Issue 199 – winter 2017
WORLDWIDE ARE SET TO BENEFIT BECAUSE OF YOU! REVEALED: UK factory farm hotspots BREXIT: What does it mean for animals?
inside
International Day of Action the world unites
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farm animal voice contents
update 4 NEWS 6 STOP LIVE TRANSPORT The world unites against the cruel trade in lives 12 CCTV VICTORY No place to hide cruelty in English slaughterhouses 14 TURNING PLEDGES INTO COMMITMENT How Compassion is holding businesses to account 20 DEFENDING OUR FREEDOM OF SPEECH CIWF France sued for exposing the truth 22 STOP THE MACHINE ON TOUR Our interactive exhibition that’s exposing the link between intensive farming and loss of wildlife
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action 8 POST BREXIT Will animals still be recognised as sentient? 10 THE UK’S FIRST EVER FACTORY FARM MAP Do you live in a factory farm hotspot? 18 CIWF POLAND: Changing the way a nation sees animals Insight & inspiration 24 CHANGING THE CONVERSATION Compassion hosts groundbreaking conference 26 THANK YOU For everything you do to help farm animals
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Editor Richard Brooks • Production Manager Sarah Bryan • Design Neo – weareneo.com Farm Animal Voice is published twice a year by Compassion in World Farming. Compassion in World Farming is a registered charity in England and Wales, registered charity number 1095050; and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales, registered company number 4590804. The registered office is at River Court, Mill Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1EZ, UK. Enquiries: Tel +44 (0)1483 521 950 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm) • Email supporters@ciwf.org Our Patrons Professor Joy Carter, Jilly Cooper OBE, Peter Egan, Rose Elliot MBE, Princess Alia Al Hussein of Jordan, Dame Penelope Keith DBE, Bruce Kent, Joanna Lumley OBE, Evanna Lynch, Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE, The Duchess of Richmond, Sir Crispin Tickell GCMG KCVO, Professor John Webster Front cover: © Compassion in World Farming
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50 years and beyond
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elcome to the winter edition of Farm Animal Voice, which brings Compassion’s momentous 50th year to a close. Your support has certainly made it count.
OVER 1 BILLION ANIMALS are set to benefit because of you!
Yet again, this year you’ve helped make positive changes that will have an enormous impact on farm animal welfare, and take us closer to a world free of factory farming. You have awoken consumers, food companies and governments to the global problem that is factory farming. And you have started conversations that turn into ways to prevent cruelty: conversations that are reflective of changing attitudes toward food production. There are, of course, still huge challenges we need to overcome. But, no matter how long it takes, giving up on farm animals is simply not an option. Thank you for the journey you’ve travelled with us so far, and thank you for your vital presence on the journey yet to come. With best wishes,
Philip Lymbery CEO, Compassion in World Farming Philip’s personal blog is available at: philiplymbery.com or you can follow on Twitter: twitter.com/philip_ciwf
This issue is dedicated to David Shepherd, 1931-2017 On 21st September 2017, we received the very sad news that long-standing Compassion supporter, David Shepherd, had passed away. David, who was a personal friend of Compassion founder Peter Roberts, was one of the most successful painters of African wildlife of our time. Over the years he used his paintings and celebrity status to raise millions for wildlife protection projects.
David was always so supportive of our work at Compassion, and donated several paintings to be auctioned at our fundraising events, helping to raise thousands of pounds for farm animal welfare. All at Compassion will fondly remember him with admiration and gratitude. We know his wonderful work for wildlife will continue through his Foundation.
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USA: MAKING HEADWAY AGAINST FOIE GRAS Good news! California’s ban on foie gras was reinstated by a federal appeals court in September 2017.
NestlÉ to transform
the lives of millions of hens
Foie gras is produced by force-feeding a duck or a goose. California’s legislature initially banned the State’s farmers from force-feeding birds in 2004, ruling that the process was unnecessarily cruel. However, the law was not implemented until 2011. Producers appealed against the law on the basis that a food ingredient could not be banned. However, the appeal court judges ultimately ruled that the ban on foie gras concerned a production process rather than an ingredient, and was compatible with federal law.
In November, Nestlé made a global commitment to source only cagefree eggs for ALL its food products by 2025. This includes all shell eggs and egg products directly sourced as ingredients by Nestlé.
©YesPhotographers
CHLORINE TO MASK CRUELTY? If you live in the UK, you may have seen a lot of media headlines about how Brexit could open the trade flood gates to US imports such as ‘chlorinated’ chicken. Washing chicken meat in chlorine to eliminate bacteria after intensive rearing and unhygienic slaughter is common practice in the US, but it is banned in the EU. Compassion’s chief policy advisor, Peter Stevenson, appeared on BBC Breakfast News to explain: “Compassion in World Farming is
against drenching chicken meat in chlorine to remove bacteria because it masks, rather than addresses, the problems of factory farming.” This is another reason why the tidal wave of progress Compassion is making in the US in terms of broiler welfare commitments is such a big deal (see page 17). The more farmers and producers who commit to higher welfare farming, the less common the process of chlorinating chicken will be.
