OUR HISTORY

JuLY

The State Congress of Colima, Mexico, unanimously approved an initiative to reform its Animal Protection Law. Supported by Animal Equality in Mexico, this initiative will impact nearly 9 million animals–including farmed animals.

JuLY

Animal Equality ran full-page ads in the Allen American–the hometown paper of Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade–and in the McKinney Courier-Gazette. The ads demanded an end to extreme confinement for mother pigs in Denny’s supply chain. The campaign also reached eight more local newspapers and online platforms, with digital ads running for a month.

JuLY

Dozens of athletes, academics, and environmentalists signed Animal Equality’s open letter urging the Olympic organizers to remove foie gras from the VIP hospitality menu. Soon after, Animal Equality’s UK Executive Director delivered over 60,000 petition signatures to the organizers in Paris. Local volunteers joined a protest outside the organizers’ office and projected messages on nearby buildings later that night.

JuLY

During an eight-month investigation of Cross Farm in Devon, England, Animal Equality and an award-winning photographer–Aitor Garmendia–gathered over 100 hours of footage. The images show mother pigs in farrowing crates, piglets being “thumped” and killed against concrete walls, piglets having their tails and teeth cut without anesthesia, mother pigs suffering from wounds and prolapses, and filthy conditions. Animal Equality submitted a complaint to Trading Standards and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to hold the company accountable for its crimes.

June

Animal Equality organized a public hearing at the Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo. This hearing included a discussion about banning the killing of male chicks, as well as male calves in the dairy industry. During the hearing, Animal Equality released the report “Alternatives for the male chick culling: in ovo sexing technologies.”

June

Despite offering sustainable, plant-based dishes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Olympic Committee confirmed foie gras will be served to high-paying guests in luxury lounges. After The Independent exposed this controversy, Animal Equality launched a global campaign to remove foie gras from the menu.

June

For the first time in over a decade, Animal Equality released an investigation into Spain’s horse meat industry. At a slaughterhouse in Asturias, investigators found horses ineffectively stunned before slaughter and left to slowly bleed to death. Horses watched in fear as their companions were killed in front of them.

June

Animal Equality joined the Open Wing Alliance for a campaign against Kewpie, a Japanese mayonnaise company. While Kewpie has already released a commitment to reduce cages for hens in its US and European supply chains, Animal Equality has called on its leadership to extend this commitment globally.

June

Ahead of the UK General Election in July, the Labour Party committed to a foie gras import ban. This declaration followed a supporter email action led by Animal Equality.

June

An undercover investigator spent four months documenting conditions at one of Germany’s largest pig farms. The extensive footage shows serious violations of animal protection regulations–including illegal killing, deliberate mistreatment, and neglect.

May

At the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Animal Equality President Sharon Núñez, Vice President for Latin America Dulce Ramírez, and UK Executive Director Abigail Penny delivered speeches. President Sharon Núñez’s speech was featured on an animal advocacy podcast called How I Learned to Love Shrimp.

May

Animal Equality in the US has released its Restaurant Report, exposing thirteen restaurant chains failing to eliminate extreme confinement from their supply chains. Some have refused to commit publicly to phasing out cages for pregnant pigs, while others have abandoned their commitments entirely.

May

In the midst of Animal Equality’s campaign against Denny’s, Reuters reported that the chain is facing increasing pressure to phase out crates for pregnant pigs in its supply chain. The article, which was developed in collaboration with Animal Equality, noted that these so-called “gestation crates” would be a focal point of Denny’s upcoming shareholder vote.

May

Following Animal Equality’s protest at the second largest branch of Aldi Süd, a major German newspaper published an article about the opening of the XXL-ALDI and our protest. In it, the manager of the second largest store is quoted as saying, “In letters, they keep calling us […] murderers”. Animal Equality responded with a cease and desist letter.

May

The UK has made history by banning live animal exports, affecting millions of cows, sheep, and pigs each year. For over fifty years, Animal Equality has been supporting this campaign, which was led by Compassion in World Farming and Kent Action Against Live Exports.

May

Love Veg conducted plant-based cooking workshops at Las Colmenas Community Centers in Guadalajara, Mexico, serving 80 people in May.

APRIL

Animal Equality in Mexico joined a discussion at the Guerrero State Forum on Animal Protection and Welfare. This discussion was part of a forum called the “National Dialogues for the Debate of Constitutional Reforms,” which allows citizens to address lawmakers and secure legal protection for animals.

APRIL

With the launch of an Animal Equality campaign, hundreds of residents in Ann Arbor, Michigan, signed a petition urging their city council to enact a foie gras sales ban.

