500 Observances Expose Agribusiness
World Farm Animals Day 2010 International Report

Banner unfurlings, massive marches, commercials too controversial for TV, and distribution of tens of thousands of leaflets marked the 28th annual World Farm Animals Day, bringing worldwide attention to the plight of farmed animals and the corruption of animal agribusiness. Approximately 500 observances throughout all 50 U.S. states and 15 other countries took place between late September and early October, culminating on October 2nd.

World Farm Animals Day (WFAD) was kicked off one week early with a disruption of the congressional hearing held on Salmonella poisoning. During the testimony of repeated violator Austin “Jack” DeCoster, activists unfurled a banner that read “Recall ALL Egg Production!” while one protester delivered a one minute speech.

The campaign swung into full gear on Saturday, October 2nd, with events across the world. Numerous VegFests were held in honor World Farm Animals Day, including large festivals in San Francisco, Tampa Bay, and Albany. In Washington, DC, food and thousands of leaflets were distributed to peace activists at the One Nation Working Together march.

Activists in Petaluma, CA staged a dramatic memorial vigil outside of a slaughterhouse, and demonstrators in New Jersey protested the sale of live birds. Additionally, a pro-vegan talent show was held in Dayton, OH!

Outside of the United States, a massive March for Farmed Animals took place in London, England, a special art showing was held and Israel was home to marches, protests, and free samplings of animal-free food! In Croatia, activists distributed literature and delicious vegan food to the public. Numerous educational events took place in India, Canada hosted over 20 events, and more events were held in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Greece, Nigeria, Taiwan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The action didn’t stop on October 2nd. In the surrounding days, activists held slaughterhouse vigils, protested animal trade industries, and hosted over 75 walks for farmed animals. The United States was host to over 100 additional informational events, where activists staffed tables, held educational exhibits, and distributed leaflets.

Two dozen universities participated in WFAD 2010, and classroom activities were held in high schools, middle schools, and even an elementary school. Meat Your Meat and Fowl Play were screened dozens of times to the veg-curious. In San Francisco, the ongoing campaign continued against live bird sales at farmer’s markets, and a newly wed couple from Dorchester, Massachusetts displayed information at their wedding reception!

Nearly 200 health food retailers displayed information about World Farm Animals Day and Animal Agribusiness’s Top 5 Dirty Secrets. Yoga centers also participated by offering information, and in some cases, vegan food samples!

To support the 2010 theme, "Exposing Animal Agribusiness's Dirty Secrets", FARM created new handouts education the public about the 5 Dirty Secrets Agribusiness Doesn’t Want You to Know. FARM mailed hundreds of Event and Leafleting Packs, providing volunteers around the world with WFAD banners, posters, handouts, stickers, and more.

Hundreds of bus display cards are posted in major cities, including Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Minneapolis, and more. Letters to the editor carrying the message of compassion were sent to more than 600 newspapers. Thousands have been exposed to our internet advertisements, and our television commercials were deemed too controversial for cable news channels! View the banned TV ad.

While World Farm Animals Day is coordinated by Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), the campaign is indebted to the amazing events put on by our promotional sponsors. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals offered free Meet your Meat DVDs to WFAD activists and held over 30 events, ranging from McCruelty demonstrations to feed-ins. Mercy for Animals provided Fowl Play DVDs, Vegan Outreach donated Why Vegan guides, and both groups, along with Compassion Over Killing, held educational events for the public.

Thanks to compassionate people around the globe, World Farm Animals Day observances provided a much-needed voice for the more than 58 billion sentient cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys and other sentient animals who are brutally raised and needlessly slaughtered each year for food. Outreach activities will continue throughout the month.

What’s Next?

Join us for Gentle Thanksgiving! Now that you’ve informed your friends and community about the suffering of farmed animals, encourage them to eat a compassionate vegan holiday meal.