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Nestlé will make the first transition to cage-free eggs in Europe and US by the end of 2020, with the final global stage to be completed by 2025. In some parts of the world, such as Europe, over 40% of the eggs used by Nestlé already come from cage-free hens and we look forward to seeing how Nestlé transforms their supply chain – reporting year-on-year progress – to meet their global commitment. Turn to page 14 for more amazing big-brand commitments for farm animals!
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VIVA COMPASSION EN ESPAÑA! Spain is the second largest pigproducing country in the EU, with nearly 46 million pigs slaughtered every year, most of which are reared in intensive farms. In recent years, Spain has increased its production, and the expansion of pig factory farms doesn’t seem to have an end. However, there is growing public resistance in the country. Compassion visited Huesca, in the northern region of Aragon, to support the brave citizen group, Plataforma Loporzano SIN Ganadería Intensiva (which translates as Loporzano platform without factory farming). This group has been fighting hard to stop further intensive pig farms
being built in their region, an area rich in biodiversity. After having visited the beautiful threatened sites, and seen how the already existing farms are spoiling the landscape and polluting the countryside, Compassion took part in a unique event that brought together citizen groups from across Spain who are fighting to prevent the construction of factory farms in their regions. The battle is on. Compassion will keep fighting in Spain, alongside its allies, to stop the expansion of cruel pig factory farms.
THE
MEAT CRISIS
The second edition of The Meat Crisis, edited by our former CEO Joyce D’Silva and John Webster from the University of Bristol, was published in August. The book explores the global growth in production and consumption of meat and dairy and also examines the implications of intensive farming on animals and the environment. On reviewing the book, our patron, Joanna Lumley said: “This new edition of The Meat Crisis makes an even stronger case for radically rethinking our food and farming systems and transforming our diets.” The Meat Crisis was first published in 2010. This latest edition contains additional chapters and content, delivering a clear message: we need to eat less but better meat and dairy to help secure a more sustainable and equitable world. For more information and to order a copy online, please visit ciwf.org.uk/meatcrisis
Compassion’s Annamaria Pisapia and Philip Lymbery join forces with local welfare group, Plataforma Loporzano SIN Ganadería Intensiva, to stand up against factory farming in Spain.
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ACTION
THE WORLD UNITES AGAINST
Every year, around the world, millions of animals are transported long distances in cramped conditions, causing horrific suffering. Many animals receive insufficient food, water, rest and space to move, and face inhumane treatment at slaughter. It’s high time this cruel and unnecessary trade stopped.
STOP LIVE TRANSPORT: INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS DAY On Wednesday 13th September, Compassion in World Farming was joined by thousands of people around the world. More than 100 events took place in over 30 countries to call for an end to the long distance transportation of animals for fattening or slaughter. Compassion’s flagship protest was held in Parliament Square in London. Around 200 passionate campaigners were joined by speakers including Downton Abbey actor and Compassion patron, Peter Egan, and
Members of Parliament, Caroline Lucas, Theresa Villiers and Craig Mackinlay. Other MPs, including Kerry McCarthy and Sir Roger Gale, also attended to show their support. There were just too many events to feature them all in this issue of Farm Animal Voice. But highlights included candlelight vigils in Australia, billboards across the Czech Republic, a 40m banner on a bridge over the River Seine in France, a cinema advert funded by Compassion supporters in 22 cinemas across the Netherlands, and marches for animal rights in Israel. Visit stoplivetransport.org to
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see photos that show how the world stood united for farm animals. Following the International Awareness Day, the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committed to “taking steps to control the export of live farm animals for slaughter”. This is fantastic news – but of course the devil is in the detail! If you live in the UK, please sign the new e-petition on the government website via ciwf.org.uk/ livetransport. If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, a ban on live exports must be considered for debate in Parliament.
watch this space INVESTIGATING THE TRUTH
STOP THE TRUCKS
Within a week of our International Awareness Day, Compassion also featured on national TV in the UK.
On 22nd September, Eurogroup for Animals handed in the #StopTheTrucks petition to the European Commission in Brussels.
The BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show on 18 September featured distressing footage from our recent live transport investigation on the Turkish/Bulgarian border. Emma Slawinski, Compassion’s Director of Campaigns, was invited as a panellist to debate this cruel trade – ready to do battle with two advocates of live animal transport. Needless to say, the investigation footage, and Emma’s expertise, made for a compelling programme. The BBC went on to feature the investigation as a top news story throughout the day – and both the pro-live transport panellists left looking a bit red-faced. This investigation was the culmination of months of work with a BBC journalist, who joined Compassion’s investigators in Turkey for five days in August. And none of this would have been possible without your support. Thanks to you, the truth about long distance live transport has reached a whole new audience. And we will keep exposing the truth until the suffering stops.
