I have.

It’s like someone’s pulled back the curtain on this secret world that you’re not supposed to be seeing. You realize that living beings are inside, and your heart sinks. You sort of squint and hope it’s not real. You almost hope the animals are already dead and no longer suffering. And then you see a feather flutter, or a wing move, and you try to breathe through it.

I know this is graphic stuff. But I’m sharing it to emphasize that the abuse chickens endure in our food system—from birth to slaughter—is absolutely unacceptable.

Despite representing the vast majority of animals who are slaughtered, chickens have been intentionally excluded from the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. 

You don’t usually hear from me, but my work as an organizer—on the ground, adding pressure, building community—wouldn’t be possible without your generosity.

At THL, we’re playing the long game and the short game. On the one hand, we’re fighting for long-term legislative change that will protect animals for years to come. On the other, we’re pushing for tangible change for animals now, influencing powerful corporations to make and keep their animal welfare commitments. We’re truly fighting on both fronts. And it would be impossible without you.

As we approach World Farm Animals Day on October 2, I wanted to write to you to emphasize that you are the greatest line of defense—and source of progress—for these vulnerable animals. Laws don’t always protect them. Corporations are shelling out billions of dollars in lobbying and advertising to make sure they can keep torturing animals for profit.

But you’re here, fighting for animals you’ve never even met. And that’s something to be really proud of.

If I can leave you with one thing, it’s that you’re creating real change for millions of animals who would otherwise be ignored. Thank you for acknowledging the living beings hidden away from public view. Thank you for caring about them.

Thank you for bringing them to light.

For the animals,

P.S. Want to make a real impact for the individuals suffering from cruelty and injustice on factory farms? With one-time gifts being matched, and monthly gifts matched for the first three months, there’s truly no better time to make a gift (of any amount!) than right now. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you for considering it.