APRIL

In partnership with Animal Equality, Federal Deputy Luciene Cavalcante introduced two animal protection bills in the Brazilian National Congress. If passed, one bill would ban the killing of male chicks while the second would regulate the labeling of animal products.

MARCH

Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved an initiative by Animal Equality, Alianza Alimentaria, and Acción Climática to create the country’s first General Law on Adequate and Sustainable Nutrition. This law will promote plant-based food consumption while reducing the consumption of animal products.

MARCH

As a member of the Open Wing Alliance, Animal Equality in the U.S. joined a campaign against Hilton Worldwide and other hospitality groups. Advocates pointed out Hilton’s failure to report meaningful progress on its commitment to eliminate cages for hens and pigs in its supply chain.

MARCH

To protest extreme confinement for pigs in Aldi Süd’s US supply chain, Animal Equality placed a gestation crate inside a truck with transparent walls and drove it through major cities in Germany. This culminated in two protests in Mülheim an der Ruhr, home of Aldi Süd’s headquarters and the largest Aldi store in the world.

February

Animal Equality engaged in discussions with Mexico’s Political Coordination Board to encourage informed debate and reflection regarding the protection of farmed animals. Through this discussion, they called on the Senate directly to amend Article 73 of Mexico’s Constitution and establish the groundwork for Mexico’s first General Animal Welfare Law.

February

Animal Equality continued its campaign against extreme confinement in Denny’s supply chain through protests in Phoenix, Arizona; Irving, Texas; and Dallas, Texas.

February

In 2023, Animal Equality in Italy denounced the 27 European Union member countries where fast-growing chickens are bred to suffer against European law. The EU Commission intended to close our complaints, but Animal Equality objected. The Commission then revised its decision, keeping our complaints open to continue with the investigation.

JANUARY

Love Veg in the U.S. relaunched with a new pledge to join the Love Veg community. Subscribers receive a free e-cookbook and regular expert tips to begin their plant-based journey. Love Veg celebrated its fresh look with a billboard in the heart of Times Square in New York City.

JANUARY

Almost a year after launching a campaign against cruelty in Denny’s supply chain, Animal Equality launched a secondary campaign against Finn Partners, a public relations firm for which Denny’s is a client. Animal Equality is calling on Finn to cut ties with the diner chain and its association with animal cruelty. The campaign kicked off with a protest in New York City and Finn Partners’ flagship office. Animal Equality’s President and Executive Vice President joined the demonstration.

JANUARY

Animal Equality–in collaboration with Animal Partisan and a local Colorado attorney–filed a request for criminal charges against Colorado Lamb Processors and one of its supervisors, who was involved in an incident in which a lamb was improperly stunned three times prior to slaughter.

JANUARY

The trial of a farm filmed by journalist Jordi Évole and Animal Equality in Spain is set for sentencing. The trial comes after a 2018 investigation by Animal Equality in collaboration with the renowned Spanish television program Salvados, which exposed extreme animal abuse. The two owners of the farm face up to 14 counts of animal cruelty.

JANUARY

Animal Equality has initiated the promotion of an animal welfare initiative in Colima, Mexico. Once approved, it will become one of the first states to offer legal protections for farmed animals during breeding.

DECEMBER

In honor of International Animal Rights Day, advocates with Animal Equality demonstrated in Guadalajara, Mexico; Madrid, Spain; São Paulo, Brazil; and Milan, Italy. Protesters displayed industry instruments, passed out flyers, and even displayed video footage from Animal Equality investigations. In Madrid’s central square, co-founder Javier Moreno gave a speech about farmed animal cruelty.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality in India released an investigation into 19 egg farms across India, where investigators found extreme cruelty and criminal violations. The findings included hens with severe injuries, piles of feces beneath their cramped cages, and hens suffering from slow, painful deaths without care.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality traveled to Denny’s headquarters in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to deliver a letter representing more than 53,000 messages from concerned citizens gone ignored by the corporation. They were turned away by a Denny’s representative, and the police were called as they exited peacefully. Spartanburg’s local FOX News channel provided coverage of the event.

DECEMBER

Writing personally to Animal Equality’s supporters, celebrity Chris Packham drew attention to ‘zombie salmon’ who suffer from deformities, disease, and deadly lice attacks, urging the Scottish Government to halt the industry’s growth. His letter inspired politician Monica Lennon to question Salmon Scotland about these issues in the Scottish Parliament.

