by Jamison Maeda
Few people would knowingly purchase food that came from a factory where animals were tortured. This is precisely why factory farming corporations have pulled out all the stops to ensure that information about animal torture and cruelty never reaches the public. The factory farm industry has funded legislation in the US to pass “ag-gag” anti-whistle blower laws making it illegal to film animal cruelty on factory farms. Someone convicted of breaking an ag-gag law can serve up to a year in prison, which is twice the length of an animal cruelty sentence. If convicted an undercover investigator could also be added to a terrorist registry.
But recently, these ag-gag laws have been systematically shut down. Farmers, labor unions, celebrities, the Humane Society of the United States, and other animal advocate groups have brought much needed publicity and put tremendous pressure on politicians to block proposed ag-gag laws.
In fact, a recent undercover investigation by the Mercy for Animals organization exposed dairy cows being whipped in the face with chains, stabbed with screw drivers, punched, and dragged by tractors when they were too weak to walk. Leprino Foods, a dairy product distributor, said that it was “extremely repulsed” by the undercover video and has announced new company guidelines regarding animal treatment that its diary suppliers must conform to. Leprino Foods is the world’s largest producer of mozzarella, and supplies major American fast-food chains.
“Unfortunately,” says Matt Rice, director of investigations for Mercy for Animals, “every time we go behind closed doors, our investigators emerge with images that shock and horrify…” Mercy for Animals investigated another dairy which was a supplier for processed food giant, Nestlé. After having the mistreatment of animals there exposed, Nestlé announced sweeping changes to its treatment of farm animals. Matt says Nestlé also announced new, comprehensive animal welfare policies for all of their animal product suppliers worldwide.
Bringing inhumane practices and behavior to light is critical to preventing animal torture and cruelty. Outlawing the videotaping and documentation of factory farms does not benefit the public in anyway. It only protects corporate profits. This is why we cannot allow large
corporations to block undercover investigations.
In addition to supporting undercover investigations, another way we can prevent cruelty in factory farming is to support local, family farms and farmers, as well as buying grass-fed organic meat, and organic eggs and produce. Patronize shops, farmers’ markets, and restaurants that sell organic products and responsibly raised meat. Yet another option is having a plant-based or mostly plant-based diet.
But the best way for people to prevent animal torture is by sharing information, and supporting organizations like Mercy For Animals, Compassion Over Killing, and others who do undercover, animal welfare work. We must send a clear, global message that hiding information with ag-gag laws is not an option, and that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.