The petition, which gained the support of one million European citizens, was presented during a meeting with the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis. We are delighted to share that this issue has been placed high on the Commission’s agenda and, consequently, there will be a team dedicated to live transport on the EU Animal Welfare Platform. The team will focus on the need to revise the current system and rules governing long distance live animal transport, and put in place a long-term strategy to replace this inhumane practice.
Your voice counts Of the million signatures calling for an end to the long distance live transport of European animals, we are so proud that almost 170,000 voices were those of Compassion supporters – thank you!
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On October 25th, our campaign took another step forward with unanimous acceptance by Parliament of a Bill introduced by Conservative MP Theresa Villiers to end live exports of animals for slaughter or fattening. This was under the “10 Minute Rule”, which allows MPs to propose legislation briefly without needing to win a special position in the annual ballot of private members. While this is not in itself likely to get Parliamentary time for full implementation, it increases the pressure for action by the government. Ms Villiers cited the “immense and unnecessary” suffering caused by live exports and acknowledged Compassion’s campaign. In the same week, Compassion’s team met Secretary of State Michael Gove, who welcomed our input and said that restrictions on live exports are indeed under consideration. Attention now switches to the e-petition via ciwf.org.uk/ livetransport, which must be considered for a full Parliamentary debate if it reaches 100,000 signatures, and the Second Reading of Ms Villiers’ Bill on February 2. Your help is vital as we keep up the pressure!
ACTION
BREXIT SHOULD NOT BE AT THE COST OF ANIMAL WELFARE Do animals feel joy and suffering? And will they still feel it after Brexit? Dr Nick Palmer, Compassion’s Head of Policy, explores the ramifications of losing vital animal welfare legislation as Britain withdraws from the European Union.
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ne of Compassion’s longestrunning and successful campaigns was on the fundamental issue of animal sentience. Our aim being to gain political recognition that animals are able to feel joy and to suffer. Long ago many people, such as the philosopher Descartes, regarded animals as elaborate machines, no more able to feel than a piece of furniture. In the modern era, this antiquated thinking became rare. However, it was only in 1997 that animals finally gained proper legal recognition in Europe. This came with the Treaty of Amsterdam, and followed a sustained campaign led by Compassion’s supporters, who helped win the backing of signatures from over a million compassionate citizens. The Treaty gave legal recognition across the European Union that animals are sentient beings. Moreover, in 2009, this legal protection was further strengthened when it became Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
The effect of this is that every new policy and law in the EU must be tested to ensure that full regard has been taken of the needs of animals. That doesn’t mean that every law will give animals first priority. But it does mean that nothing can be done that simply ignores the effect on animals. It also offers the potential for legal challenge if a government ignores animal welfare. Article 13 was enthusiastically supported by Britain. So it was with great dismay and some puzzlement that, this summer, we discovered a crucial omission in the EU (Withdrawal) Bill currently going through Parliament. This Bill is supposed to transfer European law into British law without change after Brexit – but it failed to include recognition of animal sentience. The loss of Article 13 would be a devastating blow to animals. Conservative MP Henry Smith asked the Secretary of State, Michael Gove, whether animal sentience would after all be added to the Bill. Mr Gove replied, “Absolutely.” Yet we later learned from Defra that they intended to leave this vital protection out.
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We’re not giving up! Compassion supporters never abandoned hope during the long fight for European recognition of animal sentience. And now we need your backing once again, to persuade the British government to change its mind. If you haven’t done so already, please visit ciwf.org.uk/brexit to email your MP and ask them to support changes to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill that would reinstate legal recognition of animal sentience. In last year’s referendum, neither Remain nor Leave voters were voting to downgrade the status of animals. Why should British animals cease to be recognised as sentient just because the UK is leaving the EU? Together, we won’t give in until farm animals get the protection they deserve.
Together, we won’t give in until farm animals get the PROTECTION they deserve.
©Sam Carter
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ACTION
REVEALED: UK FACTORY FARMING HOTSPOTS Whilst it is sometimes claimed that the UK has the highest standards of animal welfare in the world, around 70% of British farm animals are reared in factory farms each year.
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oo many animals spend their lives in overcrowded barns or cages, often without access to fresh air or natural daylight. Yet, most people are not aware of the nightmare facing millions of animals, right under their noses. In July 2017, thanks to the huge generosity of Compassion supporters, we launched the first ever factory farm map of the UK. Our team of researchers carried out a comprehensive data search of poultry, dairy, and pig farms in the UK in order to, literally, put factory farming on the map. Information on farming systems was gathered using a combination of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, planning documents, industry publications, feed company literature, equipment suppliers, farm websites, on-location verification and other sources. The results, which can be found at ciwf.org.uk/factory-farm-map, are eye-opening to say the least. The map shows how much intensive chicken, pig, egg and dairy farming took place in different areas of the country in 2016. And the response has highlighted the outrage felt about this highlysecretive industry:
“ I live in Devon and am shocked by all the false advertising suggesting these animals roam the countryside free from abuse.” Sara-Leigh, Devon “ I’m sad to see that Leicestershire has over 1,805,000 indoor-reared livestock who are confined inside, restricted in their ability to express their natural behaviours.” Dave, Leicestershire “ I am so glad to see this map has been produced, albeit alarming the amount of factory farms there are in the UK. Because suppliers state their meat is from the UK, consumers are under the impression that the product is from grass-fed cows, free-range chickens, etc. The statement is misleading and the map will hopefully start people questioning the source of the product.” Doreen, via Facebook The map has also been hitting the headlines, with features in The Guardian, Telegraph, Irish Independent, The Scotsman and Huffington Post, coverage on Sky News, and regional news channels discussing the counties where indoor farming is rife – often where it is least expected!
