Issue 201 – winter 2018
SPECIAL EDITION
GET INVOLVED! Farm animals need YOU, and not just at Christmas!
HONEST LABELLING IT’S TIME FOR THE WHOLE TRUTH ON FOOD LABELS
International Day of Awareness
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farm animal voice contents
update 4 NEWS The latest farm animal updates from around the world
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6 STOP LIVE TRANSPORT How your day of action really kicked up a storm 18 ANTIBIOTICS IN FARMING On the verge of a European breakthrough – thanks to you action 8 THE NIGHTMARE WE CAN END How together, we will make Europe cage free 14 END THE CAGE AGE – UK Will the UK pioneer a cage-free world? Add your voice! 19 WISH WE WERE HERE, OR SOMEWHERE KINDER? How gifts in Wills can bring about a brighter future
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22 TEAM COMPASSION Get involved and have fun whilst ending factory farming Insight 20 HONEST LABELLING Would you recognise a factory farmed sausage?
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, number 4590804. The registered office is at River Court, Mill Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1EZ, UK. Enquiries: Tel +44 (0)1483 521 953 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) • Email supporters@ciwf.org Our Patrons Professor Joy Carter • Jilly Cooper CBE • Peter Egan • Rose Elliot MBE • Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE • Princess Alia Al Hussein of Jordan Dame Penelope Keith DBE • Bruce Kent • Joanna Lumley OBE • Evanna Lynch • Chris Packham • Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE Susan Duchess of Richmond • Sir Crispin Tickell GCMG KCVO • Professor John Webster Front cover: iStock / Searsie
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- FEATURE EUROPE UNITES TO END THE CAGE AGE
THIS WAY TO END THE CAGE AGE
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omething big is happening to end the factory farming nightmare. In a staggering series of firsts, Compassion’s End the Cage Age campaign is entering a whole new phase to stop the daily misery of Europe’s caged farm animals. We’re reaching out, like never before, to people who may simply not even know about the cruel realities of factory farming. We need over 1 million people to join us – like I said, it’s big. Thanks to Compassion supporters, since its inception in 2014, End the Cage Age has exposed and challenged a host of intensive farming practices. And, now, this campaign is growing the movement against animal suffering through the launch of our European Citizens’ Initiative and UK petitions. The goal: a continent, standing united, saying NO to cages. Your winter edition of Farm Animal Voice shows what an important year 2018 has been for the future of farm animals, and how the next year could be even bigger. Warm regards to you on behalf of everyone at Compassion in World Farming,
Philip Lymbery CEO, Compassion in World Farming P.S. Please share this important opportunity to End the Cage Age with everyone you know. Sign the UK petition at ciwf.org.uk/EndTheCageAgeUK or the European petition at endthecageage.eu Philip’s personal blog is available at: philiplymbery.com or you can follow on Twitter: twitter.com/philip_ciwf
Peter Melchett – a remarkable man and relentless campaigner We were truly saddened to hear of the passing, in August, of Peter Melchett. A campaigner, environmentalist and politician, Peter was instrumental to progress in the food and farming sector, particularly in championing efforts to reduce antibiotic use in factory farmed animals. In his earlier life, he was a Labour government minister at the Departments of Environment, Industry, and Northern Ireland (covering education and health).
He was president or chair of several conservation NGOs, director of Greenpeace UK (1985-2000), and chaired Greenpeace Japan (1995-2001). In his later life, as policy director for the Soil Association, Peter led work on issues ranging from antibiotic and welfare abuse in farm animals, to campaigns against pesticides that were damaging the environment and human health. Compassion, along with the Soil Association and Sustain, are founding members of the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics, in which Peter was
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a leading voice. Peter loved his family farm in north-west Norfolk, and put huge energy into farming it organically. We will always be grateful for Peter’s vision and relentless work to improve the lives of farm animals. He will be hugely missed.
news
RED TRACTOR UNDER FIRE
Chris Packham and Philip Lymbery at the People’s Walk for Wildlife event in Hyde Park, London
Chris Packham and Jane Goodall become Compassion patrons We are delighted to welcome two new Patrons to Compassion. Firstly, broadcaster and naturalist Chris Packham, who many will recognise from TV programmes like Springwatch and Autumnwatch. Chris is also a champion for wildlife, and a very active campaigner, spearheading The People’s Manifesto for Wildlife, and leading the way with his new London rally #ThePeoplesWalkForWildlife – on which our CEO joined him in September. We are also proud to welcome as a patron Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE. Best known for her ground-breaking research of primates, Dr Goodall is Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a UN Messenger of Peace. Her research into the lives of the wild chimpanzees of Gombe in Western Tanzania began nearly 60 years ago and still continues. Author of many books and featured in countless documentaries and films, Dr Goodall travels the globe raising awareness and offering solutions to the problems facing so many parts of our earth today. It is wonderful to have such respected and dedicated Patrons supporting us in the fight to end factory farming. Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Compassion Patron, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and UN Messenger of Peace
Red Tractor claims to guarantee a ‘cast iron standard’ in UK farming. However, the food accreditation scheme has come under fire in recent months after undercover investigations on Red Tractor certified farms exposed abuse of animals. It’s also been revealed that, in the last year, just 50 of Red Tractor’s 60,000 annual inspections were unannounced. In September, Red Tractor announced it will create a new suite of additional Modular Standards, covering issues such as enhanced animal welfare, and said it will be strengthening its farm inspection programme to improve the integrity of the scheme.
