Dear John,

Today Mercy For Animals released a new undercover investigation. Footage shows why we must fight ag-gag legislation aimed at silencing whistleblowers.

Kentucky lawmakers just voted to pass SB 16, dangerous legislation that would criminalize blowing the whistle on cruelty at factory farms. The bill is now before the Kentucky Governor. If it passes, it could set a dangerous precedent for other states.

Our investigator captured footage at multiple Pilgrim's contract farms in Kentucky in late 2023. It shows Frankenchickens—likely already injured, fragile, and in pain due to breeding for extremely fast growth—being kicked and thrown against metal walls.

Ag-gag laws help enable companies like Pilgrim's to continue treating animals horribly. These laws are designed to keep consumers in the dark about where their food comes from and how farmed animals are treated by making it a crime to document conditions at factory farms and slaughterhouses.

Without undercover investigations, this cruelty would remain hidden behind closed doors.

We must speak out against ag-gag legislation across the country. These dangerous laws violate our constitutional rights and threaten animal welfare, food safety, workers' rights, and the environment.

Animals urgently need your voice. Learn more about what you can do to prevent ag-gag from coming to your state.