November

During a protest against extreme confinement in Denny’s supply chain, the son of a Denny’s executive was photographed issuing an obscene gesture to activists. This is the first response Animal Equality received from Denny’s, despite tens of thousands of emails, phone calls, and other actions taken by concerned consumers.

November

Animal Equality relaunched a global campaign against the force-feeding of ducks and geese for foie gras. With the relaunch, Animal Equality released never-before-seen images of force-feeding on duck farms in France.

November

Animal Equality in Mexico launched a campaign with never-before-seen images of dairy production to promote the consumption of plant-based milks, helping to reduce the suffering of cows and calves.

November

Animal Equality began promoting an animal welfare initiative in two Mexican states: Nuevo León and Aguascalientes. Once approved, they will be among the first states to provide legal protections for farmed animals during breeding.

October

During the launch of a global campaign against ALDI, Animal Equality protesters met in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin with three gestation crates on display. They called out ALDI’s double standards for animal welfare, as the company has eliminated gestation crates in its German supply chain while allowing them in its U.S. supply chain.

October

Elior North America committed to eliminating cages for mother pigs and hens in its supply chain––estimated to impact 640 pigs and 117,960 hens annually. It became the last of America’s five largest food-service companies to announce a group housing policy for pregnant pigs.

October

Love Veg in Mexico visited universities to teach students how to cook plant-based recipes and raise awareness about the impact of dietary choices. This plant-based tour used the slogan ‘More Legumes to Save Animals.’

October

Animal Equality shows never-before-seen evidence of the cruelty of gestation crates and the mutilation of piglets on farms in Spain. Despite public support in Spain for a ban on gestation crates and regulations governing mutilations, these practices are still standard.

October

The influential expert-led Animal Welfare Committee accepted a number of key suggestions proposed by Animal Equality UK for farmed fish legislation at the time of killing. These measures include making CCTV mandatory in fish slaughterhouses, increased inspections, heightened transparency and greater law enforcement.

October

In a front-page story in The Times, Animal Equality revealed that 86% of Brits surveyed (excluding the ‘don’t know’ responses) are in favor of a ban on the importation of foie gras produced by force-feeding.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality released an investigation inside five pig farms in Spain, capturing evidence of painful injuries and death from the unsanitary conditions. Live animals were found nibbling on the bodies of dead pigs, while dead rats and maggots were found around the farm.

SEPTEMBER

The Senate of the Republic approved Mexico’s Adequate and Sustainable Food Law. If approved in the Chamber of Deputies, it would be a fundamental step toward a future where food is sustainable, healthy, and compassionate toward animals.

SEPTEMBER

Using footage obtained by Animal Equality in the UK, BBC Countryfile ran a televised segment about rising on-farm death rates in the Scottish salmon industry. The program prompted hundreds to turn to Twitter and vow to boycott fish products as a result.

SEPTEMBER

Carrying banners, signs, and leaflets, activists joined Animal Equality in Brazil to protest against the Delta supermarket chain in Piracicaba, São Paulo. The protest is part of Animal Equality’s campaign against Delta to establish protections for hens.

SEPTEMBER

Along with dozens of other animal protection groups, Animal Equality in the U.S. signed a letter urging the House of Representative and Senate to reject the EATS Act. If passed, the EATS Act could overturn animal protection legislation around the nation, including California’s Prop. 12.

SEPTEMBER

Around a dozen protesters gathered for the Philadelphia premiere of a documentary produced by Denny’s largest franchise owner. Together, animal defenders asked Dawn Lafreeda to use her influence and urge Denny’s to remove gestation crates from its supply chain.

SEPTEMBER

Jollibee Food Corp., one of the fastest-growing global restaurant chains, announced its commitment to no longer buy eggs from caged hens. This follows a campaign launched by the Open Wing Alliance, of which Animal Equality is a key member.

SEPTEMBER

During a personal meeting with the Federal Government Commissioner for Animal Welfare, Animal Equality in Germany handed over more than 58,000 signatures calling for an end to the forced fattening of ducks and geese in the European foie gras industry.

AUGust

Animal Equality in Brazil met with Members of the European Parliament to discuss the detrimental impact the EU-Mercosur Agreement will have on animals and the environment.

AUGust

Animal Equality campaigned against the extreme confinement of mother pigs in Denny’s supply chain with a digital billboard in Times Square, New York City. It featured a video of a pig begging to be freed from its tiny, metal cage with text that read, “Animal abuse is bad for business.” 

AUGust

Animal Equality in Mexico launched the campaign “Choose Without Cages” to help reduce hens’ suffering by promoting plant-based egg alternatives.