Following this announcement, Dr Nick Palmer, Head of Compassion in World Farming UK, said: “Under current Red Tractor standards, sows may be confined in cages when giving birth to and suckling their piglets, their young are likely to have their tails cut off, and then may live in indoor systems without straw. Fast growing breeds of chickens may be confined in crowded sheds, suffering from lameness and heart conditions and dairy cows may not see a blade of grass all year. There is no guarantee that these unacceptable practices will cease once the new measures have been introduced.”
Read more about Compassion’s campaign for honest labelling on page 20.
CO2 Shortage -
the real scandal This summer the UK was in the grip of a CO2 shortage. For many, this meant a potential lack of fizzy drinks, but it also put the spotlight on the treatment of pigs at slaughter. As the media interest increased, we seized the opportunity to raise the alarm on this major animal welfare issue. Half of pigs sent for slaughter in the UK are killed using CO2. Despite numerous reports highlighting that CO2 is an inhumane method for stunning and slaughtering pigs, industry has dragged its heels over implementing more humane slaughter methods and Defra has a leisurely target of 2020 for reviewing more humane alternatives. Media outlets including The Independent and The Times picked up on the story, so we were able to amplify the urgent need for action. Since then, we’ve called on Michael Gove, Defra Secretary of State, to introduce a ban, to come into force within five years, on the use of CO2 to stun and slaughter pigs. We have also urged him to galvanise Government and industry research to find genuinely humane alternatives to CO2. A huge thank you all who emailed Mr Gove asking him to stop the needless suffering of pigs. If you haven’t yet joined this campaign, please do so at ciwf.org.uk/CO2PigSlaughter
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news
‘InSOSTENIBILE’
FARMING, FOOD AND NATURE
CIWF Italia launches new campaign to stop the spread of factory farms. The Po Delta is a precious area, home to more than 370 species of wild birds and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately as many as 21 intensive mega farms have been built in the area in the last few years, and now there are plans to build four new chicken farms, estimated to produce 2.5 million meat chickens per cycle (40 days) near the small town of Polesine Camerini. In Porto Tolle, another town in the area, four mega farms already produce more than 1.6 million chickens and another farm is due to be built. There are of course serious concerns about the environmental and animal welfare impacts of the farms. We believe the spread of factory farming in the Po Delta is totally unacceptable, so in August we launched a campaign to support people living in the region to stop the expansion projects.
Respecting Animals, People and the Environment Edited by Joyce D’Silva and Carol McKenna, Compassion in World Farming Published by Earthscan Food and Agriculture
The relationship between agriculture and nature conservation represents one of the most important, current challenges to the environment and sustainability. In particular, its impact on resource use, animal welfare, climate change and biodiversity. This book is the follow-up to Compassion’s international conference on Livestock and Extinction, and examines contemporary problems caused by intensive livestock production, and identifies a range of solutions.
The #inSOStenibile petition calls on the Minister for the Environment and the regional government to stop the Polesine Camerini project and other intensive farm developments in the Po Delta. Thousands of citizens have already signed and Compassion is working to create an alliance with other NGOs, working together to meet the Ministry of Health to discuss the future of the area.
“A wide range of experts and policy makers explore innovative ideas and solutions for the future of the planet, with a focus on our health and food systems. I strongly recommend reading this book to anyone interested in a sustainable diet and a healthy environment, as well as animal welfare.”
Gone but not forgotten
Hilal Elver, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food
Within just a few weeks, earlier this year, we were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of three of our most long standing supporters and former volunteers: Pam Jack, Tony Morphy and Joyce Audric.
“The weight of evidence for changing the food system is now overwhelming, yet resistance to change is stubborn. We are all part of that. No-one likes to think they aren’t in control of what they eat. How can we unlock this mismatch? This book is an important collection of arguments why we must and what needs to happen.”
Pam and Tony were both hugely dedicated volunteers in the early days at our office in Petersfield. Pam helped in our Accounts team for many years. Tony also assisted in the office and with numerous street collections. They did all they could to raise awareness. Joyce was a fantastic fundraiser, conducting countless street collections, and was a staunch activist against the horrendous live transport trade. Compassion will always be grateful to Pam, Tony and Joyce for their deep commitment towards a better life for farm animals.
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Tim Lang, Centre for Food Policy, City, University of London Order directly from www.routledge.com and receive a 20% discount off the RRP by entering the code SOC19 at checkout.
PARIS
YOU SPOKE OUT, AND THE WORLD LISTENED. On Thursday, 14th of June 2018, campaigners around the world united with a single goal – to raise awareness of the abhorrent long distance live transport trade. In over 35 countries, through over 150 demonstrations, rallies, media stunts and online actions, your message was heard loud and clear: Stop Live Transport!
