Decades from now, children will read about the animal protection movement in their history books. They will learn about the heroes who shined a spotlight on animal abuse and how their footage compelled the world to act.
Become an Undercover Investigator
Not all superheroes wear capes
Hidden Heroes
MFA undercover investigators have a rare courage and an unwavering commitment to ending animal abuse. They serve as the eyes and ears of consumers, who are largely kept in the dark about the cruelty inherent in factory farming. Their vital work builds support for stronger animal protection laws, brings abusers to justice, and pressures companies to end their cruelest practices.
Interested in learning more? Let's chat! Email [email protected].
Current Openings
INVESTIGADOR(A) ENCUBIERTO(A): MÉXICO
Objetivo: Los investigadores deben estar preparados para presenciar una crueldad inimaginable, manteniendo su compostura y el carácter encubierto de su rol, a fin de reunir la información necesaria para exponer y detener el abuso de los animales confinados en granjas. Principales responsabilidades:- Realizar investigaciones exhaustivas sobre diversos asuntos relacionados con las carencias de bienestar de los animales confinados en granjas, las prácticas de explotación animal y las instalaciones donde estas se llevan a cabo.
- Documentar en detalle las condiciones y las prácticas de la industria agropecuaria.
- Mantener registros y comunicarse diariamente con la vicepresidenta de investigaciones, o con quien ella designe, en el curso de las investigaciones.
- Mantener el carácter encubierto y confidencial de su rol en todos los casos y en relación con la información obtenida antes, durante y después de cada caso.
- Mientras se desempeñe como investigador(a) encubierto(a), debe respetar todas las leyes federales, estatales y locales.
- Estar disponible para reunirse con las autoridades y ofrecer su testimonio en todos los procedimientos legales derivados de cada caso.
- Integridad personal, inteligencia, responsabilidad y fortaleza emocional excepcionales.
- Capacidad para trabajar de modo independiente en ambientes física y emocionalmente agotadores.
- Disposición para viajar frecuentemente.
- Capacidad para manejar con discreción los asuntos confidenciales relacionados con los casos.
- Habilidades excepcionales de investigación y organización.
- Conocimiento exhaustivo de los temas relacionados con el bienestar animal y las prácticas de crianza y explotación industrial de animales.
- Compromiso con los objetivos de la organización.
UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATOR: UNITED STATES
Objective: To obtain employment at factory farms and slaughterhouses in order to document conditions. Investigators must be prepared to witness unimaginable cruelty and engage in intense manual labor while maintaining their composure and cover to gather information necessary to expose and stop farmed animal abuse. Primary Responsibilities:
- Conduct thorough research on various farmed animal welfare issues and agricultural practices and facilities
- Apply for and obtain employment in the animal agriculture industry, including factory farms, hatcheries, livestock markets, and slaughterhouses
- Using hidden cameras, thoroughly document conditions and practices in the above-referenced facilities, paying particular attention to animal welfare issues
- Maintain daily records and communications with the director of investigations during the course of investigations
- Review, compile, and transmit footage, photographs, and notes to the director of investigations
- Retain strict cover and confidentiality regarding all cases and any other sensitive information before, during, and after each case
- While undercover, meet or exceed all expectations of the agricultural facility while maintaining cover and following all federal and local laws
- Be available to meet with law enforcement and provide testimony for all legal proceedings resulting from a case
- The highest level of personal integrity, intelligence, responsibility, and intestinal fortitude
- Ability to operate independently in physically and emotionally grueling environments
- Willingness to travel extensively
- Ability to use discretion in confidential matters relating to cases
- Exceptional research and organizational skills
- Thorough knowledge of factory farming, animal husbandry practices, and animal welfare issues
- Commitment to the objectives of the organization
- Multilingualism (strongly preferred)
UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATOR: UNITED STATES: SPANISH SPEAKING
Objective: To obtain employment at factory farms and slaughterhouses in order to document conditions. Investigators must be prepared to witness unimaginable cruelty and engage in intense manual labor while maintaining their composure and cover to gather information necessary to expose and stop farmed animal abuse. Primary Responsibilities:
- Conduct thorough research on various farmed animal welfare issues and agricultural practices and facilities
- Apply for and obtain employment in the animal agriculture industry, including factory farms, hatcheries, livestock markets, and slaughterhouses
- Using hidden cameras, thoroughly document conditions and practices in the above-referenced facilities, paying particular attention to animal welfare issues
- Maintain daily records and communications with the director of investigations during the course of investigations
- Review, compile, and transmit footage, photographs, and notes to the director of investigations
- Retain strict cover and confidentiality regarding all cases and any other sensitive information before, during, and after each case
- While undercover, meet or exceed all expectations of the agricultural facility while maintaining cover and following all federal and local laws
- Be available to meet with law enforcement and provide testimony for all legal proceedings resulting from a case.
- Speak fluent Spanish
- The highest level of personal integrity, intelligence, responsibility, and intestinal fortitude
- Ability to operate independently in physically and emotionally grueling environments
- Willingness to travel extensively
- Ability to use discretion in confidential matters relating to cases
- Exceptional research and organizational skills
- Thorough knowledge of factory farming, animal husbandry practices, and animal welfare issues
- Commitment to the objectives of the organization
IMPACT OF INVESTIGATORS
Investigations have catalyzed efforts to create laws, change corporate policies, and revolutionize the perception of farmed animals. After six MFA undercover investigations, Walmart—the nation’s largest food retailer—announced one of the most comprehensive animal welfare policies ever adopted. In Canada, powerful MFA exposés pushed nearly the entire food industry to phase out the egregiously cruel imprisonment of egg-laying hens, mother pigs, and calves raised for veal.
An MFA investigative video shot at an Ohio dairy farm shows workers stabbing cows with pitchforks and mercilessly beating them with crowbars. Released during an intense campaign by several organizations, the investigation led the Ohio Farm Bureau to finally agree to meet with the groups to draft the farthest-reaching farmed animal welfare reform ever enacted by a state at one time. From the passage of California’s Prop 2 to the defeat of an onslaught of harmful initiatives, time and again investigations have brought voters out and compelled lawmakers to act for animals.
Widespread media coverage of investigations amplifies their impact. Research has found consumer demand for meat significantly decreases when more media attention is focused on farmed animal issues and investigations in particular.
Meet Former investigators
“When I am in the field, what keeps me focused is to remember that we are their only hope.”
—Camilla, an undercover investigator in Brazil