Inside the Humane Slaughterhouse
Published August 17, 2009 @ 07:22AM PT
I saw the link being circulated sometime in the last couple months. I couldn't get past the first few seconds at that time. But last night, a fellow animal advocate used the link to the video in our #oink efforts on Twitter, and I finally made myself watch. Be warned: it's brief (under 2 minutes long), but it's graphic. It's also standard. These actually aren't the worst of the horrors that animal-using industries insist are rare, and this certainly isn't a long, comprehensive video showing everything from transport to dismemberment, or even showing what happens to all the different categories of animals (e.g., the hellish slaughterhouse experience of chickens is not shown here). Rather, this is barely a snippet of what's legal and "humane." And it's what ultimately happens to all farmed animals, whether they're raised for their flesh, their milk, their eggs, or their wool. Video, photo, and investigation courtesy of the always active, always dedicated Igualdad Animal/Animal Equality. (And the post continues after the video.)
Explore helpful, compassionate websites such as this one if you're ready to not be a part of this anymore. And keep an eye on the Friday Food roundups on this blog for all sorts of ideas for compassionate, animal-friendly meals and snacks.
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Comments (35)
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Author
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Stephanie is an independent animal rights advocate, a vegan, a tree-hugging environmentalist, and a freelance editor and writer. She lives in St. Louis with an aging corgi-lab and an adolescent rescued pit bull.
Well... I lasted 40 seconds - that's all I can allow myself to watch. But of course as soon as I opened the page - the image of that lovely cow under your title had my eyes welled with tears. She is so beautiful #4002; but what an ugly world she has been thrust into. :(
Posted by Bea Elliott on 08/17/2009 @ 05:06PM PT
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her brow is furrowed, she knows what's coming...
Posted by Lisa Smolen on 08/18/2009 @ 07:01AM PT
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I noticed that immediately. Those who can not decipher that knowing anguish are not as evolved as this gentle creature. Those who choose to ignore the facial expressions of this innocent living being are not deserved of slaughtering and consuming her. The basic need to respect god's creatures is lacking in consumers who expect immediate gratification to their wants while the most fundamental considerations for animals never cross their minds.
Appalling. A reflection of today's society. We are less advanced today than cave men in this respect.
Posted by Jade Golden on 08/19/2009 @ 11:12PM PT
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Oh My God..l Had NO IDEA. I thought that they gave them an injection and put them to sleep like in a humane way like they do before a surgery. It made me sick to my stomach. I WILL NEVER EAT PORk,STEAK, TURKEY, CHICKEN, or anything that comes from an animal ever again. I had NO IDEA that they butchered them like that and still alive at that. OH MY GOD! ANd to that that I even took part in something like that by buying the products and putting money into their pockets and bussiness. NEVER AGAIN! OH it hurts my soul! How do the sleep at night? That should be illegal to treat the animal like that. Isn't that animal abuse????
Posted by Deborah "Dusty" Debandi on 08/22/2009 @ 11:39AM PT
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Dear Deborah,
I couldn't watch it, because I knew what was coming. But I'm sure glad you watched it, because you didn't know. How many others in this world are as "clueless" (I mean that in a nice way!) as you were? How many others could be reached and touched as you were? How many others would respond to their revulsion by acting upon it, as you say you intend to do?
Let us know how we can help you make the transition to meatless meals. And let us know if you need help being directed to websites and blogs that will explain why dairy and egg production and the slaughter of those animals are equally appalling, ok?
I can't wait for you to feel the peace and freedom that will come to your heart and soul when you take this morally courageous step of putting the animals' interests above your own.
Yay, Deborah -- and gratitude from all the animals!
Posted by Olivia White on 08/22/2009 @ 12:14PM PT
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I couldn't watch it. This is the reason I became a vegan
Posted by Gina Tascoffs on 08/17/2009 @ 10:47PM PT
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I think this video is very important for those who have never had the gutts to see from where their meat comes, but I can't bear to watch another - I'm like Bea above- that lovely lovely doomed cow under the title broke my heart - again.
Posted by Netanya Nathan on 08/18/2009 @ 05:10AM PT
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I can't watch this video, this is the reason I became vegan. Thank you for posting this, thank you for doing the immensley difficult work you do every day. I will be reposting this for others to see, even if they don't watch the video at least a seed will be planted in their head so that maybe they will begin thinking of the cruelty in their lives and the idea of veganism and compassion can take hold.
Posted by The Voracious Vegan . on 08/18/2009 @ 05:59AM PT
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I can't watch today, just not emotionally prepared enough. I've seen too many slaughter videos - why i became vegetarian all those years ago, why i'm vegan now...
PLEASE post more videos like this, keep the shock factor up, then those who keep touting "humane" slaughter will be forced to explain why this is still acceptable to them.
