Today, we recognize the incredible achievements of Cheryl Leahy, who is stepping down as Animal Outlook’s Executive Director after 18 impactful years at Animal Outlook. She will continue serving us as a member of the board. Cheryl has been a powerhouse in the farmed animal rights movement, and we are deeply grateful for her leadership and dedication.
Cheryl joined Animal Outlook in 2006, leading our Legal Advocacy program, using undercover investigations and litigation to expose systemic abuse of farmed animals. After becoming Executive Vice President in 2019, then Executive Director in 2020, Cheryl has steered the organization’s strategic direction, focusing on high-impact advocacy and culture change.
Here’s just a few of the many Animal Outlook highlights under Cheryl’s leadership:
2006 - Esbenshade Farms: First-ever trial for neglect at a commercial egg facility, based on our investigation of a battery egg company, where we secured 69 animal cruelty charges.
2009 - Cal-Cruz Hatcheries: Investigation of a hatchery in Santa Cruz exposed abuse of chicks, leading to the first-ever lawsuit using unfair competition law based on an investigation, where we won a settlement ensuring the permanent closure of the hatchery.
2011 - Dairy Price-Fixing Lawsuit: Created case concept for a lawsuit against the majority of the dairy industry for a price-fixing scheme that inflated milk prices by killing young cows, leading to a $53 million settlement for consumers.
2013 - Quanah Cattle: Investigation drove criminal cruelty charges against three abusers of newborn calves. Our investigator won “whistleblower of the year” and the “Patty Shenker Animal Rights Activist” awards for her brave work.
2014 - Pilgrim’s Investigation: Exposed killing birds by burying them alive, which sparked public outrage and shut down the facility.
2016 - Tyson Foods: Investigation ended the cruel practice of “nose bones,” where a plastic rod is inserted through the nostrils of male chickens to prevent their access to food and growth, and led to first-ever trial for broiler chickens over 24 animal cruelty charges.
2017 - Superior Farms: Largest U.S. lamb slaughterhouse investigation exposed widespread abuse, so we sued under the Federal False Claims Act - and won.
2017 - Farm Transitions: Launched a program to assist farmers to transition their facilities from animal to plant farming, with our first farm success expected to be launched within the coming months.
2019 - Salmon Aquaculture Expose: Conducted the first-ever undercover investigation of salmon aquaculture in the U.S. revealing senseless violence at Cooke Aquaculture in Maine. And we sued - and are still fighting in the Maine courts.
2020 - Martin Farms. Investigation of dairy supplying Nestle, the world’s biggest food company, revealed abuse so widespread we asked for 327 cruelty charges to be filed. Nestle dropped the supplier and added new vegan options. We took the dairy to court for cruelty, resulting in the strongest-ever U.S. appellate decision on animal cruelty in commercial operations, reinforcing that cruelty to farmed animals is covered by the criminal law, including where there is an exemption for normal practices, and ordering prosecution.
2021 - Life of an Animal Video Series: Launched a video series that takes viewers on an intimate journey through the lives of farmed animals from birth to slaughter using real-life footage from our investigations.
2022: Bravo Packing Guilty Plea: Undercover video of a cow and horse slaughterhouse showing a cow too sick to stand, dragged and shot multiple times while remaining conscious. We took them to court - getting the highest possible fine against the owner for criminal animal cruelty.
2023 - Jannat Farm: Investigated a Tyson supplier, revealing systemic neglect and cruelty, leading to 17 animal cruelty charges against the owner and manager and guilty pleas on three of these charges so far.
2024 - Animal Outlook Network: A new website and e-learning platform designed using science-backed principles that helps people become impactful and effective advocates for animals.
2024 - Foster Farms investigation. Our newest investigation revealing brutal cruelty at Foster Farms in California, Stay tuned for what we can accomplish with this.
Cheryl’s legacy is one of transformative change for animals, and we thank her for her tireless commitment and continued dedication on Animal Outlook’s board of directors.
We, along with the animals, thank you, Cheryl. We have made significant strides toward building a vegan world and are excited to bring us even closer to that reality as we continue our fight.
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.