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he date of this year’s International Awareness Day was chosen to mark the third anniversary of a live transport disaster that caused the deaths of up to 13,000 sheep. These animals were shipped from Romania on a livestock carrier called the Trust1, destined for Jordan. But a series of catastrophic errors and decisions, on board and by the authorities, led to the sheep dying from neglect, starvation, dehydration and exhaustion. This story of unnecessary cruelty, suffering and – ultimately – the deaths of thousands of innocent animals is, sadly, just one example of the horrors of long distance live transport. And, in June, it inspired people in six continents to stand up and take action.
A GLOBAL RESPONSE The International Awareness Day was full of inspiration and solidarity. From demonstrations up and down the coast of Brazil, to a march in Israel, from vigils for pigs in Canada to protests in Australia, campaigners came out in droves to fight the live transport trade. Compassion’s European offices also held events: In the Netherlands a giant TV screen in the famous Dam Square showed footage of the horrors of live transport.
In France, enormous Stop Live Transport banners appeared at famous Paris landmarks. And a truck tour in Italy concluded at the Roman Coliseum, where our team handed out leaflets and gathered petition signatures.
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A 20ft banner in the shape of a livestock ship provided the backdrop for the day, and supporters staged a dramatic ‘die-in’. Wearing sheep masks, hundreds of people dropped down to the ground as if dead in recognition of the countless animals that have suffered and died during long distance journeys. Among the supporters at the rally were Downton Abbey actor and animal welfare activist Peter Egan, Harry Potter actor Evanna Lynch, and MPs, Zac Goldsmith, Theresa Villiers, Sir David Amess, Kerry McCarthy and Sir Roger Gale.
Across Europe, protestors gathered outside government buildings to show politicians how vital it is that we consign live exports to the history books. Further afield – from New Zealand to Korea, the Philippines to Uruguay – campaigners protested and shouted from the tops of their voices: Stop Live Transport!
TAKING ACTION IN THE UK In the UK, over 500 people gathered in Parliament Square, London to take their message directly to politicians.
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Speaking at the protest, Zac Goldsmith said: ”I’ve never felt more optimistic than I do today…we will stop this trade.” Evanna Lynch said: ”It’s very possible the end is in sight and that’s when events like this are amazing – for people to show that normal people care about this and that we won’t tolerate this kind of abuse.” Many other famous names also supported the Day of Awareness, including business tycoon and Dragon’s Den favourite, Deborah Meaden, Hollyoaks and Les Misérables actor, Carley Stenson, and conservationist and author, Stanley Johnson.
LON DON
ISRAEL
Warsaw
Compassion’s patron, Joanna Lumley, also added her voice: ”The true horror of live transport never fails to shock me. It is totally nonsensical that this unimaginable cruelty continues in 2018. I urge you to take a stand against this awful trade. It’s time to Stop Live Transport.” Plus, Compassion’s volunteer groups up and down the country held protests and vigils. They handed out leaflets and gathered petition signatures to raise awareness of the fact that live exports still continue from the UK, and to show how animals are suffering as a result. It was an incredible experience to be able to work together with so many like-minded and passionate groups and individuals on this vital issue. We are so grateful to everyone who supported the International Day of Awareness, and added their voices online, via paper petitions or in person.
SCOTTISH LIVE EXPORTS
ANIMALS NEED ACTION.
In September, P&O Ferries announced that “with immediate effect” they would no longer transport any Scottish calves destined for continental Europe across the Irish Sea.
As you may be aware, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has carried out a consultation on live transport, including controlling exports for slaughter. It has now passed its findings over to the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) for advice on how best to proceed.
This decision immediately followed the release of a Compassion poll showing that Scottish citizens support a ban on UK live animal exports by a margin of nearly three to one, and a BBC Scotland ‘Disclosure’ programme that exposed the suffering of exported calves. This programme, which featured Compassion’s Chief Policy Advisor, Peter Stevenson, revealed how 2-3 week old animals are being shipped on horrendous journeys that can last for up to six days.
So far, Defra have asked FAWC only for recommendations on ‘improving conditions’ during live transport. It is essential that the government continues to focus on a potential ban on the cruel, and completely unnecessary, live export of farm animals.
This was truly a global day of awareness, thanks to your remarkable support!
If you haven’t already done so, please ask Defra Secretary of State, Michael Gove, to commit to a ban on live exports for slaughter AND fattening when the UK leaves the EU.
For more information about the day, visit www.stoplivetransport.org
You can take action online at ciwf.org.uk/AnimalsBrexit
P&O’s announcement was hugely welcome, and shows that public pressure really can make a difference. However, sadly, the trade in unweaned Scottish calves has found a new route – with animals being trucked to Kent for transport across the Channel. Clearly, nothing short of a complete ban will stop the cruelty of UK live exports for good. If you’ve not already done so, please take action at ciwf.org.uk/StopUKLiveExports
THANK YOU! 7
Cage farming is a nightmare that we can end Hundreds of millions of European farm animals are kept in cages for most of their lives, causing great suffering. Thanks to your support, we have launched the biggest, boldest step yet in our campaign to end this inhumane treatment of Europe’s farm animals. Once and for all.