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GET FACTORY FARMING OFF THE MAP At the end of September, we launched an objection against what could become the biggest chicken farm on the UK’s Factory Farm Map. Bedfordia Ltd are proposing to build an intensive broiler rearing complex in Rushden, Northamptonshire, that would rear 500,000 chickens for meat every 48 days. This is not something Compassion will accept. In support of local campaigners, Compassion has objected to the proposal, and assisted supporters in the area to do the same. At the time of going to press, we are awaiting East Northamptonshire Council’s decision on the planning application, but rest assured we will be fighting this cruel megafarm every step of the way.
TAKE ACTION Visit ciwf.org.uk/factoryfarm-map to find out more about farming in your area and to contact your local MP. Ask them to support a new vision for British agriculture and wipe factory farming off the map.
DO YOU LIVE NEAR A FACTORY FARM HOTSPOT? Visit ciwf.org.uk/factory-farm-map to find out.
Lincolnshire
12,196,000
County Tyrone
8,551,000
Norfolk
12,363,000 Shropshire
14,716,000
Herefordshire
16,844,000
Number of indoor-reared livestock Highlighted above are the top five counties (as of 2016) with the highest number of livestock reared indoors*, mostly in unacceptable, intensive conditions.
Low
High
No data
* Some indoor-only farms keep animals in better conditions, and the available data does not allow for these farms to be separately identified and excluded. For this reason we produced an indicative heat-map. However, the majority of animals in indoor systems will suffer from cramped and barren conditions. Free range animals are not included in the figures.
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NO MORE SECRETS in ENGLAND’S ABATTOIRS In August 2017, the UK Environment Secretary, Michael Gove MP, announced that CCTV will become mandatory in all slaughterhouses in England.
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he demand for CCTV in slaughterhouses has been steadily building for years, backed by Compassion supporters. The need for it has sadly been evidenced by many undercover investigations showing appalling acts of cruelty and the extreme suffering that can go on behind closed doors. Millions of animals each year are at risk of suffering in slaughterhouses. Up until now, the use of CCTV has been voluntary. However, mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses will provide crucial transparency to ensure that legal protections are not being flouted. Although Mr Gove’s plans are officially a consultation at this stage, we firmly believe that this much needed change will be implemented in England, protecting countless farm animals. This announcement is a great step forward for animal welfare in England. It is also a victory for everyone who has campaigned tirelessly on this issue for decades, including our friends at Animal Aid, who have spearheaded this vital work. We will now call for other countries to follow suit, and ensure that CCTV is present in every slaughterhouse – wherever is it located. This is also a first significant farm animal welfare announcement from Mr Gove since he became Secretary of State. We hope it might be the first of a series of essential reforms.
Why is CCTV so important for animal welfare?
A Food Standards Authority (FSA) report, released in September 2015, found that 13% of chickens slaughtered in the UK (estimated to be up to 120 million per year) are stunned with insufficient currents to cause a reliable stun. This means they may receive a painful electric shock and be immobilised, but still be conscious during the slaughter process. In addition, based on the FSA figures, we have calculated that a staggering 44 million chickens and over 3.5 million sheep and goats are subject to nonstunned slaughter in the UK annually. The animal welfare implications of slaughter without stunning, or with inadequate stunning, are unacceptable. We are calling for an urgent change in the law to remove an exemption that allows non-stun slaughter for religious purposes. In addition, we are calling for clear labelling that helps consumers identify whether meat comes from stunned or unstunned animals, so that they can make an informed choice. Our belief is that no animal should suffer slaughter without effective stunning, and we have been in direct contact with the British Veterinary Association and the National Farmers’ Union on this issue.
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We are calling for immediate government action: ll slaughter without stunning A should be banned. Although EU law permits exceptions to stunning for religious purposes, Member States can end all nonstun slaughter, and Denmark has already done this. the meantime, all meat from In animals that have not been stunned should be labelled so consumers can make an informed choice. I neffective stunning should be replaced with effective technologies immediately. These technologies exist, and it must be recognised that slaughter without stunning is an animal welfare issue, not a religious issue.