JULY

Animal Equality’s President, Vice President for Latin America, and Executive Director for the UK attended the Animal and Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summit in Los Angeles. Each gave powerful speeches about Animal Equality’s work to protect farmed animals.

JULY

After years of campaigning by Animal Equality and other coalition members, New Jersey joined eleven U.S. states in banning the confinement of pigs used for breeding and calves raised for veal.

JULY

In Mexico, official data about chicken and hen mortality only includes the number killed in slaughterhouses. It does not include those who die before the time of slaughter, often due to poor welfare. Animal Equality published a report which finally accounted for these early deaths. 

JUNE

Renowned philosopher Peter Singer visited Madrid to present the Spanish edition of his book, “Ethics in Action,” with Animal Equality’s President and Co-founder, Sharon Núñez.

JUNE

Animal Equality in the U.S. released a new undercover investigation into India’s dairy industry, featuring celebrated actress and activist Richa Moorjani.

JUNE

Animal Equality released an investigation into four egg farms and a hen slaughterhouse in São Paulo, Brazil, showing extreme confinement and suffering.

JUNE

Animal Equality in Mexico promoted an initiative to amend the Animal Welfare Law in the State of Puebla. The bill would improve animal protection on farms and require the installation of video surveillance in slaughterhouses.

MAY

Animal Equality held a 24-hour protest outside a Las Vegas Denny’s as part of its campaign to hold the restaurant chain accountable for its decade-old commitment to end cages for mother pigs.

MAY

In a historic decision, the United States Supreme Court upheld California’s Proposition 12, which establishes protections for hens, pigs, and calves typically confined to tiny cages. Animal Equality was part of a coalition that worked to uphold this important law.

MAY

With a coalition, Animal Equality in Brazil has requested an animal welfare clause be added to the controversial Mercosur-European Union Treaty. This agreement raises concerns over an increase in the number of Brazilian animals raised and killed for their meat.

MAY

Animal Equality in Mexico launched a campaign to criminalize animal cruelty in the state of Chiapas, where animal abuse is not yet considered a crime. If approved, Animal Equality’s initiative will protect more than 100 million animals.

APRIL

Animal Equality in Brazil spoke at a public hearing to debate the impact of The European Union-Mercosur Agreement, an agreement that would negatively impact farmed animals by increasing their rate of production.

APRIL

Following pressure from Animal Equality in the U.S., leading packaged goods company Conagra has committed to eliminating crates for pigs in its supply chain. Conagra is the supplier of iconic food products like Slim Jim and Chef Boyardee.

MARCH

Animal Equality’s work to change the Mexican Constitution continues following approval by the Chamber of Deputies. If approved by the Senate, the change would give the Mexican Congress power to legislate on animal matters.

MARCH

Animal Equality released never-before-seen images captured during a chicken slaughterhouse investigation in Mexico. Images showed workers violently grabbing chickens by their legs and chickens killed while fully conscious.

MARCH

Concerned residents in Vancouver, Washington joined Animal Equality in the U.S. to share their support for a city-wide ban on the sale of foie gras at City Hall.

MARCH

In an effort to combat further deregulation of Brazil’s meat industry, Animal Equality exposed what happens inside illegal slaughterhouses. Investigators found extreme animal abuse and sanitary violations that pose a public health risk.

MARCH

Animal Equality and fellow activists protest outside of Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture to demand an end to cages.

MARCH

Animal Equality and other worldwide members of the Open Wing Alliance protested in front of Mercadona supermarkets in Madrid, Spain to demand the company fulfill its cage-free commitment.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality and Animal Partisan filed a request for animal cruelty charges against an Elkhorn meat processor and its General Manager for abusing a steer during slaughter.

FEBRUARY

The EU Commission responded to a complaint by Animal Equality, acknowledging that the breeding of “fast-growing” chickens is problematic. The Commission has indicated that it is evaluating the matter as part of its farmed animal legislative review, due by 2023.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality and around a dozen activists held a protest outside a Denny’s restaurant in Austin, Texas, to call out the company’s failed commitment to end cages for mother pigs.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality in the U.S. and Animal Partisan filed a criminal complaint against major turkey producer Plainville Farms following a 2021 investigation by PETA, which uncovered egregious abuse by workers and managers.

FEBRUARY

Using drones, Animal Equality gained access to the secretive Scottish aquaculture industry, showing the life and death of farmed fish on slaughter boats. Following its findings, Animal Equality issued a letter, signed by politicians, calling for a halt to the expansion of the Scottish salmon industry.