Š Compassion in World Farming
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END THE CAGE AGE 9
Most of Europe’s 12 million sows spend nearly half of every year inside a cage: a sow stall during pregnancy; a farrowing crate while nursing.
It’s time to end the Cage Age. © Compassion in World Farming
ACTION
THE STORY BEHIND YOUR CAMPAIGN Together, we have dreamed big and achieved great things for farmed animals across Europe. We campaigned tirelessly and secured a ban on cruel veal crates from 2007, freed hens from barren battery cages by getting them outlawed from 2012 and, in 2017, convinced the EU parliament to vote to call for a ban on cages for rabbits. Over the decades, these dreams became reality because of you.
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ream big with us, again. Imagine a world where no pig, hen, rabbit, duck – any farmed animal – would ever have to languish, trapped in a cage, ever again. Over 350 million caged farmed animals in Europe need this dream to become a reality. With your help, we’ve got a plan to rid every European farm of cages. An ambition this big means a continent of voices must rise up, in unison, to demand that policy makers take action. So we’ve simultaneously launched EU and UK mass petitions and public campaigns to make history for farmed animals. A European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) – where over 1 million people sign
a formal petition – will force the European Commission to legally respond to our proposal.
So, a year ago, Compassion sent out a call across Europe for others to join us.
Two targets – one goal
Over 140 NGOs and charities in 26 European countries answered, and together, this new network is sharing research, lobbying power, undercover investigations, and digital campaigning expertise for a common goal – to End the Cage Age in Europe.
In the UK, we are calling on national and regional governments to take a principled lead to ban cages and justify the country’s claim to be a leader in animal welfare. And, across the Channel, we’re employing the full force of participatory democracy with an ECI. We’ve got 12 months to collect the signatures, and the clock started ticking on 11th September. We can’t get to 1 million signatures alone. Freeing all animals from cages will require a new era of cooperation.
With influential friends like Four Paws International (Vier Pfoten), World Animal Protection, Eurogroup for Animals and Animal Equality all working together, our dream, and our plan, for a cage-free Europe has got one step closer.
“Ending the cage age is a bold and necessary goal that can only be achieved when a big number of organisations, supporters, institutions and the public join forces and speak up against it. We are confident that through this coalition and by saying with one voice, that cages belong in the past and farm animals deserve a better life, we can make it happen. Let’s End the Cage Age!” Dr. Martina Stephany, Director of Farm Animals and Nutrition, VIER PFOTEN International
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Continued overleaf »
ACTION » continued
A UNITED CONTINENT Farmed animals have powerful friends in Brussels. But, to rid the European Union of cages, it will take all of them working together to get crucial legislation introduced and passed. And, on September 25th, we took our campaign to the EU Parliament for a launch event that could not be missed.
“So many different organisations from so many different countries have joined forces to push the button on the beginning of the end. We’re a continent standing up against cruelty. We’re the generation that is going to make things happen. We’re the generation that will End the Cage Age.”
Over 150 people, including MEPs from all parties, crowded into a packed auditorium to hear speeches and watch inspirational videos that set out the direction of our lobbying vision and campaigning work over the next 12 months.
The event ended with a rousing standing ovation, which many had never seen in the European Parliament before. It was an emotional and uplifting start to 12 months of vital, challenging campaigning.
Eleonora Evi, Italian MEP and chair of the cage-free working group of the Animal Welfare Intergroup in the European Parliament, spoke passionately about protecting animals, while cage-free producers and retailers made the case that cages are also bad for business. Compassion’s CEO Philip Lymbery rallied the audience to come together for a single aim:
MEP Eleonora Evi (pictured right) said: “I strongly support the ECI End the Cage Age! I have been honoured to host the official launch Eleonora Evi at the European Parliament. To ban the use of cages is a simple but revolutionary idea that will have incredible positive effects for the animals, the environment, our health. Animals are sentient beings and Europe must start to truly protect them.”
An arresting exhibition then opened up in the main thoroughfare of the Parliament building, highlighting the horrors of caged farming.
Over the course of four days, hundreds of visitors to the exhibition were amongst the first people to sign the ECI, and dozens of MEPs were convinced to champion the cause of farmed animals. Whilst this pivotal new stage of the End the Cage Age campaign began with a launch event in the halls of power in Europe, it’s people power that will create a true revolution for farmed animals. If you’re a citizen of one of the ‘EU 27’ States, please sign the ECI here: ciwf.org.uk/ECI
Long-term animal advocate, MEP Stefan Eck stated: “I have a dream of a world without these barriers, without cages. Today is a symbol of hope.”
A year ago, Compassion sent out a call across Europe for others to join us. Over 140 NGOs and charities in 26 European coun
TOGETHER, WE WILL END
ACTION
AGAINST CAGES
In October, we took our message to the streets of Europe with a series of public protests, media events and celebrity involvement in eight different countries.
