Tomorrow, as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Animal Outlook’s Executive Director Cheryl Leahy, we want to say thank you and congratulations to her for years of tireless work to make the world a better place for farmed animals. 

Cheryl joined Animal Outlook in 2006 as general counsel, using her legal expertise to stand up for animals in the courts. She is now Animal Outlook’s executive director, a role in which she guides the strategic direction of the organization, focusing on the use of undercover investigations as a mechanism for high-impact advocacy, targeting the abuse of farmed animals through proactive litigation, and bringing vegan into the mainstream.

Will you join us in saying thank you and congratulations to Cheryl?

We asked Cheryl about Animal Outlook’s top 15 highlights from her time so far here. Here’s five of the most memorable achievements Cheryl told us about -- to read more about all 15 highlights from 15 years, click through to our blog post. 

• We’ve done so many powerful and heartbreaking investigations in the last 15 years. One that holds a special place for me is the investigation of Cal-Cruz Hatcheries in 2009, which exposed shocking abuses of newly-hatched chicks and ducklings. This investigation and subsequent lawsuit led to the rescue of dozens of ducklings and a settlement ensuring the permanent closure of this facility.

• In 2015, we investigated Hormel’s Quality Pork Processors. At the time, this facility was one of five pig slaughterhouses in the U.S. operating under a USDA pilot program allowing for high-speed slaughter of pigs (up to 1,300 pigs per hour). Our investigation showed animals beaten, shocked, dragged, and improperly stunned before going into the scalding tank. In late 2019, we filed a lawsuit challenging high speed pig slaughter and its nationwide expansion, which would cause the extreme suffering of millions of additional pigs. In 2021, the court rejected an attempt by the USDA to dismiss the lawsuit, so we are still actively litigating.

• In 2006, we released video footage from our investigation at Esbenshade, an egg factory farm, resulting in the farm owner and manager each being charged with 35 counts of animal cruelty. These were the first ever charges filed for neglect at a commercial battery egg facility.

• We have brought veganism to the mainstream through corporate engagement. Our work with large corporations has led to the introduction of a fully vegan menu item at Starbucks in 2020.