1 August 2013

Don't Be in the Dark, Say Animal Welfare Advocates

New Zealand's Stop Factory Farming Month, August 2013

New Zealand’s Stop Factory Farming Month, ‘Don’t be in the Dark’ has been launched today by animal advocacy group SAFE. The month-long event will raise awareness of the high level of cruelty involved in intensive egg, pork and chicken farming systems and highlight the role Kiwis can play in helping to bring it to an end.

“Successful animal welfare campaigns have lead to victories such as the phase-out of sow crates for pigs, due by 2016,” says SAFE campaign director Eliot Pryor. “However, millions of factory-farmed New Zealand animals continue to suffer every day of their lives.”

“Serious animal welfare problems such as the ongoing caging of hens for egg production urgently need to be addressed and SAFE’s awareness month will open the doors on these hidden practices. We want Kiwis to help make visible the cruel realities of factory farming, to take action and share with friends and family,” says Mr Pryor.

Emmett Skilton, of the hit TV series Almighty Johnsons, says he has been so deeply affected by the plight of factory-farmed animals that it has motivated him to team up with SAFE. “I am sickened and in disbelief that such horrific treatment of animals is legal in the country I call home. It is up to us, the consumers, to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and stop factory farming,” he says.

Ordinary New Zealanders can publicly show their support by making the Stop Factory Farming message visible – from putting up a poster or wearing a chicken suit to the gym to doing something crazy like jumping out of a plane wearing a Stop Factory Farming t-shirt. SAFE volunteers will also be leading actions and activities throughout the country.

“Each of us, every day, can and do make a difference,” says Mr Pryor. “We have the chance to act on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves every time we shop. Boycotting factory-farmed eggs, pork and chicken products is the single most effective way to help end factory farming in New Zealand. The second most effective thing we can do is invite others to do the same.”

The public are invited to find out more about how they can get involved at stopfactoryfarming.org.nz

ends

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