If you follow Animal Outlook’s work, it's no surprise we’re proud of the work our undercover investigators do. These brave people put themselves on the line to expose the truth of what’s happening to animals at agriculture facilities around the country. But as harrowing as these stories are, it can be difficult to grasp exactly what our investigators go through.
When one of our investigators goes undercover at one of our targets like a hatchery, breeding or “grow-out” facility for pigs, dairy or egg producer, or slaughterhouse, they’re away from their family and loved ones for weeks or even months at a time. Isolated in an unknown area, the investigator will work tirelessly to capture the reality of what life is like for animals at that facility. That means witnessing horrific – yet standard – cruelty firsthand; with animals being kicked, punched, thrown, intensively confined, mutilated, neglected, or otherwise abused. Our investigators brave these ordeals for one reason: to expose the truth and empower people to stop buying animal products so future generations of animals won’t have to suffer the same fate.
Sadly, these aren’t the only types of hardships our investigators endure. They, along with other workers at these facilities, often face unsafe working conditions and dangerous scenarios. In fact, one of our latest investigations into a broiler chicken facility contracted to Tyson Foods revealed that the ammonia readings inside the chicken sheds reached nearly toxic levels. Our investigators have suffered breathing problems, fevers, extreme pain, and even a broken bone, all in the quest to get the animals’ plight on video.
Despite all the risks, undercover investigations remain the most critical tool we have to show the world what farmed animals actually go through. And the work is creating results - our undercover investigations have reached millions of people and inspired them to take action by changing their own diet and bringing vegan eating into the mainstream, and garnered legal and campaign victories against the industry at both the state and federal level, holding corporations accountable for the cruel systems they have created.
Left: Scott David, formerly an undercover investigator and now serving as the Director of Investigations at River's Wish Animal Sanctuary
Right: Erin Wing, formerly an undercover investigator and now serving as the Deputy Director of Investigations at Saving Grace Animal Sanctuary
Along with choosing a cruelty-free vegan diet, supporting our undercover investigators is a uniquely powerful action you can take to have a direct impact on future generations of farmed animals. When you make a monthly gift today, you’ll become a part of our Animal Impact Makers team, a vital support system for our investigators in the field. What’s more, your first gift will be matched, dollar for dollar, doubling your impact for September.
Our investigators are true heroes in every sense of the word — yet because of the nature of their jobs, they must keep their names and faces away from the spotlight. You can send a message to our investigators, letting them know how much you appreciate their painstaking work, bravery and dedication to building a kinder world.
As a non-profit organization, Animal Outlook relies on donations from caring, generous people like you. Every dollar matters. Your support makes a world of difference to farmed animals.