FEBRUARY

The Congress of Mexico City passed legislation promoted by Animal Equality to outlaw backyard slaughterhouses. Operators of these facilities will now be subject to two to four years in prison and a fine.

JANUARY

In the state of Veracruz, Animal Equality in Mexico joined fellow animal protection organizations to promote an initiative outlawing animal cruelty. If passed, it would provide basic protections for nearly 250 million farmed animals. 

JANUARY

Animal Equality in the US launched a campaign against the popular restaurant chain, Denny’s, after it failed to follow through on a decade-old commitment to eliminate crates for pregnant pigs in its supply chain.

JANUARY

Animal Equality and other animal protection groups gathered at the EU Parliament to call for a ban on male chick killing in the egg industry. The event was supported by Members of the European Parliament, as well as experts in animal welfare. 

JANUARY

Animal Equality attended an informational hearing at the Oregon Senate to co-present legislation to protect farmed fish as the state plans to see an expansion of aquaculture, or ”factory farming in water.”

DECEMBER

Following a campaign by Animal Equality in the U.S., the fourth-largest food service and hospitality group in the world, Delaware North, strengthened its animal standards policy to eliminate cages for pregnant pigs from its supply chain. 

DECEMBER

Animal Equality and fellow activists held a protest on the front lawn of the US Capitol to denounce the global horse meat trade and demand a permanent ban on the slaughter of US horses.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality released undercover evidence of the conditions of pigs, cows and chickens as they are transported to slaughterhouses and factory farms in Mexico.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality participated in a Senate debate opposing the harmful Self-Control bill, which would allow slaughterhouse to regulate themselves.

DECEMBER

Alongside fellow activists, Animal Equality held a protest in the center of Madrid for International Animal Rights Day. The activists called on the government to pass legislation to end the suffering of farmed animals.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality revisited a large pig farm in Lombardy, Italy to find conditions had not improved after a 2021 investigation showed extreme welfare and sanitary violations. The company supplies products labeled as “made-in-Italy excellence.”

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality released new footage of American horses awaiting slaughter at a facility in Zacatecas, Mexico.

NOVEMBER

After just a few months of intensive campaigning, the world’s largest food service company, Compass Group, officially committed to ending crates for mother pigs by summer 2023.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality in Brazil co-authored a new bill that would require companies to disclose whether animal abuse, like extreme confinement, took place during food production.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality UK presented a first-of-its-kind report, which found that fewer than 3% of UK farms are inspected each year. Meanwhile, less than 1% of animal welfare complaints against farms and slaughterhouses lead to a prosecution.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality held a protest against the force-feeding of ducks and geese for foie gras at the Ministry of Agriculture in Spain. The activists demanded the Government’s commitment to ending this cruelty.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality in the U.S. continued its campaign against Compass Group with a protest in Austin, Texas outside of Bank of America, an influential client of Compass.

OCTOBER

Together with more than twenty European animal protection organizations, Animal Equality launched a campaign against LIDL to demand better conditions for chickens in the company’s supply chain.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality in Brazil organized a meeting at São Paulo’s State Assembly alongside several organizations in opposition of Brazil’s Self-Control Bill to discuss their concerns of the harmful initiative.

SEPTEMBER

Following an international campaign by Animal Equality, RIU Hotels & Resorts, one of the most powerful hotel chains in the world, has committed to sourcing 100 percent of the eggs consumed in its hotel come from cage-free hens by the end of 2025. 

SEPTEMBER

The Spanish Government issued a decree requiring Spanish slaughterhouses to install video surveillance cameras. Animal Equality in Spain has been urging for the installation of video surveillance as part of its ‘Against Cruelty in Slaughterhouses’ campaign.

SEPTEMBER

Following pressure by Animal Equality in the U.S. and the Open Wing Alliance, TORIDOLL, one of the world’s largest restaurant companies, has pledged to source 100 percent cage-free eggs and egg products for its restaurant locations worldwide.

AUGUST

In a historic achievement for animals promoted by Animal Equality, Italy passed a law the will ban the killing of day-old male chicks in the egg industry by 2026. The ban will impact the lives of 25 to 40 million animals every year.

JULY

Animal Equality released an investigation into a fast-growing chicken farm in Italy, revealing the suffering of nearly one million chickens every year.

JULY

Animal Equality in India released an undercover investigation revealing the unacceptable abuse of a female buffalo as workers attempt to load her onto a transport truck. Animal Equality submitted the evidence to the Animal Welfare Board of India.

JULY

Animal Equality released the most extensive investigation ever conducted by an organization, documenting the suffering of farmed animals in more than 30 slaughterhouses in 13 Mexican states.