TAKE ACTION If you would like to call on your MP to take action on slaughter without effective stunning, please visit ciwf.org.uk/stunning
meanwhile... In France, the French National Assembly already voted earlier this year to put CCTV in slaughterhouses, with initial trials starting in January 2018; but legislation still needs to be voted on by the Senate. 13
ins p i r a t ion
OVER ANIMALS: REAL LIVES SET TO BENEFIT BECAUSE OF YOU! Thanks to your vision and commitment, more and more companies are taking up the challenge to improve farm animal welfare.
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ecause of your support, Compassion’s work with the food industry is going from strength-to-strength: from the first ever Cage-Free awards, to the recent flood of corporate pledges to improve the welfare of chickens and laying hens. In fact, we’ve calculated that over 1 billion farm animals are set to lead happier lives every year as a result. And this is all down to you.
BIG FOOD BRANDS HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD When properly motivated, big food brands have the power and influence to make big change happen. This was demonstrated in 2008 when leading brand Hellmann’s converted to freerange eggs in its mayonnaise – leading to other, competing, mayonnaise brands moving to cage-free eggs too. And again, in 2015, when McDonald’s
announced its decision to eliminate cages for laying hens across the US and Canada, this created a domino effect across the industry. Now more than 200 companies – including Walmart, the largest grocer in the US – have followed suit and now pledged to ditch the battery cage.
Can you picture 1 billion animals? For most of us, millions and billions are simply “big” numbers. It can be hard to picture the reality of a billion anything, let alone a billion breathing living sentient animals – each one capable of feeling pain and joy.
To look at it another way, have a look at these brain-bending figures: 1 second is 1 second 1 million seconds is 12 days 1 billion seconds is 32 years
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Wow. Do you feel the staggering difference between a million and a billion?
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Companies recognised through our Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards
442
million animals
337
million animals
Further major pledges made by US and Global Food companies
At the heart of Compassion’s work with food companies are the annual Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards. Now in their 10th year, these awards are a crucial tool to encourage higher welfare commitments, and recognise businesses that are doing good for farm animals. There are now over 1,000 award winners who are set to benefit over 442 million animals each year. What is more, we’ve had some amazing ‘firsts’ this year, including the very first award for fish welfare, presented to Tesco. And who would have thought that, in the first year of the Cage-Free Award, we would have FIVE winners taking
Partnership projects with major food companies
270
million animals
the momentous step of pledging to end the use of ALL cages across ALL species in their businesses? Our ongoing partnership work has also been vital in helping companies implement higher welfare standards. We provide technical expertise and pragmatic advice, as well as demonstrating the suffering caused by factory farming – and an estimated 377 million farm animals each year may ultimately benefit from these projects. In addition, the recent groundswell of corporate pledges in favour of cage free systems for laying hens and higher welfare systems for
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chickens has been immense. This is set to change the lives of 270 million chickens each year – and our team will continue to work with these companies to ensure that their pledges deliver long term benefits for farm animals. The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare is another tool for change which has had a huge impact. This annual Benchmark reviews how the world’s leading food companies are managing farm animal welfare: a need driven by investor and consumer concern. This year saw 26 of the 99 companies benchmarked move up through the rankings, demonstrating the power of public disclosure.
ins p i r a t ion
MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN There has been a seismic shift in the way food businesses view farm animal welfare, but we can’t and won’t stop there. On your behalf it is our role to hold these businesses to account and make sure their commitments become a reality – as fast as possible. With your ongoing support, we’ll continue to be there behind the scenes, providing the knowledge, evidence and advice businesses need to ensure a better future for millions of farm animals.
CIWF USA launches EggTrack to hold companies to account Compassion has launched a cage-free commitment tracker in the US to ensure food companies stick to their promises. The tracker monitors the progress of businesses as they move to cagefree eggs – just another way of holding companies accountable for their pledges.
YOU HAVE TRANSFORMED LIVES None of this positive change for farm animals would have happened without your support and campaigning – applying consumer pressure and driving forward Compassion’s work with food companies. So, take a moment to reflect on what you have achieved – the lives of a staggering 1 billion animals are set to be improved every year.
With your support, we will work tirelessly to hold each of these companies accountable to their promises and will do everything we can to encourage faster action to reduce animal suffering.
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A TIDAL WAVE OF CHANGE FOR CHICKENS In the past 10 months alone, over 60 major US food companies have committed to meaningfully improving the lives of chickens. Compassion’s US Food Business team has been proud to partner with leading food companies who have announced commitments, including Subway, Panera Bread, Unilever, Sonic and Campbell Soup Company.
growing breeds of animal that suffer less from leg deformities, heart problems and other painful illnesses. Companies are also committing to more space, a stimulating environment that allows the birds to express more natural behaviours, and more humane slaughter methods, by 2024. Producers are also stepping up to the plate. In July, Perdue, the fourthlargest chicken producer in the US, announced that it “promise[s]
Each of the 60-plus companies has committed to switching to slower-
Nestlé - World’s Largest Food Company Steps Up
Kraft Heinz Joins The Revolution
When you think of Nestlé, you probably think of their chocolates and candy. But did you know that they own over 2,000 brands, making them the largest food company in the world?