Posted by Lisa Smolen on 08/18/2009 @ 06:59AM PT
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A nightmare society. Dystopia reigns.
We must stay strong and battle the wrong - this is morally insane.
Posted by Jade Golden on 08/18/2009 @ 08:56PM PT
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I had watched 30 - 40 seconds and just watching this i welled up with tears and have turned totally vegitarian i am sorry if this is what happens just for me to eat meat i don't need meat that bad
Posted by Elektra sky on 08/20/2009 @ 05:52AM PT
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It's wonderful that you're willing to take this step! I know that these kinds of videos can be really difficult to watch, and you deserve kudos for even being brave enough to watch with an open heart and mind. There are lots and lots of resources (and a vibrant, helpful community) out there ready to help you separate yourself from the slaughterhouse and go vegan, whether immediately or gradually. Please let us know if you need any advice or recommendations!
Posted by Stephanie Ernst on 08/20/2009 @ 06:19AM PT
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And actually, there are several links listed at the the following action that you might find helpful while making the transition: http://animalrights.change.org/actions/view/go_vegan_2
Good luck! :)
Posted by Stephanie Ernst on 08/20/2009 @ 06:27AM PT
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OLIVIA WHITE= I have a female Skye Terrier mix that is now 9yrs. old that when she was about 6mnths. old I went racked of Felony Dog Knapping charges for because I took her from the yard of a man that was abusing her and the neighborhood a I had made complaints to Animal Control and they had even come out to the house but said that they had rules and guidelines that they had to follow...Well, I had rules and guidelines too and that was not to let that little puppy suffer anymore abuse. So I straight up took her. Well, to make a long long story short - - I had had a chance to get her to my Vet before I had to turn her over to the Police and go to jail so her various wounds were documented. I went to court and supeoned records from the Vet, Humane Society, Neighbors, and anyone I could. I won the case...he was charged with animal cruelity, ordered not to have another animal for 5 yrs. (andthey would make periodic checks) and pay all Vet bills I incurred and would for the next 5 yrs. related to her injuries and I got to adopt her and her name was changed and she got to come live happily ever after with me. I share that to say this...I watched that horrific video because I NEEDED to KNOW! I LOVE animals and would lay my life down for one and have gotten into trouble a few times over an animal situation. Your comment,"How many others would respond to their revulsions by actiong upon it as you say you intend to". I don't intend to.....I will and I will take you up in your offer for your help with that transition with information to those websites about meatless meals because I've always been a meet lover but not at the expense of mass murdering & butchering these creatures. I WILL CHANGE MY EATING HABBITS. THAT's MY WORD ! I Need the information sent to my e-mail address so that I can read it better and print it out Thank You!
Posted by Deborah "Dusty" Debandi on 08/22/2009 @ 09:51PM PT
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Hi Deborah, What a moving story about your little rescued dog. You obviously do love animals deeply. Congratulations on making the connection with all animals!
I did so less than 2 years ago - and have found incredible support from other vegans. I tell you, they are the greatest family in the world to have, always helpful & sympathetic... I suppose that's cause everyone has gone through it too.
It's very sad that we are kept from some truths simply because they are too hard to witness. But that you did so and changed proves that the realities must be seen - and shared.
Wonderful meeting you & welcome to a more compassionate world! :)
Posted by Bea Elliott on 08/23/2009 @ 05:34AM PT
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Hi again, Deborah. I just sent you an e-mail with lots of links and suggestions; I hope it helps.
Posted by Stephanie Ernst on 08/23/2009 @ 07:19AM PT
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To Stephanie: Thank you for helping Deborah get started by sending her so much good info!
To Bea:You certainly have learned a lot in less than two years, and you express your knowledge and feelings so well.
To Deborah: I appreciate your request for help from me, but I knew that Stephanie, as the "official" blogger here, was better equipped than I to supply you the links you need. May you find everything you need to know to be a happy, healthy vegan. May you look every animal in the eye as their true "sister" and "servant." And may you now help other humans get to the point of doing the same. Oh, and bless you for saving that precious dog!
Posted by Olivia White on 08/23/2009 @ 07:57AM PT
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This planet is a very sad and dangerous place for animals.
Posted by Julie van Niekerk on 08/24/2009 @ 06:40AM PT
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NOT WHEN "CHANGE.ORG' GOT YOUR BACk! ! !
