Animals bludgeoned, genitals shocked in Argentina slaughterhouses
- Animal Equality released its first Argentina investigation, filmed in two Buenos Aires slaughterhouses in late 2024.
- Investigators documented cows bludgeoned with sledgehammers and pigs shocked with electric prods in sensitive areas.
- A formal complaint was filed with Argentina’s food and agriculture authority, which is now reviewing the evidence.
- Routine hitting, shouting, and tail twisting goes unchecked because Argentine law doesn’t explicitly ban it.
- Argentine actor and comedian Kiki Petrone narrated the video and spoke publicly in support of the campaign.
- The findings in Argentina mirror abuse documented in more than 180 Animal Equality investigations worldwide.
Animal Equality has released its first investigation in Argentina. Filmed at the end of 2024, the footage reveals conditions inside two slaughterhouses and meat processing plants in Buenos Aires province: Santa Giulia and Frigorífico Vidal S.A.
In these facilities, cows and pigs endure illegal cruelty with little government oversight. They also suffer from routine mistreatment not explicitly banned by Argentine law.
Argentine actor and comedian Kiki Petrone joins Animal Equality to narrate the video:
Breaches of Argentine law
Investigators found repeated violations of Argentine law and federal guidelines:
- Cows bludgeoned with sledgehammers: Workers are seen striking cows in the head in an attempt to stun them before slaughter. Because this method often fails, many animals are hit repeatedly.
- Multiple cows in the stunning box: The metal pen designed to hold a single animal is often crammed with more than one. Cows are forced to watch as others are bludgeoned in front of them.
- Electric prods in private areas: Workers are recorded using electric prods to move pigs, illegally applying them to their anal and genital regions.
Animal Equality has filed a formal complaint with Argentina’s food and agriculture authority, which is now reviewing the evidence.
However, much of the uncovered abuse is not explicitly prohibited by Argentine law. This includes routinely hitting animals, screaming at them, and pulling their ears.
Compassion is a universal value, and there’s no doubt that Argentine society supports animal protection. — Dulce Ramírez, Vice President of Animal Equality for Latin America
Argentine actor and comedian speaks out
Kiki Petrone, who narrated the video, also spoke publicly about the investigation:“If this investigation by Animal Equality showed the same situation with dogs or cats, the country and the world would be outraged. Animal rights should not depend on the species. They all want and deserve to live, free from practices that harm or kill them. I’m joining this campaign to build a world with more love, empathy, respect, and awareness. Join us and be part of the change with Animal Equality. — Kiki Petrone, actor and comedian
Dulce Ramírez–Animal Equality’s Vice President for Latin America–applauded his involvement:
The commitment of artists, actors, and public figures is essential to exposing animal suffering in slaughterhouses and factory farms. — Dulce Ramírez, Vice President of Animal Equality for Latin America
Argentina joins a global record of cruelty
The abuse exposed in Argentina reflects what Animal Equality has found in more than 180 global investigations.
In Italy, investigators filmed pigs waiting days for slaughter, watching others die before them. One worker held down a screaming pig who tried to stand after being cut twice. A piglet, throat slit, struggled to rise as blood poured from the wound.
In Wales, investigators recorded sheep decapitated in full view of others. Corpses were piled on the backs of live animals while tiny lambs slipped through gaps in the machinery.
And in Spain, Animal Equality released whistleblower footage of screaming pigs stabbed with swords. Workers are seen removing their organs, laughing, and posing for the camera.
These cases represent only a fraction of Animal Equality’s factory farm and slaughterhouse footage. Explore the full library of investigations.
A different future is possible
Cruelty runs rampant in global slaughterhouses—including here in the United States.
Take action against U.S. companies profiting from animal cruelty:
- Sign Animal Equality’s petition to end factory farming in the U.S.
- Download the Love Veg cookbook, a collection of plant-based recipes from around the world.
- Choose meals that celebrate compassion, showing the world a food system free from suffering.
LIVE KINDLY
With rich emotional lives and unbreakable family bonds, farmed animals deserve to be protected.
You can build a kinder world by replacing animal food products with plant‑based ones.