In October, Kraft Heinz, the thirdlargest food and beverage company in the US, announced their commitment to adopting the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) welfare standards for all the chickens in their US supply chain by 2024. This will positively impact a huge number of chickens across the US, who will benefit from more space, natural light, enrichments to encourage natural behaviours, and – importantly – will use a more robust breed of chicken whose genetics do not inherently cause suffering.
In September, Nestlé pledged to improve the lives of chickens in their US supply chains through healthier genetics, more space, access to natural light, and critical enrichments that let birds be birds.
PAVING THE WAY FOR EUROPE In October 2017, Compassion’s Food Business team launched a website designed to re-engage consumers with the welfare issues in meat chicken production and to encourage people to eat less, and better, chicken. Please do visit or
share with friends and family: ciwf.org.uk/happychickens
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its current and future customer” supply of higher welfare chicken. Wayne Farms, the 5th largest chicken producer, also announced a new higher welfare product line to meet the demands of the “class of 2024”. With this unprecedented momentum, we look forward to working with many more food companies who collectively have the power to transform the lives of hundreds of millions of animals each year.
Knorr – Leading The Way For Chickens! In September, Unilever’s largest brand, Knorr, confirmed that all the chicken, pork and beef in its global supply will come from higher welfare systems by 2024. Unilever is also the first manufacturer in North America and Europe to sign up to additional welfare requirements for chickens, developed by a consortium of NGOs, which includes – amongst other changes – a move to slowergrowing breeds. Around 80% of the chicken used by Unilever is incorporated into Knorr’s soups, sauces and bouillon – and nearly 600 Knorr bouillon cubes are sold every second around the world. As a result, over 102 million animals are set to benefit each year from this higher welfare commitment. Knorr is truly leading the way for chickens!
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YOUR TEAM FIGHTS CRUELTY IN POLAND Earlier this year, a team of undercover investigators revealed shocking abuse, neglect and poor husbandry through the use of farrowing crates in intensive pig farms in Poland.
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ootage taken by the investigators revealed the harrowing sights and sounds that sows endure whilst they are confined to a narrow steel cage for weeks on end. Sadly and frustratingly, this is the life of nearly a million sows in Poland. Over 90% of mother pigs who were seen by our investigators were forced to face a wall. Each sow, imprisoned in her crate, was unable to interact with her piglets when she wanted – but she could still hear them squeal. Unable to properly tend to their young, these animals have no choice but to spend their days listening to the horrors around them from within their cage.
Over 90% of mother pigs seen were forced to face a wall
The response to this shocking footage has shown that the movement to End the Cage Age for Europe’s farm animals is stronger than ever. Thank you! Sadly, problems in Poland are not limited to pigs. Poland is now one of the biggest chicken producers in Europe. The production of broiler (meat) chickens has increased steadily and has now hit over 1 billion per year. Many of these chickens are housed in overcrowded and barren sheds, never seeing daylight for the entirety of their short lives. It’s hard to believe that governments continue to encourage and allow such inhumane practices, often despite objections and warnings about the impact on human health and the environment. But hope comes in the form of your support and the determination of the Compassion Poland team.
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Made up of just three people, CIWF POLSKA has already proven that, with your backing, their work can make a difference for farm animals.
If you would like to learn more about the Polish farrowing crate investigation, please visit ciwf.org.uk/ thewall You can help change how farm animals get to see the world.
AVERTING TRAGEDY AND TRAVESTY Earlier this year, new Polish legislation was proposed that would have allowed live farmed carp, and other fish, to be transported out of water: a direct violation of EU law relating to the transport of animals. But, thanks to immediate lobbying of politicians by the team in Poland, along with fellow animal welfare organisation, GAJA, and over 250,000 emails that supporters sent to their MPs, this new tragedy for
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farm animals was averted. The legislation was amended, ensuring that fish would continue to be transported in water. Compassion will continue to lobby governments around the world to end the use of cruel farrowing crates for sows as well as fighting for all other intensively farmed animals. The victory for fish in Poland was a vital step towards that goal. Thank you for your support and for speaking out for animals wherever their wellbeing is under threat.
THE CAMERA DOESN’T LIE 20
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we WILL NEVER BE SILENCED! Earlier this year, we revealed that a lawsuit was being brought against CIWF France by the French pig industry. Léopoldine Charbonneaux, Directrice CIWF France, gives us the latest news from Paris
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n October 2016, CIWF France released four films in French cinemas, including one that showed the conditions pigs are forced to endure in factory farms. As a result, we have been accused of calling for an illegal boycott of the products from these factory farms. Essentially, France’s intensive pig farmers are objecting to our advice to film viewers: ‘don’t buy factory farmed meat – choose higher welfare instead’. We believe there is no case to answer because, as a charity, we have a legal right to speak out against animal suffering. But the French legal process is tortuous and slow. We have been overwhelmed by your support and comments regarding the lawsuit. And we are determined to fight it every step of the way.
