In November of 2018, a gut-wrenching video by a Compassion Over Killing investigator revealed to millions of consumers the truth behind the USDA’s high-speed chicken slaughter program, which provides plants with waivers allowing them to increase already dangerously fast kill line speeds from 140 to 175 birds per minute—nearly three birds every second. A requirement of this waiver is that …
As it stands, Taco Bell might be the most vegan-friendly fast food chain in the United States, with seemingly endless ways to veganize menu items. And in 2019, the chain is taking that one step further. In its new seven commitments for 2019, Taco Bell announced a resolution to test a dedicated vegetarian menu with some brand new items, including …
Plant-based dairy alternatives face pressure from the FDA As the dairy industry flexes its lobbying muscle to urge the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to restrict plant-based companies from labeling their products “milk,” “cheese” and “yogurt,” it seems the federal agency is bowing to the pressure. The FDA currently seeks public comments on this issue. Today, on National Milk Day, …
After years of free speech suppression in Iowa, a federal court has struck down the Iowa Ag-Gag law as unconstitutional. Declared a violation of the first amendment by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, this law, which criminalizes undercover investigations in animal agribusiness–including factory farms, slaughterhouses, and puppy mills–has been in place since 2012. Since the …
In a big win for animals, yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court let stand three important laws: California and Massachusetts’ bans on cage confinement, and California’s foie gras ban. Foie Gras California originally enacted a ban on foie gras — diseased and abnormally enlarged liver produced by inhumanely force-feeding ducks and geese — in 2012. The law imposes a fine of …
January 5th is National Bird Day — a day to celebrate our feathered friends of all types. So today, we’re bringing attention to the land animal most killed for food: the chicken. Did you know? Chickens have sophisticated social orders. Like humans, they build relationships, distinguish between individuals, use logic, and even plan ahead. They’re also good at math! Also …
In response to growing demand for compassionate and accessible vegan fast-food options, McDonald’s has launched a brand new vegan Happy Meal in UK stores. Working with the Vegetarian Society and a group of mothers wanting an option for vegetarian and vegan kids, the fast-food chain developed a new wrap filled with lettuce and red pesto goujon. It can be paired …
Just before the New Year, Maddie Cartwright received an urgent call. A factory farm had gone bankrupt with 40,000 “broiler” chicks in its care. Already starving, dehydrated, and many with injuries from enduring overcrowded conditions and neglect, the farm was planning to kill them or just leave them there to die. Some, in fact, were already dead. Cartwright immediately mobilized …
Abuse of birds in McDonald’s supply chain illuminated by Times Square ad As thousands descended upon Times Square to ring in the New Year, the crowd saw an eye-opening billboard from a coalition of animal protection organizations including Animal Outlook, Animal Equality, The Humane League, World Animal Protection and Mercy For Animals. This powerful ad exposes fast-food giant McDonald’s and …