Since the Parliament launch in September, at the time of going to print, the ECI has generated 513 pieces of online coverage, reaching out to 387,283,837 people, with the simple fact that farmed animals are thinking, feeling individuals that don’t belong in cages. And this is just the beginning. From here on out, our public campaigning will only become more intense, more vocal, and more wide-reaching. With your continued help, together, we can unite a continent to End the Cage Age.
ITALY: Along with 19 other NGOs, Compassion’s week-long exhibition was launched in the Italian Parliament, Rome. For the first time ever, the Minister for Health, Giulia Grillo, who is responsible for animal welfare in Italy, opened the launch. Politicians from different parties, the press and members of the public visited the exhibition to say ‘No!’ to cages in farms.
POLAND: An exciting week of events included an art exhibition and a cinema premiere attended by wellknown celebrities, who climbed into cages to encourage their fans and followers to sign the petition. The stunt grabbed the mainstream media and put farm animals at the top of the news agenda.
NETHERLANDS: Compassion teamed up with Dutch groups, World Animal Protection and Varkens in Nood, plus famous Dutch artist, Jantien Mook, to create a 6-metre tall statue of a sow making a leap to freedom. She will be on display in public squares and museums throughout the country.
FRANCE: CIWF France launched the ECI in the heart of Paris. Politicians, partner NGOs, citizens and famous faces, including Pamela Anderson, joined us; all having their photos taken inside the cages and signing the ECI.
© @Michel Pourny-CIWF France
STANDING UP
Continued overleaf »
ntries answered, and together, this new network is working TOGETHER to End the Cage Age in Europe.
CAGED FARMING IN EUROPE
ACTION
SIGN THE UK PETITION TO END THE CAGE AGE
In March 2019, the UK is due to withdraw from the EU, so British signatures on the ECI won’t be valid. Does that mean that compassionate people across the UK can’t help get farm animals out of cages? No! With Brexit comes a wholesale review of UK legislation – and an opportunity for the country to take the lead on animal welfare. This could apply to many issues, from ending the abuse of antibiotics on factory farms to a ban on live exports. But, just as crucially, the UK could choose to ban all cages for farm animals. That is why Compassion launched an End the Cage Age petition in the UK on the same day as our European Citizens’ Initiative. And both elements of the campaign have the same clear message: Cage farming is a nightmare we can end. We would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has signed the UK End the Cage Age petition or made a donation to fight all cruel confinement in factory farms. Over 16 million farm animals suffer in cages in the UK every year and, without you, they would not have a voice.
CALLING ALL UK CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS! To add your voice to the UK petition today, visit ciwf.org.uk/EndTheCageAgeUK
BUT DOES THE UK NEED A BAN ON CAGES? Sadly, yes. British politicians often claim that Britain leads the world in animal welfare. So, what do they say to two shameful facts?
OVer 16 million... egg-laying hens in the UK are kept in cramped cages with minimal opportunity for natural behaviour. Rare in Germany, Austria and other EU countries, yet still true for over a third of Britain’s hens. Over 250,000... mother pigs give birth in farrowing crates, in which they cannot even turn around, and have to suckle their piglets through bars. Illegal in Sweden, but true for more than half of Britain’s sows.
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State of the Cage Age by country Percentage of Animals Caged IN EUROPE
1%
-
95%
39%
BANNED
99%
56%
96%
90%
73%
96%
42%
72%
96%
99%
84%
96%
100%
20%
-
95%
86%
-
95%
60%
-
98%
65%
97%
99%
7%
96%
99%
84%
96%
69%
63%
60%
79%
54%
-
98%
62%
97%
94%
87%
96%
90%
96%
-
59%
BANNED
-
82%
97%
96%
100%
18%
40%
99%
87%
96%
44%
93%
96%
88%
60%
-
45%
85%
-
90%
57%
96%
23%
88%
99%
98%
12%
BANNED
BANNED
37%
-
53%
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U P DATE
BIG WINS IN THE
FIGHT AGAINST CAGES Ending the Cage Age has long been a key part of Compassion in World Farming’s work with the food industry. Because of your support, we’ve been able to secure cage-free commitments from major global brands and improve the lives of millions of animals.
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nimal welfare is moving quickly up the corporate agenda as a result of consumer pressure and the work of campaigning organisations like Compassion. Since 2007, our Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards have recognised over 900 companies that have committed to remove cages from their supply chains. In total this will benefit over 73 million animals every year:
TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF MILLIONS Good Egg Award
63.7m hens
739 companies
Good PIG Award
3m pigs
74 companies
Good RABBIT Award
4.6m rabbits
20 companies
Good Pig Production Award (China)
1.8m pigs
55 companies
Good EGG Production Award (China)
291,100 hens
13 companies
Cage-free vision “We value our relationship with Compassion in World Farming and are proud to work closely with them as we continuously improve our animal welfare standards. We were especially proud to win one of the inaugural CageFree Awards in 2017 for our work to remove confinement systems from our supply chain. We have been champions of a ‘cage free’ approach for many years and continue to work hard to find better ways of caring for the livestock in all our supply chains.”