Posted by Deborah "Dusty" Debandi on 08/24/2009 @ 03:08PM PT
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To: STEPHANIE E., BEA,. OLIVIA & ALL THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THIS WEBSITE POSSIBLE: I know that each and every one of you at times may go thru periods of struggling, of wondering whether YOU'RE making a difference in your "causes" and feeling disillusioned with your fellow humans and I want to share this with you. You got into this because you you felt a calling in your heart (a passion) or because a seed was planted by "one voice". Your responsibility here is only to plant the seed...and most of the time you're not around to watch it blossom but a seed is always started with "one voice" and it always starts with that first step. Each and everyone of you have took that first step, in fact, you have took many, many, many steps (if in doubt - look at all the blogs that come in)and each and everyoneof them is a VOICE. WOW, that is an awesome thing. It's NOT all about YOU and yet in a way...it is, but really it's about the CAUSE, it's about THEM, the defenceless, the victims....but we need each and every voice we can get but it all starts with that ONE voice. YOU WILL NEVER KNOW how many lives that you touch - just know that you do and that YOU - - - WE DO - - ALL - - EACH AND EVERYONE OF US MAKE A DIFFERENCE, so give up your causes whatever they may be, hold onto your passions cuz CHANGE is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!
Posted by Deborah "Dusty" Debandi on 08/24/2009 @ 08:27AM PT
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Beautifully put, Deborah. You're right that each of us on this blog wants to make a difference, and is able to, in many little ways that we don't even know about, no matter how little a "cog" (like me) we are on this website.
Your receptivity to the message of peace among all beings and respect for all beings is lovely to behold! You've definitely made my little reformatory efforts feel worth it today!
As we desire to give animals back what is rightfully theirs -- their space, their place -- we're really all growing in grace, aren't we? I suppose that could be a little poem, huh?
Bless your sweet head and heart, Deborah.
Posted by Olivia White on 08/24/2009 @ 08:48AM PT
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THIS IS DEBORAH AGAIN: That last line is suppossed to say.... so DON'T GIVE UP YOUR CAUSES whatever they may be, hold onto your passions, cuz CHANGE is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER !
Posted by Deborah "Dusty" Debandi on 08/24/2009 @ 08:34AM PT
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This is something I refuse to watch. But then again I do not eat these kinds of foods, or should I say I would never harm my friends. Mass destruction by the numbers, I say lets stay strong and fight for the cause. Let’s keep the petitions going and help our beautiful world of land and sea critters.
Thanks for caring Stephanie
Posted by Nan Bongiovanni on 08/24/2009 @ 08:04PM PT
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KUDO'S TO EVERYBODY ! ! ! !
Posted by Deborah "Dusty" Debandi on 08/25/2009 @ 12:23PM PT
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No i couldn't watch - but i was hoping that there IS such a thing as humane slaughtering.
People are going to eat meat no matter what we do, for a long, long, time. So we HAVE to help find a way to do this in an honorable, loving, respectful way!
We just HAVE TO! I've heard stories about how Indians looked animals in the eye to get their permission to "kill" them for food. If it was a mother, they wouldn't. OR, if the animal wasn't ready, they wouldn't.
I don't know if this was true or not... but it shows such GREAT respect for animal life.
We are animals. We must love them, and help other people kill them without SUFFERING.
And CONSTANTLY let people know NOT to boil sea life alive or ANYTHING LIKE THAT!
If the animals must be killed, let it be so quick and painless that they know nothing.
I have heard that when animals die in the wild, the hyperventilating and loss of air and constriction allows them to see the "White Light" of perfect peace and love before passing.
Don't know... but I pray that ALL animals, as sweet and innocent as they are, do see something such as this White Light and go off to Heaven to be by the side of God.
That's what I hope. Love!
Posted by Cdin Org on 09/04/2009 @ 11:47AM PT
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I agree with Cdin Org it will be a long time if ever that humans stop eating meat. I eat meat but after watching that video vegitarian sounds great to me. I grew up in Western NY where I spent much time on farms of friends and also a farmer rented land form my family. So I do know that all farms are not inhumane, there are farmers out there that love animals and show much respect to the animals that pay their bills. I have even had the opportunity to milk cows at a friends dads farm. If you do make the choice to enjoy dairy try and purchase locally, mass production farms are not in the business for anything but big buck. Visit farms talk to local farmers see what the farm is like. However I could never talk that way for slaughtering.
About the indians, I have no knowledge about how they slaughter but I do know that they are very respectful of what the land and animals provide for their tribes and families. Something those who take part in these act coule learn from. To learn that animals can feel and love and deserve to have repectful and happy treatment.
I hope soon Government will inforce something to protect animals right, including animals providing for us. No animal deserves to see nothing but a small cage.
