By Jasmin
As we reflect on progress made for farm animals in 2009, it’s inspiring to look back on our victories and accomplishments. Farm animal issues are solidly on the map, pro-animal legislation is popping constantly, and wherever you turn, people are discovering veganism. Here are some highlights from our campaigns that have propelled farm animal protection forward in 2009:
In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture closed a loophole allowing cows too sick to walk or stand into the human food supply; we’re now petitioning the Obama Administration to protect other downed animals as part of our 20+ year running No Downers Campaign.
In April, we launched the Truth Behind Labels Campaign along with a groundbreaking report which serves to educate consumers about the reality of food labeling schemes and to advocate for transparency in animal welfare standards.
In May, the governor of Maine signed a bill prospectively banning gestation and veal crates, progressing our Anti-Confinement Campaign. Then, in October, the Michigan legislature passed a bill prospectively banning gestation crates, veal crates, and battery cages.
In July, Farm Sanctuary’s Green Foods Resolution Campaign was off to a great start when the Big Apple introduced the NYC “Foodprint,” calling on New Yorkers to eat lower on the food chain. The campaign has since gone national, and in November, Signal Mountain, Tennessee was the first place in the country to pass a Green Foods resolution.
And, throughout the year, our Veg for Life Campaign distributed more than 100,000 pieces of literature, and more restaurants, like Cruzer Pizza in L.A., introduced vegan options on their menus.
We certainly can’t speak of our victories without a nod to all of our rescues and media outreach activities that change the hearts and minds of people every day. This beautiful slideshow showcases many more victories and rescues this year with a very special thank you to our members, and I would encourage you to watch it!
At our first NYC Celebration FOR the Turkeys, author of the bestselling book Eating Animals, Jonathan Safran Foer, spoke with insight about his journey in seeing animals in a new light, a journey that started at Farm Sanctuary.
So many journeys start at Farm Sanctuary. From our first rescued animal, Hilda, to the thousands of animals who have found refuge with us since then; from the new vegan who was touched by one of the animal residents’ stories, to the new activist who can’t not do something. My journey also started at Farm Sanctuary: I became a vegan and an activist after seeing footage from Farm Sanctuary, and I became an employee after volunteering to coordinate the NYC Walk.
Each day, my colleagues and I are moved and inspired by you, our supporters. Reviewing some of the victories from the past year reaffirms that we are making change for farm animals. With each step, we’re working toward one common goal: to end animal cruelty.
I look forward to continuing this journey together in 2010.
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