Hello! Here you can find the November updates from Animal Equality in all the countries in which we operate. We hope that you find it helpful and inspiring. We will also include our current job openings, knowing that we can count on your support to share them with the people you think might be a perfect fit for the role!
Below you will find November updates:
Animal Equality - UK
MEPs join call for UK ban on foie gras imports
Sponsored by Ruth Jones MP, Animal Equality hosted a Parliamentary event calling for the Labour Party to fulfil its electoral promise and ban the UK’s importation of foie gras made by force-feeding. Speakers included French Michelin-starred chef, Alexis Gauthier; cross-party MPs; and trade expert, Adolfo Sansolini. We also showcased a powerful video from Members of the European Parliament expressing support from key European trading partners.
Animal Equality and WildFish take UK government to court over labelling change
On 27th November, NGOs Animal Equality UK and WildFish called on two judges to reverse the Government’s decision to remove ‘farmed’ from Scottish salmon ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ labels, over fears of misleading consumers and exacerbating purchasing confusion. Represented by Advocates for Animals, and barrister Nicholas Baldock, we put forward a compelling case and now await the judges’ verdict.
Guest lecture at Leeds Beckett University
Animal Equality UK’s Executive Director was invited to deliver a lecture to students at Leeds Law School about the ‘Enforcement Problem’ across UK farms. This issue has been evidenced over decades by covert investigations conducted by Animal Equality and fellow organisations, whereby the laws that are in place are not properly enforced on the ground. We spoke of our work in exposing and solving this issue, through investigations, media attention, and legal advocacy. We also took the opportunity to encourage students to reduce or eliminate animal products from their diets, and dedicate their careers to advocating on behalf of farmed animals.
Animal Equality - Italy
Protests against cruelty in slaughterhouses
On 15th November, Animal Equality Italy held a powerful protest outside the regional government headquarters in Milan. Supported by over 100 activists, the demonstration demanded accountability and stricter oversight of the pig slaughterhouse investigated in our recent exposé. The event drew the attention of journalists, regional politicians, and even public figures, amplifying our call for justice. The action followed two impactful protests at the end of October —one outside the local ATS office and another outside the city hall where the slaughterhouse operates.
Advancing transparency in animal welfare legislation
Alongside the Italian coalition End the Cage Age, Animal Equality pushed for a groundbreaking ‘cage-free’ labeling system for animal products. Although initially rejected, we’re actively advocating for its reconsideration by Italian institutions. This labeling would empower consumers to make informed decisions while exposing the conditions in which animals are raised.
Continued action for male chicks
In Italy, a 2022 law to end the mass killing of male chicks has yet to be fully enacted. This month, Animal Equality launched new actions to urge the government to implement the necessary measures. Politicians have begun raising questions in parliament, pressing for clarity and timely enforcement. On Thursday, we were in Rome for a flash mob to amplify this campaign and demand immediate action. Our efforts aim to ensure that millions of male chicks are no longer killed each year.
Animal Equality - Brazil
Varanda has shared with Animal Equality Brazil that it's now 100% cage-free. The company ended its last purchase of non cage-free eggs last week. The company has completed the transition four years in advance of the original 2028 deadline.
Animal Equality Protests against Selina, Blue Tree and Bourbon Hotels
With the support of our network of volunteers and activists, we carried out an awareness action in front of the Blue Tree hotel on 10th November. The action is part of our campaign urging Bourbon Hotéis & Resorts, Selina and Blue Tree Hotels to adopt cage-free commitments. In addition to delivering our message to the companies, we also had the opportunity to engage with hotel guests, further expanding the reach and impact of the campaign.
To celebrate World Vegan Day (1st November), the Love Veg project in Brazil has launched the free ebook ‘Volta ao Mundo com o Love Veg’ (Around the World with Love Veg). This collection features 24 recipes of traditional dishes from all the countries where the project is present, all in their vegan versions. Discover the flavors of India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Spain, and, of course, Brazil. Our country is represented by iconic recipes like coxinha, feijoada, and the beloved ‘brigadeiro’ for dessert.
On 9th November, we held a street event on Avenida Paulista in São Paulo to raise awareness about the harsh conditions hens face in egg production. During the event, we showcased an Animal Equality investigation and invited participants to try cakes and savory snacks traditionally made with eggs—but in fully vegan versions. We also promoted the Love Veg recipe ebook, filled with 20 delicious, animal-free recipe options. To increase our reach on social media, we partnered with an influencer who helped share the event and its powerful message.
Animal Equality - US
Animal Equality holds eight nationwide protests against Aldi
Animal Equality took its Aldi campaign nationwide with protests calling out the corporation for its lack of animal protection policies. In its home country of Germany, Aldi does not use cages for pigs or hens. Still, they continue to allow this practice in the U.S. From Chicago to St. Louis to Ohio and beyond, this month brings the organization to 15 demonstrations in its strong campaign to end these double standards.