Posted by Laura H on 10/23/2009 @ 01:35PM PT
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I could not watch,but I have seen video's like these before.PEtA recently sent me a video and I could only watch about 45 seconds before turning it off! I know about everything that happens. I am an animal lover and vegetarian and almost complete vegan.I cry and cry and cried today for the dogs and cats in China who are totally cruelly inhumely disgustingly terribly killed every day like all of the animals at the slaughterhouses here in America.I want it all to stop NOW!Please can we all do something to stop this murder now?These animals love their babies as we love ours and they feel pain as we do! I know they do.It hurts me so bad sometimes that I don't want to be on this planet.Really!I grieve for these cows,pigs,chicks,turkeys,deer,fawns,does,foxes,hens,cats,seals,seal pups,elephants,bears,cubs,dogs,monkeys,you name them!They have every right to live a happy healthy life.We have enough food.Why are we raising animals in factory farms to begin with? Greed!If people want to eat meat,fine.Let them raise their own animals and then try to eat them.They live in the dark,in their own feces,scared,cold,have to stand,with their babies taken and killed in front of them by people that don't care or people that need money so badly(mostly immigrants from what I see)who don't know what else to do.It's to sad! I could go on forever.I still eat Stonyfield organic Yogurt sometimes.There is a picture on the cup with a field of happy cows.I don't know if that's true.I am going to look their site up to see if that's true but I am not eating any dairy at all any more.I don't eat eggs either.The mothers of these eggs are going through torture also.Sorry to rant on and on.I can't help it when I get started with this conversation.You are all wonderful!!! Wendy
Posted by Wendy marsaln on 10/03/2009 @ 10:15PM PT
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You are precious, Wendy. I'm sure everyone who reads your haunting post feels like reaching across cyberspace to wipe away your tears and give you a big hug!
On the yogurt thing, I just bought 5 yummy soy yogurts (blueberry, strawberry, vanilla, lime, black cherry) for $4.00 (on sale) at Whole Foods last week. That's only 80 cents per. Still double the sale price of dairy yogurt, but well worth avoiding a guilty conscience and hurt to any dear beastie.
There are also tasty coconut yogurts out, and maybe rice milk ones, too.
I'm sure someone else on this site, including blogger Stephanie, can steer you to more specifics, as was done for Deborah.
YOU are the wonderful one, Wendy!
Posted by Olivia White on 10/03/2009 @ 10:33PM PT
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Wendy, I wrote to Stonyfield farms several years ago because I was buying their Yo-Baby yogurts for my son as a toddler. I thought I was doing the best thing for him I could, but they replied that the farmers who supply the dairy do "cull" their herds (aka sending them to slaughter) which means that regardless of the lives they may live in the fields, these cows still face the horrors of the slaughterhouse.
I stopped buying Stonyfield and tried to switch my son to soy yogurt. He is 8 years old and doesn't seem to care either way, so I chose soy for him.
But will certainly find the soy, rice, hemp, oat, wheat, etc. alternatives that work best for you. Just keep tasting everything you can and you'll be glad you did!!!
Posted by Lisa Smolen on 10/03/2009 @ 11:14PM PT
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Hello Wendy... Yes, Olivia speaks the truth. After reading of your sorrow, disappointment and rage in what is happening to animals, I too want to reach out and wipe those many tears away. :(
I know what you mean when you say that you grieve for all these animals - Their numbers and sufferings are infinite, making this a very painful world for caring humans to live in.
Except every now and then there is hope in reading the thoughts of someone (like you) whose heart and mind has been open to actions that will end this insanity. We all have to continue getting the message out and keep the belief that others can heal their ways too.
{{{Hugs}}} and comfort to your kind soul.
Posted by Bea Elliott on 10/04/2009 @ 05:27AM PT
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Thank you so much.I just had to let that out.I have been dying to let it out without an interuption from someone! I have been eating soy yogurts and use tofu in all kinds of wonderful ways.I just made TofuCashew-great!I haven't heard of coconut yogurts or rice milk but thank you,they sound great!There are so many wonderful foods on this planet that we do not have to eat each other! I believe we are all one!People may find me crazy but I don't care!
Posted by Wendy marsaln on 10/03/2009 @ 10:49PM PT
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No, not crazy. We ARE all one, but humans are so off the right path that's appaling. Bad, bad karma. I have also been discovering SO many good foods, that have so much nutrition, that I had never heard about. Very exciting stuff! :)
Posted by Kate Lilly on 10/05/2009 @ 11:20PM PT
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I can't yet watch images. But I've read a lot. I am working again to be a vegan. I'm already a vegetarian, as of now, but in the past 2 weeks I've read enough to stir me away from all animal based products, eatable and wearable. No one needs to support this horror. I love animals.
Posted by Kate Lilly on 10/05/2009 @ 09:01PM PT
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Congratulations on this compassionate change, Kate. Let us know if you need any tips or helpful links!
Posted by Stephanie Ernst on 10/06/2009 @ 01:23PM PT
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My daughter worked in an abattoir .. there is no humane way to kill.
She told me of the total panic and fear all the animals experienced.
She did not finish her vet. science degree.
Posted by margaret mazlin on 11/16/2009 @ 07:51AM PT
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