JULY

Pokeworks, a brand of the Asian restaurant giant TORIDOLL, pledged to end the use of caged eggs by 2023 at more than 65 locations, thanks to the actions of Animal Equality and the Open Wing Alliance.

JULY

Animal Equality in Mexico introduced an initiative to recognize the sentience of animals in the Political Constitution of Nuevo León, Mexico, where more than 42 million animals are killed for their meat.

JULY

After negotiations with Animal Equality, Mantiqueira, South America’s largest egg farm committed to buying female chicks from hatcheries that do not practice the killing of male chicks.

JULY

Animal Equality sought prosecution of the owners from “the farm of horrors” in Spain, where investigators recorded pigs suffering from large hernias, deformation, dead pigs, and cannibalism.

JULY

Animal Equality in the U.S. launched a campaign against Compass Group, the world’s largest foodservice provider, for not delivering on its decade-old promise to ban cages for pregnant pigs.

JULY

Animal Equality presented at the first-ever UK Parliamentary meeting to discuss the need for legal protections for farmed fish.

JUNE

Animal Equality in Brazil released an investigation inside three slaughterhouses to show the need for government oversight after the Brazilian Senate approved the Self-Control Bill, which would allow slaughterhouses to regulate themselves.

JUNE

Animal Equality released an investigation into lamb transportation from Eastern Europe to Italian slaughterhouses during Easter. The images showed lambs crowded into trucks and forced to endure extreme conditions.  

JUNE

Hidalgo became the first Mexican state to legally protect farmed animals in law with an initiative promoted by Animal Equality. Acts of cruelty to animals, including nearly 50 million farmed animals, are now punishable by prison sentences. 

JUNE

Animal Equality filed a lawsuit against Foster Farms, a company that specializes in chicken and turkey products, after an undercover investigation revealed baby chicks being crushed, drowned, and mutilated at a hatchery operated by the company.

MAY

Animal Equality and over 40 animal protection organizations supported a campaign which would create an EU Animal Welfare Commissioner position to further protect animals in the European Union.

APRIL

Animal Equality in Mexico introduced a bill to recognize animals as sentient beings deserving of legal protections. If the bill is approved, the initiative will pave the way for Mexico’s first nationwide animal welfare law.

MARCH

Undercover investigators with Animal Equality in Italy infiltrated a factory farm and collected the bodies of seven dead chickens to have analyzed. The findings show that ‘fast-growing’ chickens are genetically predisposed to suffering.

MARCH

Animal Equality in Mexico released new footage from a pig farm in Jalisco. The investigation was covered by influential Mexican media outlets. 

FEBRUARY

An undercover investigation at Madox Farm by Animal Equality UK exposed workers kicking and punching cows and neglecting a pregnant cow whose baby died inside her. The footage aired on BBC’s popular Panorama, leading to a public outcry. 

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality launched a US campaign calling for a complete ban on the sale and production of foie gras.

DECEMBER

An undercover investigation by Animal Equality revealed shocking violations of animal cruelty laws in a major U.S. hatchery owned by Foster Farms.

DECEMBER

The Italian Parliament voted and approved an amendment supported by Animal Equality that would ban the massacre of male chicks in the egg industry by December 2026.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality infiltrated tilapia farms in Mexico for the first time and uncovered the suffering these animals face at the hands of aquaculture due to the lack of laws protecting them from cruelty.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality released evidence of cruelty committed against pigs at the 22nd slaughterhouse investigated in Mexico, this time in Tizayuca, Hidalgo. With the footage compiled by our investigators, we filed three complaints with the proper authorities.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality in Spain supported seven legal modifications that would prevent slaughter while animals are conscious.

SEPTEMBER

Following pressure by Animal Equality and the Open Wing Alliance, Yum! Brands, parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, released its global cage-free policy that will cover at least 26,000 locations by 2026 and all locations by 2030.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality launched an international campaign that exposed the expanding and unregulated meat industry in Brazil as the main cause of the country’s extensive environmental destruction and some of the worst abuses against its animals.

AUGUST

Subway announced its commitment to improve chicken welfare in its European supply chain by publicly committing to the European Chicken Commitment (ECC). Animal Equality played a major role in this campaign along with other coalition members of the Open Wing Alliance.

AUGUST

Animal Equality in the U.S. released an investigation inside Simmons Farm Raised Catfish slaughterhouse, located in Mississippi. Simmons is one of the largest USDA-inspected catfish slaughterhouses, supplying companies like Kroger, Piggly Wiggly, and Cracker Barrel.