Each individual corporate commitment to free hens, rabbits or pigs from cages, stalls or crates is important. But our End the Cage Age ambition also reaches much further – and extends to all animals. So, in 2017, we launched the Cage-Free Award to encourage food companies to commit to ending the use of ALL cages across their entire range of products. As a result, five leading companies have already pledged to ditch the cage for all animals in their supply chains within five years. These pioneering companies are: The Jamie Oliver Group (global), Pret (global), Whole Foods Market (US), Waitrose (EU) and Marks & Spencer (EU). With your support, our expert team will now work closely with these businesses to ensure they deliver on their promises – and will press others to follow their lead.
John Gregson, Partner & Senior Manager, Agri-Food Communications, Waitrose
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Companies recognised through our Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards
575
million animals
1.78
billion animals Further major pledges made by US and Global food companies
Partnership projects with major food companies
337
million animals
Compassion’s work with food businesses is now set to free a total of 1.78 billion animals each year from cages, overcrowding, or zero grazing. This huge achievement has only been made possible by your support. Thank you!
831
million animals
The cage-free egg scramble One area where peer pressure and consumer power have already had a big impact for animals is in the market for eggs. More and more companies worldwide are now recognising that caging hens is outdated and unwanted by the public. Since 2015, over 200 US companies have pledged to go cage-free on eggs, and a similar wave of commitments has followed in Europe. Amongst those who’ve pledged to end the sale of whole eggs from caged hens, by 2025 or sooner, are: • All the major UK supermarkets that aren’t already cage-free (Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons, Iceland, Lidl and Adsa); • Seven out of the eight leading French supermarkets; and • Food service giants Sodexo, Compass Group and Elior Group. Thanks to you, Compassion has been at the forefront of many of these
commitments – which will free 59 million animals every year from cages. And your ongoing support will be vital as we keep up the pressure to ensure all hens live cage-free lives in the future.
Making cage-free a reality To ensure companies stick to their cage-free promises, Compassion has recently developed ‘EggTrack’. This annual report shows progress against the targets that have been set, encourages transparency and will hold businesses to account if they fail to deliver a higher welfare life for hens. Find out more at ciwf.org.uk/EggTrack Our ground-breaking Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) also publicly ranks the world’s leading food companies on their farm animal welfare policies
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and performance, and provides a framework for improvement, such as reporting on cage-free commitments. Find out more at www.bbfaw.com Both BBFAW and EggTrack can help investors understand the progress of food companies on farm animal welfare, and help drive ethical investment. In turn, they prove to businesses that there are financial – as well as ethical – reasons to improve the lives of animals. And, finally, who can global companies turn to when they want to do the right thing? Compassion’s unique expertise means we can provide scientific evidence, higherwelfare examples, forums for sharing best practice, and ongoing support and advice. Big food businesses have the power to effect change at huge scale, and because of you we are helping to deliver real progress towards industry-wide, cage-free farming.
Together we can, and will, secure a better future for all farm animals.
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ANTIBIOTICS IN FARMING
ON THE BRINK OF FUNDAMENTAL REFORM We are delighted to report that the European Union is set to take a huge step forward on the path to ending factory farming. All thanks to you.
W
ith your help, Compassion has been campaigning in Europe to end the routine ‘prophylactic’ use of antibiotics. This is the medication of healthy animals, often to stop them getting sick in the cruel, stressful, conditions they endure on intensive farms. This campaign is delivered through Compassion’s specialist lobbying work, and through the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics, which Compassion founded alongside our partners, the Soil Association and Sustain. For several years we have been working hard on a proposed EU regulation on Animal Feed. And, thanks to your support, we succeeded in getting this regulation amended to include a ban on routine, prophylactic antibiotic use. But that was only
the beginning of the process. The regulation must pass through a number of committees and votes before it becomes law. The good news is that, on 19th June, the regulation – including our amendment – was agreed upon by the Presidency of the European Council and representatives of the European Parliament. At the time of going to press, the next step is now a Parliamentary vote, before the legislation goes back to the Council for adoption. Once the law is brought into force there will be a multi-year implementation period. But this will mark the end of a long battle to stop inhumane farming systems being propped up by the abuse of antibiotics.
So, whilst there are still some steps to go before the law actually changes, we are closer than we have ever been before! We are confident that, before the end of the year, we will see the adoption of an EU ban on the routine preventative use of antibiotics. A great Christmas present for the farm animals of Europe. The campaign will need to continue, to ensure this change in the use of antibiotics leads to real changes in farming systems. We will also need to ensure the UK implements the ban post-Brexit. However, this new law has immense potential to improve the lives of farm animals. Thank you for all you have done to secure the progress on this crucial issue.
actio n
WISH WE WERE HERE – OR SOMEWHERE KINDER?
