From the Colosseum to a soccer stadium: February’s fight for animals

• From exposés to policy pushes, global advocates took bold action for animals in February.
• In the U.S., the SAFE Act was reintroduced in the Senate to stop the export of horses for slaughter.
• In Aragon, Spain, the government acted against a pig farm following Animal Equality’s investigation.
• U.K. protesters pushed a lawmaker to honor his promise to ban foie gras imports.
• As this story unfolded, advocates in Rome projected footage of male chick killing onto the Colosseum.
• Citizens in Mexico urged lawmakers to advance the country’s first national animal protection law. 
• Meanwhile, Accor Americas pledged to end male chick killing in its supply chain.
• Advocates pushed the Spanish government to offer plant-based meals in schools, while Love Veg Mexico launched a campaign about soy.

Horse protection debuts in the U.S. Senate

The SAFE Act was reintroduced in the Senate this February, aiming to stop the export of U.S. horses for slaughter abroad. While horse slaughter no longer takes place in the U.S., tens of thousands are still shipped to Mexico and Canada each year.

A bipartisan group is pushing to expand the 2018 Dog and Cat Meat Prohibition Act to include horses. The bill now needs Senate cosponsors, a committee hearing, and a full Senate vote before moving to the House.

Animal Equality is urging U.S. residents to contact their representatives and demand support for the SAFE Act.

Investigation reveals pigs eaten alive on Spanish farms

This February, Animal Equality released an investigation of two pig farms in Aragon, Spain. Investigators documented pigs eaten alive, wounded animals left untreated, and decomposing bodies among the living. 

Both farms supply meat to Spanish supermarkets. Following the exposé, the Government of Aragon confirmed multiple legal violations and launched disciplinary action. One farm now faces potential fines and penalties.

U.K. faces backlash over potential foie gras trade deal

Animal Equality intensified its U.K. foie gras campaign, targeting Member of Parliament (MP) Steve Reed–a lawmaker from the Labour Party. 

Outside Crystal Palace soccer stadium–a team he proudly supports–volunteers held a “bloodied” soccer ball the size of a diseased bird liver. Together, they urged him to “give foie gras the red card.” 

Foie gras production is illegal in the U.K., but imports from Europe continue. Before the 2024 elections, Reed and Labour pledged to ban them. Instead, the U.K. Government is now weighing a trade deal that could increase imports.

Colosseum protest demands action on chick killing ban

Animal Equality lit up the Colosseum, demanding Italy enforce its 2022 male chick killing ban. The projection showed chicks being shredded alive beside the faces of three government officials. Its message read, “Act now, stop the slaughter of male chicks!”

Advocates also launched a manifesto against chick killing, backed by prominent names in journalism, music, and more. 

Mexico advances toward first national animal protection law

Mexico is moving steadily toward its first national animal protection law. Recent constitutional reforms give Congress the power to write the law and decide how it will be enforced at federal, state, and local levels.

Animal Equality is pushing for action, launching a petition and actively engaging with Congress.

People no longer just want to know how animals are protected… [T]hey are taking action on it. – Cecilia Ortuño, Campaign Coordinator for Animal Equality in Mexico

Accor becomes first hotel chain to address chick-killing

Accor Americas has committed to ending male chick killing in its supply chain once in-ovo sexing technology becomes available. This method detects a chick’s sex before hatching, preventing male chicks from being born.

Following discussions with Animal Equality, Accor became the first hotel chain in the world to take this step. The decision will impact over 3 million male chicks across the Americas. 

The company has also pledged to support government efforts to ban chick killing and publicly promote in-ovo sexing.

Accor’s commitment is a historic milestone for the protection of animals exploited by the egg industry. The killing of male chicks is a cruel practice, and Accor’s decision demonstrates that companies have the power to lead change… – Julia Almeida, Corporate Outreach Coordinator at Animal Equality in Brazil

Accessing plant-based meals in Spanish schools

Animal Equality called on Spain’s government to provide plant-based meal options in schools for students who request them. The proposal is part of a new national policy set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year.

Spain’s current policy requires school meals to be balanced and nutritious. Animal Equality argues that plant-based options must be included, citing research showing they are healthier and more sustainable.

Love Veg launches campaign on soy’s benefits

Love Veg Mexico–Animal Equality’s plant-based education project–has launched “All About Soy.” The campaign highlights soy’s nutritional benefits and provides a recipe book with simple, soy-based meals.

Choosing ingredients like soy not only deliciously meets our nutritional needs, but also sends a clear message: we value the lives of animals and reject systems that profit at the expense of their well-being. – Katya Ramírez, Love Veg Mexico