COK in 2012: The Power of Compassion
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org
FROM
Compassion Over Killing (COK)
January 2013
[Ed. Note: Also see Some Good News and Some Victories for Animals in 2012.]
Thanks to the kindness of our wonderful members and the dedication of our
amazing volunteers, 2012 has been a tremendous year for COK—and for animals.
It’s because of your support that we’re able to bring about such important
and meaningful changes for animals.
With you at our side, we released an undercover video that prompted the
USDA to shut down a California slaughter plant. We’re persuading major
companies, like Subway, that vegan eating is the new business as usual. We
permanently closed the doors of a chicken and duck hatchery. And so much
more. Together, we’re making incredible strides, and we’re thrilled to share
our year in review video and more highlights below.
Thanks again for your support - and for helping us demonstrate the power
of compassion!
The Power of Compassion: Highlights from 2012
- Undercover Video Prompts USDA to Shut Down Slaughter Plant: After
viewing COK’s investigative video exposing rampant abuse inside a
California dairy cow slaughterhouse, the USDA immediately shut the
facility down. The story garnered international headlines, and several
major companies, including McDonald’s and In-N-Out Burger, severed ties
with this meat supplier.
- Subway Campaign Progress: Through COK’s campaign website,
WeLoveSubway.com, thousands of consumers have been encouraging the
world’s largest restaurant chain to offer hearty vegan options. In June,
eight select locations in the DC-Metro area launched a vegan test menu
that was so popular, stores ran out in less than a month.
- Animal Cruelty Lawsuit Settled; Hatchery Ceases Operation: COK and
the Animal Legal Defense Fund settled an animal cruelty lawsuit against
Cal-Cruz Hatcheries, which agreed to cease all animal operations,
putting an end to suffering at this factory farm. The lawsuit, based on
COK's undercover investigation inside this chicken and duck hatchery,
was filed after the District Attorney's office refused to take action to
stop the abuse.
- Cruelty at Pig Breeding Factory Farm Exposed: A COK investigator
wore a hidden camera while employed at Hawkeye Sow Centers, a pig
breeding factory farm in Iowa. The footage reveals the day-to-day
miseries forced upon thousands of female pigs nearly immobilized inside
tiny crates and their piglets who endure painful mutilations without any
relief.
- Millions of HULU Viewers Are Served a “Side of Truth”: In 2012, COK
took our award-winning pro-vegetarian commercial campaign to the next
level by running ads on HULU.com, a video-streaming website, reaching
millions of viewers as they tuned in to watch their favorite TV shows
and movies. The response was incredible!
- Dairy Price-Fixing Case Moves Forward: After COK exposed the dairy
industry for killing 500,000 young cows to reduce milk supplies and
artificially inflate prices, a $9.5 billion class-action lawsuit was
filed late last year against industry giants. In October, the court
denied the defendants' Motion to Dismiss, so the case will now move
forward.
- COK Co-Files Lawsuit against USDA To Stop the Sale of Foie Gras: To
produce foie gras, ducks and geese are force-fed until their livers
abnormally swell, causing hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).
According to the lawsuit, the USDA is required through the Poultry
Products Inspection Act to condemn as adulterated all diseased poultry
and should, therefore, not permit the sale of foie gras.
- Quorn Expands Vegan Product Line: Last year, we announced that after
working with COK, Quorn Foods created its first-ever all-vegan product
that was launched in the US. The Vegan Burger debuted to rave reviews
and strong sales – and inspired the company to begin making plans to
expand its vegan line into the UK market. Stay tuned for updates.
- Thousands Take Our VegWeek Pledge: Inspired by Md. Sen. Jamie
Raskin, our 2012 VegWeek celebration included over 30 elected
representatives – and thousands of people nationwide – pledging to go
veg for at least seven days.
- LA Adopts Meatless Monday Resolution: After COK met with several
city council members about the benefits of vegetarian eating, Los
Angeles became the largest US city to adopt a resolution encouraging
residents to participate in Meatless Monday.
- Thousands Celebrate at DC VegFest: Over 8,000 people joined us in
September for our fourth annual DC VegFest. From dynamic speakers –
including CNN’s Jane Velez-Mitchell – to delicious vegan food, the event
was a huge success.
- A Vegan Win at National Grilled Cheese Invitational: For the first
time in its 10-year history, the Grilled Cheese Invitational handed out
an award for a vegan sandwich. Entered by COK, the all-vegan Aurora
Borealis received a trophy in the professional category.
- Extending Our Reach Nationwide: Throughout 2012, COK staff and
volunteers hosted hundreds of events nationwide – from California to
Maine to Texas to Florida – giving out thousands of vegan food samples
and tens of thousands of free pro-veg materials.
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