The age-old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is especially true when it comes to the suffering of animals on factory farms. Through haunting images of cramped, dirty living conditions and inhumane treatment, our investigators capture the harsh reality of industrial livestock and expose the pain and suffering that animals have to endure every day.
Letter from Dulce Ramírez, Executive Director for Animal Equality Mexico:
It all starts with one click.
As the newborn calf’s frail, trembling body lay on the concrete floor, I could hear a nervous cry escaping its body.
Desperately longing for his mother, who had been tied up and milked by laborers, he was discarded for not being able to produce milk.
After fourteen hours inside the facility in Jalisco, Mexico, I’ve been waiting for this moment. While every fiber of me wanted to reach out and caress gently – to let him know I was a nice person – I knew duty had to come first.
So I held my camera up to my eyes and took this photo. At the time, I still didn’t understand how powerful this image would be.
This unnamed calf then dumped into the barn along with the carcasses of other newborn cows, where he awaits a trip to the slaughterhouse. Whether he was left in this corral for days or was killed instantly will never be known.
But one thing is for sure, This photo has changed hearts and minds all over the world.
When I held back my tears and took that picture, I made a promise to him. I vowed to show the world exactly what cows and their babies go through every day in the dairy industry.
Since then, the photo has gone global. Thousands of people have announced they will stop supporting the industry and others have begun assisting our investigative work instead. The impact is multiplying and the world is waking up to the cruelty that happens behind closed doors.
The image of this calf is imprinted in my memory. That day, something deep inside of me broke into pieces, and I try every day to put them back together.
But I got up and corrected myself – little by little – because I now see the power of an image.
This investigation would not have been possible without the true heroes of this movement: our monthly supporters. Surveys like these are expensive and often take months to complete. Each and every one of them is sponsored only by people like you.
The movement is growing. Impact is compounded. Every day, the fragile outer shell of factory agriculture is pulled back inch by inch.
But we have to keep the momentum building.
Right now – as you read this – consumers are perusing store shelves at Kroger, Walmart or Costco, completely unaware of the suffering that has befallen milk and cheese stacking on store shelves.
The situation is dire, but I already know one thing about you: you are reading this because you care deeplyAnd you know we can do better.
The image of this baby calf may make you feel indignant. Your heart may feel heavy in your chest, or you may be contemplating the loss of a loved one – just like the mother cow in this photo did.
If that describes you, then you’re halfway to becoming the ultimate animal protector. Now is your chance to take the final step.
PROTECT THE MOTHER’S LOVE
A cow’s maternal instinct fosters a tender relationship with its vulnerable young. Maintain this tender relationship by choosing plant-based alternatives to dairy products.
By becoming a monthly sponsor, you will allow these investigations to continue. You’ll fund the equipment and travel expenses needed to expose the cruelty, and you’ll show our investigators that you appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears they shed. into his work.
Above all, you will transform the anger, sadness and disappointment you feel towards the dairy industry into relief, hope and optimism about what we can achieve together. When you see photos like these, you’ll be reminded of your role in ending their suffering.
Will you keep us in the field?
Consider becoming a monthly fundraiser for Animal Equality and help create a world where animals are treated with kindness and compassion. Your support can help us continue to propose and campaign to change the law and expose atrocities on factory farms, ultimately making a positive difference in the lives of people. all animals.
