrageous.”
Not everyone was against the family, though. A few users defended Sarah’s note, saying it was polite and respectful. “Why all the nasty comments? She was kind in her request,” one person pointed out. “It’s not hard to close a window if it helps your neighbors.”
Another commenter took a broader view, saying, “This hate talk back and forth is embarrassing. Can’t we find a compromise? Isn’t it better to get along with your community than to create unnecessary tension?”
The debate didn’t just stop at the smell of meat—it opened up a conversation about how society handles differences. While some saw the letter as entitled, others viewed it as a chance to showcase understanding and kindness.
So, what do you think? Was the vegan family’s request reasonable, or did they overstep? Let us know your thoughts—and don’t forget to share this with your friends to hear what they think, too!