JULY

In a rare behind-the-scenes look at a common egg industry practice, Animal Equality in Mexico released an investigation into the forced fasting of hens to increase their egg production, a cruel practice called “forced molting.”

JULY

Following pressure by Animal Equality in Mexico, the state of Puebla voted to pass a law that will criminalize unregulated slaughterhouses and slaughter at live animal markets.

JULY

Animal Equality in Italy released an investigation documenting suffering and abuse on a pig farm that supplies products sold under the slogan “Excellence of Made in Italy.” The investigation was carried out in collaboration with a local Italian television news station.

JUNE

After years of campaigning by animal protection groups, including Animal Equality, the European Commission agrees to put forth a legislative proposal by the end of 2023 to phase out the use of cages for farmed animals.

JUNE

Animal Equality’s campaign to ban live animal markets won Eurogroup’s #Campaign4Animals 2020 Award. The campaign was highlighted for its tremendous impact on animals, as well as how it responded to the COVID-19 crisis and mobilized supporters.

JUNE

Animal Equality presented over half a million signatures to the United Nations along with a petition that called for the end of the sale of live animals at the world’s wet markets.

JUNE

Animal Equality in Italy released an investigation documenting what happens to pigs inside a slaughterhouse known for its “quality” products.

JUNE

Thanks to the work of Animal Equality, as well as other animal protection groups, Nevada announced it will become the ninth state in the U.S. to ban cages for hens.

MAY

Animal Equality in Brazil released an investigation into the country’s meat industry and the practice of slaughtering pregnant cows. An accompanying public petition asks Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture to forbid the killings of these pregnant animals.

APRIL

Animal Equality UK released a disturbing investigation showing animal suffering filmed at P&G Sleigh Pig Unit in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The farm labels its products as “quality assured.”

APRIL

A new report produced by Animal Equality in Mexico details the alarming impact animal farming has on the environment. The report shows the visible ecological damage due to animal agriculture in Jalisco.

MARCH

Animal Equality launches a campaign in the U.S to ban the egg industry’s routine killing of baby chicks. In the U.S., around 300 million male chicks are killed because they cannot lay eggs.

MARCH

In response to thousands of cows and calves being stranded on the Mediterranean Sea for many months, Animal Equality Spain held numerous demonstrations to protest the cruelty of live animal transport.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality in India exposed country’s fishery and aquaculture sector. The investigation included footage from several fish and shrimp farms, hatcheries, and fish markets, shot over a year’s time in multiple Indian states.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality brought to light distressing scenes from a farm in Catalonia, Spain, where the highest concentration of intensive pig farms are located.

FEBRUARY

In collaboration with Italian television, Animal Equality released an investigation revealing the cruel reality for pigs bred for meat in Northern Italy, a region that markets its products with the stamp of “Made in Italy excellence.”

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality released undercover footage from a slaughter facility operated by The Scottish Salmon Company, a supplier of major UK supermarkets, as well as numerous international retailers, including in the US.

JANUARY

Animal Equality and Champion Petfoods resolved legal claims filed by Animal Equality related to the pet food company’s marketing of its products. The company corrected ‘wild-caught’ marketing claims on its website and agreed to provide additional transparency regarding its fish sourcing practices.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality published harrowing footage of chickens suffering on a German farm used by the country’s largest chicken producer, Wiesenhof. The material was leaked to Animal Equality and in turn, we filed a complaint against the farm with relevant German authorities.

DECEMBER

In honor of International Animal Rights Day, Animal Equality released a new investigation that reveals that wet markets in China continue to sell and slaughter dogs and cats for meat, despite media reports and statements from the country’s government proclaiming otherwise.

DECEMBER

Following a campaign by Animal Equality Italy, Assoavi, the trade association that represents major egg producers in the country, committed to working on eliminating the routine mass-killing of male chicks in the egg industry.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality India released its second investigation into chicken farms, detailing numerous animal welfare and food safety violations.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality, along with five other nonprofits, filed a formal complaint against agribusiness giant Cargill, Inc., for unlawfully marketing certain turkey products.

NOVEMBER

Nine months after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, Animal Equality released a new investigation that shows China’s wet markets are still in operation.

OCTOBER

In collaboration with The Daily Mail, the UK’s most widely read newspaper, Animal Equality UK released a new investigation filmed inside Kinswood Eggs, an egg farm which supplies a number of UK wholesalers and local catering companies.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality in Spain released a new collaborative investigation that depicts the brutality and mistreatment suffered by animals exported from Spain during transport and slaughter.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality launched a campaign targeting meal service companies Gooble, Home Chef, and Yumble for their lack of a public commitment to higher animal welfare in their chicken supply chains.