Hirings:
- Undercover Investigator (full-time, remote, exempt)
- Operations Manager (full-time; remote, but Greater Los Angeles, CA; exempt)
Igualdad Animal - Spain
Animal Equality documented the death of animals on farms affected by DANA
Our investigation revealed over 1,000 drowned hens on an egg farm impacted by DANA. The industry’s failure to implement evacuation protocols or ensure facilities safeguard animals highlights a grave lack of responsibility. We demand action to prevent such tragedies in future disasters.
Inviting people to try plant-based dairy on World Vegan Day in Spain
Animal Equality volunteers distributed over 500 recipe books with dairy alternatives in Madrid, Barcelona, and Murcia. We encouraged people to explore plant-based food by joining our Love Veg program.
Cannibalism and Gangrene: We Expose Two Pig Farms in Huesca and Zaragoza
The farms located in Ontiñena, Huesca, and Alfamén, Zaragoza, are allegedly linked to major Spanish pork industry companies that hold animal welfare certifications. Animal Equality has reported these incidents, which constitute serious and very serious violations of animal welfare and animal health regulations.
Animal Equality calls for the mandatory presence of a veterinarian.
Animal Equality Foundation is calling for the mandatory presence of veterinarians to remain a requirement in Spain's draft Royal Decree on surveillance obligations for livestock farms. The foundation has submitted contributions during the public consultation process for the draft Royal Decree, which establishes the framework for the development of EU animal health regulations regarding the surveillance responsibilities of farm owners. In its submission, Animal Equality warns of the significant setback posed by the measures outlined in the draft, highlighting the risks to animal welfare and public health.
Hirings:
- Digital Marketing Coordinator (Full-time, hybrid, applications accepted on a rolling basis)
Igualdad Animal - Mexico
Animals to the Constitution!: Mexico's Chamber of Deputies and Senate approve historic reforms to protect animals in the Constitution
In a historic move, Mexico's Chamber of Deputies and Senate have unanimously approved reforms to include animals in the country's Constitution, establishing a duty to protect their welfare. This landmark decision marks a significant step in recognizing animal rights within Mexico's legal framework.
The next step is the official proclamation by the President of Mexico, followed by the publication of the reforms in the Diario Oficial de la Federación, which will formalize their entry into force. With this milestone, Mexico is taking an essential step toward improving animal welfare, opening the door to new regulations that will ensure their protection across various sectors.
Oaxaca, Mexico approves its first animal protection law
Thanks to Animal Equality's efforts, Oaxaca state joins Hidalgo and Colima in advancing animal protection. The new law protects farmed animals while on farms, regulating cage-free production, banning forced feeding, and prohibiting fasting hens. It will impact nine million animals annually.
Love Veg celebrates World Vegan Day in Mexico
Animal Equality and Love Veg organized events in Mexico City and Guadalajara to promote plant-based and volunteering for animals. Activities included iAnimal (virtual reality) at a university in Mexico City, a Love Veg workshop on meat alternatives for dietetics students at a university in Jalisco, and a volunteer training session focused on effective activism.
Animal Equality - India
Love Veg India
As a part of our Love Veg campaign, we proudly presented to 800 students in Pune on why and how to enjoy more plant-based food.
Cage-free eggs transition
Animal Equality has been persuading egg producers to adopt a cage-free housing system for hens. In November we persuaded three egg producers impacting 4,500 hens.
Animal Equality - Germany
Animal Equality files criminal charges against those responsible for the veterinary office after undercover investigation
In June Animal Equality published its longest undercover investigation to date into one of Germany's largest pig farms. Now the latest information on the major animal welfare scandal reveals years of inaction on the part of the responsible veterinary office. An inspection in early 2020 revealed massive failings at the site in Kleindemsin, Saxony-Anhalt, but little action was taken. This suggests that mother pigs and piglets have been suffering and dying for years in conditions that violate animal welfare. Animal Equality has now filed a criminal complaint against the relevant veterinary authorities.
Successful animal advocacy at the VeggieWorld trade fair in Germany
At the VeggieWorld trade show in Germany, which attracted around 6,000 visitors, we offered people to experience the realities of farmed animals with our Virtual Reality project iAnimal. In addition, we distributed Love Veg flyers and pre-Christmas calendars featuring international recipes, offering daily inspiration for a cruelty-free holiday season. Our Director delivered a compelling keynote addressing the latest undercover investigation into one of Germany's largest pig farms. The talk highlighted the ‘Love Veg’ program as a practical solution to combat animal suffering, emphasizing how everyone can take immediate action through plant-based choices.
Hirings:
- Online Marketing Specialist (Full-time, remote within Germany, applications accepted on a rolling basis)
For all the vacancies listed above: you can find more information inside each link, please share them if you know someone who would be perfect for the role!
Animal Equality is an international organization working with society, governments, and companies to end cruelty to farmed animals. Learn more about our work: https://animalequality.org/
Thank you for all the important work that you’re carrying out for animals.