I
n the UK, Europe and around the world, factory farms are crammed with suffering chickens – growing too big, too fast. Many dairy cows are confined year-round, unable to roam outside or graze on pasture. Most of the world’s mother pigs suckle their offspring whilst trapped in a narrow cage.
There can be a world in which all chickens have the opportunity to run and flap outdoors. A future where all pigs spend their lives roaming free. A chance for all cows to feel grass beneath their hooves. A reality where all farming works with, not against, the needs of animals and of our planet.
And these are just a few of the harsh realities that we are still facing. Do you often wish we were in a kinder place when it comes to animal farming?
To find out more about how you can make your promise to farm animals with a gift in your Will, please email legacy@ciwf.org.uk or call us on +44 (0)1483 521953 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). We can offer advice, a free legacy pack, and even a Free Wills Service. Our Legacy Team will do all they can to help your kindness change the future.
The good news is that the passionate voices, actions, and generous donations of Compassion supporters are already helping to stop suffering. And there is another way that you can secure a brighter future for all farm animals. By leaving a gift in your Will, you can ensure that your Compassionate values and the fight against cruelty continue way into the future. You’ll ensure that future generations can live on a better, healthier and kinder planet.
Have you left a legacy for farm animals? If you have already left a gift in your Will to fight factory farming, we would love to hear from you. On behalf of the animals, we’d like to thank you properly for your generosity and (if you wish) to share your legacy giving story. Please contact us by email legacy@ciwf.org.uk or call us on +44 (0)1483 521953 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
19
ACTION
WOULD YOU RECOGNISE
A FACTORY-FARMED SAUSAGE? Despite the terrible cruelty of intensive farming, right now there is no legal requirement for labelling to indicate how animals farmed for meat and dairy are reared. But together we can do something about this…
Beware of food labels that tell you nothing!
of the higher welfare eggs, changing the lives of millions of animals.
A shopper standing in front of the meat and dairy section of the grocery store can be overwhelmed by confusing and misleading labels. Packaging may give the impression that animals are treated well when, in reality, they are confined in an intensive farm.
So, why not extend this labelling principle to meat and dairy products?
In summary, we propose a six-tier labelling scheme. This must have clear descriptions of the farming system. Take a look at our infographic opposite to explore the labels we are proposing and what they mean.
Our solution
TAKE ACTION
Thanks to your support so far, Compassion has been able to work with a variety of experts to develop a proposed method of production labelling scheme (see opposite).
The UK government has expressed interest in better labelling, but time is running out to turn this interest into action. If you haven’t already done so, please sign the petition to Michael Gove via ciwf.org.uk/ honestlabelling. Together, we will demand the whole truth.
Consumers simply don’t have the information they need to avoid intensively farmed products – yet 8 out of 10 consumers want to know how farm animals were reared. And, when shoppers do have clear information about animal welfare, the evidence is that they change their buying habits. Take eggs for example: Across the UK and Europe, since 2004 fresh eggs have, by law, been labelled by farming method (Caged, Barn, Free Range or Organic). The result? Consumers now choose to buy more
These labels would be a quick and easy way for shoppers to get an immediate idea of the farming system used to produce meat and dairy products. Every packet or bottle would have to carry one of the labels, allowing buyers to make an informed choice. Assurance scheme labels, like RSPCA Assured or Soil Association, would then provide valuable additional insight, giving a fuller picture of the life of the animal.
The existing egg labelling scheme gives clear evidence that when we are informed, we make higher welfare choices. Ultimately, method of production labelling on all meat and dairy products could improve the lives of billions of farm animals.
A sausage from a pig who was suckled in a cage could be labelled ‘all natural’ or ‘farm fresh’, with packaging showing green fields and trees. In short, it may not be possible to recognise a factory farmed sausage.
INSIGHT
Building a dossier of unclear labels To help make the case, we popped out to the supermarket and collected a snapshot of some labels which we believe are unclear.
Company: Dairylea / Mondelez International Inc. Product type: Cheese
Company: Bernard Matthews Product type: Turkey breast
Company: Richmond (Kerry Group) Product type: Pork sausages
The image on this packet suggests an outdoor environment, and access to grazing. Yet there is no information on the Dairylea website about welfare standards. And neither Mondelez nor Dairylea’s previous owner, Kraft, have a policy specifically requiring that cows are able to graze on pasture.
This image shows grass and is suggestive of an outdoor environment. Yet the Bernard Matthews website states that they only produce free-range turkeys at Christmas time, and these would be labelled free-range.
This image shows grass and trees and is suggestive of an outdoor environment. Yet as they do not have any public information about their welfare standards, there is potential that the pigs have been farmed entirely indoors.
METHOD OF PRODUCTION LABELLING FOR ALL MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS IS… • EMPOWERING FOR CONSUMERS. When consumers have clear labelling, many will make an informed choice to buy higher welfare. • FAIR FOR FARMERS. Farmers working to higher welfare standards will be recognised through clear labelling, and protected from lower welfare products – including imports – that currently benefit from confusing labels.
