December 2020

Exposing Cruelty to Pigs

Brazil

A Mercy For Animals investigator exposed a pig slaughterhouse in Brazil operated by JBS, the world’s largest meat company. Hidden-camera footage uncovered pigs painfully electrocuted and bled to death.

This investigation also exposes several hog farms in south and southeast Brazil—including one JBS supplier—and some of the worst standard practices in the pork industry. The investigator documented animals living in extremely dirty concrete pens and suffering from injuries and illnesses, such as damaged limbs, tremors, dizziness, and trouble breathing.

Capturing Abuse at a Livestock Auction

A Mercy For Animals whistleblower revealed animals sold like objects at an auction yard. Footage shows cows crowded closely together in trucks, shocked with electric prods, and forced to endure transport and auction yards in extreme temperatures. Some suffered severe frostbite. Others froze to death aboard trucks.

Uncovering Amazon Destruction

Brazil

Narrated by actor and environmental activist Calum Worthy, a new Mercy For Animals video reveals the destructive impact of cattle ranching on the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

We also released a comprehensive report, with compelling data and high-resolution satellite images, that shows the connection between demand for beef and destruction of the Amazon.

Highlighting Vegetarianism in Brazil

Brazil

Vegetarianism is soaring in Brazil, according to a recent New York Times article. One reason for this is “an increasingly visible animal rights movement.” Sandra Lopes, our former managing director for Brazil, discusses the impact of undercover investigations and partnerships between Mercy For Animals and public schools that agree to serve less meat.

Publishing in Renowned Brazilian Magazine

Brazil

For the first time, Alimentação Consciente Brasil published content in a renowned magazine—Veja Saúde. This is the third-largest monthly magazine in Brazil. Our article, published in the December edition, promoted the public health benefits of meat reduction and plant-based eating.

Eliminating Cages and Reducing Suffering

Mexico, United States

Mi Mercadito, a retailer in Yucatán, Mexico, committed to ending its use of eggs from caged hens.

Whole Foods Market became the first major U.S. retailer to fully align with the Better Chicken Commitment. The company expanded its existing commitment, agreeing to transition to controlled-atmosphere stunning for fresh, prepared, and private-label chicken by 2026. Mercy For Animals supported partner organizations in securing this progress.

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.