January 2021
The year kicked off with major progress on our efforts to prevent slaughter-line speeds from increasing.
We also launched two new resources: an online tool to evaluate international opportunities for farmed animal initiatives and a report on the economic state of farming in the United States.
Stopping a Harmful Proposed Federal Rule
United States
A dangerous federal rule that would have sped up slaughter-line speeds for chickens in the United States has been withdrawn. Mercy For Animals vigorously opposed this rule along with a powerful coalition.
Most recently, in December of 2020 we met with the Office of Management and Budget and urged them not to move forward with the rule. While withdrawal of this rule means line speeds will not permanently increase for all chicken slaughterhouses at this time, more work needs to be done. Currently, chicken slaughterhouses can apply for waivers to operate at faster line speeds. Efforts are underway to change this.
Collaborating with State Legislators
United States
Mercy For Animals worked with state legislators in New York and Connecticut to introduce bills that would reduce the quantity of animal products procured in each state.
The New York bill would require the state to estimate greenhouse gas emissions of food purchased by the state government and establish a goal to reduce emissions from this food by 25 percent by 2030. The bill text adds, “Reducing food waste and shifting procurement to plant-forward foods are high-impact climate solutions that will decrease the State’s emissions.”
Exploring the Economic State of Farming
United States
We released a 28-page fact sheet highlighting the economic state of U.S. farming. The document explores land use for farming, farmer demographics, prevalence and implications of contract farming, and much more. We believe the data will help us illustrate the harmful effects of farming animals—on our planet, animals, and people.
Serving Plant-Based Food at Super Bowl Events
United States
After discussions with policymakers in Tampa on opportunities to increase plant-based meals in the city, the local Tampa Bay Super Bowl host committee said they would offer a plant-based meal at committee-organized hospitality events associated with the Super Bowl.
Introducing a New Advocacy Tool
United States
Mercy For Animals launched our Farmed Animal Opportunity Index, an interactive new tool to help animal advocates evaluate opportunities for international expansion. The tool uses data to score countries on the likelihood that farmed-animal protection work will succeed there.
Supporting Black Activists
United States
We distributed funds to Black activists working to build a compassionate plant-based food system through our first People’s Fund grants. The People’s Fund is a way to support Black activists whose work both reduces animal suffering and helps communities thrive. The People’s Fund provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 (USD) to Black activists in the U.S. animal protection movement or related movements. Meet the 2020 grant recipients.
Building a Movement
Brazil, United States, Mexico
We believe that the world’s mightiest institutions will heed the call to reform when it comes from powerful and interconnected communities. That’s why our supporters are so important.
10
Volunteer Hours Logged
Brazil: none this month
Mexico: none this month
United States: 10
0
Online Volunteer Actions Completed
Brazil: none this month
Mexico: none this month
United States: none this month
28
Active Volunteer Communities
Brazil: 22
Mexico: 0
United States: 6
Growing Our Global Capacity
Through investigations and public engagement, Mercy For Animals opens eyes and hearts to the suffering farmed animals endure. Our videos, websites, and print resources empower people to join our mighty movement.
16.6 MILLION
Social Media Impressions
Mexico: 339,284
Brazil: 5.4 million
United States: 10.9 million
1.1 MILLION
Online Video Views
Mexico: 65,030
Brazil: 386,485
United States: 719,420
10,185
One-Minute Facebook Video Views
Mexico: 5,700
Brazil: 687
United States: 3,798
1
Media Hit in Top 50 Outlets
Mexico: none this month
Brazil: none this month
United States: 1
46
Media Mentions
Mexico: 1
Brazil: none this month
United States: 45
New Videos Produced This Month
Social Justice + Veganism Ep. 5: Urban Farming
Plant Based Papi Opens in Portland
The New USDA Dietary Guidelines Raise Some Issues
VIEW OUR YEAR-TO-DATE PROGRESS AT
MERCYFORANIMALS.ORG/IMPACT
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“What keeps me focused is to remember that we are their only hope.”
—Camilla, an undercover investigator in Brazil