It is likely that the case will be heard in court by the end of 2017 but, in the meantime, the strength of public support for our stance is doing nothing to strengthen the pig industry’s case! We will keep you updated. Thank you for fighting to defend the voice for farm animals.
WE’RE IN THIS FOR THE LONG HAUL – ARE YOU? Despite a strong argument in defence of CIWF France, the lawsuit has reminded us that we are up against powerful vested interests who want to stop us achieving our goal of ending factory farming. Your help will see us past whatever roadblock ANYONE throws at us next! If you don’t already do so, please consider making a regular gift to Compassion, by calling +44 (0)1483 521 953 or visiting ciwf.org today.
The “controversial” film that got Compassion into trouble
On behalf of farm animals in France and around the world, thank you.
If you’d like to view the film that has caused such controversy, please visit ciwf.org.uk/lawsuit
Despite the attitudes of France’s intensive pig farmers, in October the French President, Emmanuel Macron, announced some very encouraging and innovative policies regarding food production and the wellbeing of farm animals. CIWF France, who was part of the delegation, was pleased to hear that he wants 100% of eggs sold in supermarkets to be free-range by 2022.
During his speech to a room packed with food industry representatives, he denounced “how the absurd methods of food production have been protected up until now, yet they no longer fit our tastes and needs. These methods have no future, and they must end… We must move forward and encourage animal welfare, modernise slaughterhouses, and reinforce the need for honest labelling.” We couldn’t agree more.
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Harry Potter stars, Robbie Jarvis and Evanna Lynch, help launch our Stop the Machine campaign in London.
TOGETHER WE WILL STOP THE MACHINE There is a faceless, heartless, relentless machine, sucking the life out of our forests and oceans. Most people are aware that many animals are threatened by extinction – the plight of creatures such as penguins, elephants and jaguars is well known. However, few people realised that there is a direct link between wildlife decline and factory farming... Until Compassion launched its ground-breaking “STOPTHEMACHINE” campaign.
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a c t ion
Actor, Bill Oddie and environmentalist, Chris Darwin, back our campaign. ‘Factory farming belongs in a museum’ was the headline when we launched our flagship STOPTHEMACHINE campaign at the Natural History Museum in London, and unveiled our new hard-hitting public exhibition. STOPTHEMACHINE has been made possible by visionary people like you, who understand that we have to fight factory farming from every possible angle. It aims to build an international movement sending out a clear message: as well as causing immense suffering to farm animals, industrial agriculture is one of the biggest drivers of species extinction. If we want to preserve our precious wildlife we need to rethink our food and farming system. After launching in May 2017, our immersive exhibition went on to be part of our supporter event in London, where compassionate people from across the UK came together to explore and discuss STOPTHEMACHINE and its underlying investigation Dead Zone: Where the Wild Things Were.
STOPTHEMACHINE reaches Europe
Who’s acting to STOPTHEMACHINE?
The STOPTHEMACHINE exhibition then travelled to the European Parliament in Brussels, where a round table discussion with politicians and policy makers debunked many of the myths surrounding intensive food production. The speeches of European Parliament representatives and environmental experts carried a strong message: we need to stop the factory farming machine now – our wildlife, our health and the preservation of our resources depend on it. In October, the exhibition was also showcased at our ground breaking conference, Extinction and Livestock (see page 24).
Support for STOPTHEMACHINE at the EU: 40 MEPs signed an open letter to the European Commission supporting the message of STOPTHEMACHINE. They urged reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that will put an end to industrial agriculture and support farming that respects and protects animal welfare, wildlife and our planet’s resources.
This is only the beginning. The ultimate aim of STOPTHEMACHINE is to reach a global agreement to end factory farming and put in place sustainable forms of agriculture that respect animals and work with nature. This is a big goal, and one that will take time – years, maybe even decades. But, with your support and determination, and a growing group of allies, we believe this campaign can change the way the world is fed.
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Supporters urge George Eustice to STOPTHEMACHINE: In the UK, Defra Minister, George Eustice, received over 17,000 emails from Compassion supporters, calling for a Good Food Act. Brexit offers the Government a chance to rethink food and farming policy, and you have made it clear that we need a future that respects animals as sentient beings and protects our health and environment.
