I'm a vegetarian which means I don't eat meat or any by-products of animals slaughter. 
Uhmnnn! Sure your not missing something?
Nope I don't eat meat out of respect for sentient life. 
What's a sentient life?
Anything that is able to think. Other people are vegans because of their religious beliefts. 
OK ,so how does religion influence veganism
I'm not really sure but vegans also have health-related and political preferences.