WITH YOUR SUPPORT, THIS IS THE PROPOSED LABELLING SCHEME WE WILL PUT TO THE GOVERNMENT
Pasture Pasture Fed Fed
Organic Organic
Free Free Range Range
Partially Improved Intensive Partially Improved Intensive Outdoors Indoor Indoor Outdoors Indoor Indoor
CHICKENS Even more space.
More space.
More space. Slower growing breeds.
Least space. Fast growing breeds.
Even more space.
More space.
More space. Avoids fastest growing breeds.
Least space. Fastest growing breeds.
Even more space. Water for swimming and bathing.
More space.
More space. Water for bathing.
Least space. Water only for drinking.
Access to outdoors. Vegetation and bedding provided.
Access to fields. Bedding provided.
No cages. Bedding provided. Access to outdoors.
No cages. Bedding provided.
Mothers caged in crates. Barren environment.
Fed exclusively on grass or other vegetation.
Pasture access whenever conditions allow.
Continuous pasture access for minimum 180 days per year.
Pasture access for minimum 120 days per year.
Continually indoors. Zero grazing.
Fed exclusively on grass or other vegetation
Pasture access when conditions allow. Bedding when housed.
Pasture access when conditions allow. Bedding when housed.
Pasture access at least 4 months per year. Bedding indoors.
Typically barren environment EU only.
TURKEYS
DUCKS
• BETTER FOR RETAILERS. Many retailers have identified providing good information to their customers as a priority, and want to support consumer choice.
PIGS
DAIRY
Find out more about our campaign for honest labelling at ciwf.org.uk/honest-labelling BEEF
(INCLUDING DAIRY BEEF)
21 VEAL AND DAIRY BEEF BULLS
ACTION
CAMPAIGNERS PUT FARM ANIMALS ON THE MAP! All year round, Compassion’s volunteers campaign for farm animals in a host of passionate and creative ways! Our letter-writing club members keep up the pressure on MPs and Defra ministers to take action, whilst others stage powerful events and demonstrations. Here are a few of the wonderful ways that volunteers fought cruel live exports and factory farming in 2018.
d Cheshire an r e st e h c n a M forces ed in jo volunteers s, et afl le t ou to hand d an es ur at gn si gather t live ou ab s raise awarenes transport
volunteers Edinburgh ate to cr a crammed into ffering of su e represent th exported calves
In Newcastle, volunteers took to the city streets for Stop Live Transport: International Awareness Day
areness nteers held an aw lu vo lk fo r No oup ildren’s dance gr t ou day, where a ch ab e in ut ro l werfu performed a po factor y farming
Dublin demonstrators took to the streets to protest against the live export trade
Southampton volunteers held a peaceful vigil and gathered petition signatures
The fantastic Factory Farming Discussion Group at Hereford 6th Form College hosted an educational display to raise awareness of animal suffering Exeter volunteers combined campaigning with a fundraising street collection
ACTION
GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR NEARLY NEW YEAR
ORDERING LAST MINUTE GIFTS? Why not sign up to Give as you Live to raise free funds for Compassion? When you buy your gifts online, 50% of the commission that the retailer pays Give as you Live is passed to your charity of choice. Join at www.giveasyoulive.com
PRE-CHRISTMAS CLEAR-OUT? Clearing out cupboards before Christmas or selling unwanted gifts afterwards? Why not advertise any spare items on eBay and donate a proportion of your profits to help farm animals?
Thinking ahead to your New Year resolutions? Why not fight factory farming by getting sponsored as you get fit, beat that bad habit, or face that fear!
CONTACT US
for fundraising tips and ideas.
Find out more at www.ebay.co.uk
UST CHRISTMAS CARD TR AN EV LL U ’S O R TE THE PE m the sale of the Every year, proceeds fro shared between are Trust’s Christmas cards ties, including six leading welfare chari ming. Far Compassion in World
This year, award-winning British artist Wendy Darker has generously donated her beautiful farm animal artwork for our Christmas cards. Each pack of 10 cards (5 of each design) costs just £5, including UK P&P.
as Eve’, was This year’s card, ‘Christm Watrigant. painted by Hubert de ds with car 10 ins Each pack conta (plus p& p). .00 £8 sts co envelopes and PPY Message inside reads HA
LAST CHANCE TO ORDER YOUR COMPASSIONATE CHRISTMAS CARDS
x 205mm. CHRISTMAS. Size: 150
ing.org or contact Ag visit ww w.thevoiceofrac To place an order, please Y. e Road, London SE21 8D int .org at Red Dot, 63 Rosendal 1 email: mail@ reddotpr 141 33 83 Order Line: 020
CONTACT US today!
nes Zauner
If you would like to support Compassion in any of the ways mentioned here, or have ideas of your own, we are here to help!
E-mail: supporters@ciwf.org Web: ciwf.org.uk/join-in
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 521 953 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
CONTACT US
Write: Compassion in World Farming, River Court, Mill Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1EZ, UK
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r ©2 r ke 018 We n d y D a .uk ww o .w e n d a r ke r. c yd
LET’S
DO THIS.
LET’S
END THE
CAGE AGE!
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.