Keep tuned in for upcoming actions at ciwf.org.uk/stopthemachine
I’m really thrilled that this conference is highlighting the damage we’re doing to our world through intensive animal farming and I hope it will serve to inspire many to help change the way we do things. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace
Once it’s in your head that it’s completely normal not to eat meat or fish, there’s no battle to be fought because the next generation will have expensive meat when they do eat it, they will eat much less of it, and they will be much, much healthier. Joanna Lumley
There is no way to make industrial food sustainable - something, or someone, is always being exploited. Raj Patel, award-winning writer, activist and academic
If we don’t begin to reduce that price tag coming with how we produce our food, human progress will stop. Tony Juniper, environmentalist
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I N S P I RAT I O N
YOUR SUPPORT IS CHANGING THE CONVERSATION
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n 5th and 6th October, Compassion partnered with WWF-UK to hold a landmark conference in London. Extinction and Livestock was the world’s first international conference that explored the devastating impact of industrial livestock production on animals, people and the planet. Over the two days, renowned speakers from across the globe took to the stage to discuss a diverse range of topics including conservation, biodiversity, agriculture, health, land and water use, the environment, climate change, ethics and food security. Your support allowed us to secure high profile speakers including food activist Raj Patel, author Dr Carl Safina, bee expert Professor Dave Goulson, environmentalist Tony Juniper, naturalist Chris Darwin, and many more.
We need a total rethink of our food and farming systems before it’s too late. Intensive livestock systems are at the heart of so many problems affecting health, food security, biodiversity, the environment and animal welfare. Philip Lymbery
With Europe having found peace among nations in the last 70 years, it is time to find peace with nature.
Karl Falkenberg, economist and journalist
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There was also an evening event, hosted by our patron Joanna Lumley, where guests were served the ‘Beyond Burger’ – which is currently only available in the US – along with a range of other innovative plantbased foods. From chicken farmers daring to do things differently, to innovative scientists and charities, the conference has galvanised a new movement of thinkers and policy makers to unite around a shared global goal. This is just the beginning of an ongoing international process to identify solutions and build a broad-based coalition to lobby UN member states and institutions for a UN Convention that properly, and humanely, secures food for future generations.
THANK YOU SO MUCH For spreading compassionate cheer throughout the year and sending the message both far and near! We are hugely grateful for the generosity and wonderful support shown in many different ways by our lovely supporters. Thank you for fighting relentlessly for farm animals. From all of us here at Compassion, very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year!
THE SIR PETER O’SULLEVAN TRUST CHRISTMAS CARD Every year, proceeds from the sale of the Trust’s Christmas cards are shared between six leading welfare charities, including Compassion in World Farming.
COMPASSIONATE CHRISTMAS CARDS It’s your last chance to order your compassionate Christmas Cards!
“Loose!” was painted by artist Susan Crawford and the message inside reads HAPPY CHRISTMAS. Each pack contains 10 cards with envelopes and costs £8.00 (plus p&p).
Call us on 01483 521 953 (lines are open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday). Cards come in packs of 10 (5 of each image) and cost just £5.00 per pack, including UK P & P.
Size: 150 x 205mm.
COMPASSION IN THE COMMUNITY
You can order online via www.thevoiceofracing.com or telephone 020 8333 1411
Huge thanks to all of our fantastic volunteer Local Groups who have taken on the fight against farm animal cruelty – from campaigning against live exports, to fundraising in a farm animal onesie. We’re also delighted to share that we now have three new Local Groups in Birmingham, Essex, and Suffolk! Please contact us for more information.
CONTACT US There are so many different ways to help end factory farming. Contact us to find out more and we will help you every step of the way!
Compassion in World Farming, River Court, Mill Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1EZ, UK
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Tel: +44 (0)1483 521 953 (9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday). Email: supporters@ciwf.org Web: ciwf.org.uk/contact-us
THE FUNDRAISING HALL OF FAME! These are just a few of the fabulous fundraisers supporting better lives for farm animals. We would like to say a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to every single person who is fighting farm animal suffering. Whether you’ve baked for better lives, campaigned for more compassion or simply spread the word, we appreciate all you do!
Tim and Cammie requested donations in lieu of wedding gifts, and raised a whopping £947.57 to fight factory farming.
Katy cycled 100 miles and raised an amazing £1,472.38 to change the lives of farm animals!
Ester, Lia and Don climbed Mt. Snowdon to fight animal suffering and their sponsorship reached the dizzying heights of £1,642.50.
Emmelien raised an enormous £4,330 for farm animals from her woodland event and her household garden sale.
Francine and Birgit both walked the Camino de Santiago in May and June respectively! Over £1,800 was raised to beat factory farming.
Helen and her family held a ‘Stop the Machine’ stall in their garden, raising a fantastic £130 to end animal cruelty, and spreading the compassionate message.
Colleen completed an awe-inspiring 53 mile-long ultramarathon, raising an amazing £400 to improve the lives of farm animals.
The wonderfully creative children of the Buchan School raised £515 for farm animals by designing, making and selling arts and craft products.
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OVER 1 BILLION ANIMALS are set to benefit because of you!
THANK YOU.
You are making the world of difference for farm animals. Compassion in World Farming, River Court, Mill Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1EZ, UK Tel: +44 (0)1483 521 953 Email: supporters@ciwf.org Web: ciwf.org Compassion in World Farming is a registered charity (England and Wales), registered number 1095050.