AUGUST

Animal Equality, as part of a coalition, filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prevent COVID-19 relief funds, resources, and any other forms of support for the costs of the mass killing of animals on factory farms.

AUGUST

Animal Equality released distressing scenes of severe animal suffering on eight UK chicken farms. Some of the farms are operated by Moy Park, one of the UK’s largest chicken producers and a known supplier of McDonald’s. The investigation was featured as an exclusive in The Independent.

AUGUST

In an effort to denounce the serious environmental risks caused by pig farms in Mexico, Animal Equality released a short investigative documentary titled “Enemy of the Planet.” The film showcases footage taken by drones that flew over two industrial pig farms in Jalisco, with the goal of publicizing the damage caused by industrial livestock farming.

JULY

In footage captured by Animal Equality investigators in Brazil, animals raised for human consumption are shown being treated cruelly on industrial farms.

JULY

Thanks to the work of Animal Equality Mexico, a new animal protection regulation was approved by the Government Council of Zapopan, Mexico that establishes protections for farmed animals and criminalizes farmed animal cruelty.

JUNE

Animal Equality, along with Spanish online newspaper Público, released an investigation into a factory farm in Spain documenting the rapid growth that chickens suffer for Spanish meat production.

MAY

Animal Equality’s corporate outreach work in Spain has led to a decreased percentage of caged hens, with a new report showing that 77% of hens were caged in 2019, compared to 93% in 2017 when the team’s work began.

MAY

A new investigation into live transport from Animal Equality Spain showed the pain and torment of lambs as they are shipped to countries without animal protections to be violently slaughtered without stunning.

APRIL

In a historic move, Animal Equality presented two groundbreaking legislative initiatives in Mexico: One to ban the sale of live animals in the country’s markets and another to mandate the closure of all illegal slaughterhouses, as well as prosecute those who operate the underground facilities.

APRIL

Footage from Animal Equality’s investigative work into Asia’s wet markets was featured on CBS’ news program 60 Minutes, reaching over 9 million viewers, nationwide.

APRIL

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Animal Equality launched an international campaign to ban wet markets across the world, with a petition addressed to the United Nations eclipsing 450K signatures in just a few weeks.

MARCH

After Joaquin Phoenix’s stirring speech at the 2020 Academy Awards, during which he brought attention to the plight of dairy cows and calves, Animal Equality purchased a billboard in Hollywood to further shine a light on dairy industry cruelty.

FEBRUARY

Joaquin Phoenix joined Animal Equality for a protest in London before the 73rd BAFTA awards to draw attention to animal agriculture as a leading cause of climate change.

FEBRUARY

A new investigation from Animal Equality revealed thousands of animals were again mutilated and slaughtered at a 2020 Gadhimai festival event.

JANUARY

Animal Equality Germany’s newly formed corporate outreach team recorded its first success, with its work leading to French restaurant conglomerate Grouple Le Duff and its German subsidiary Kamps to join the European Chicken Commitment.

December

Actress Rooney Mara joined Animal Equality for an investigation inside two factory farms, titled “With My Own Eyes.”

December

Animal Equality worked with local authorities to end animal sacrifice at the Gadhimai festival, a two-day event held every five years in Southern Nepal.

November

Animal Equality released its second investigation of 2019 in Mexico, focusing on the slaughter of lambs and sheep in the country’s illegal backyard slaughterhouses.

November

Animal Equality released an investigation inside a British sheep slaughterhouse. Footage detailed animal suffering at Farmers Fresh Wales, a supplier for customers in the U.K. and across continental Europe.

October

Animal Equality released a new investigation documenting buffalo mozzarella production in Italy. Evidence showed male buffalos left to die of hunger and thirst after being torn from their mothers.

October

After devastating fires set by cattle farmers destroyed large areas of the Amazon Rainforest, Animal Equality sent investigators to Northern Brazil to document increased deforestation and its connection to animal agriculture. 

September

With Just Salad announcing a commitment to use only cage-free eggs by 2024, Animal Equality in the U.S. secured 6 total commitments from major corporations in 2019.

August

Animal Equality released footage of pig slaughter at an Italian slaughterhouse. In just a few weeks, over 140,000 people signed a petition demanding greater protections for animals, including video surveillance in Italian slaughterhouses.

August

In collaboration with other animal protection organizations, Animal Equality in the U.S. filed an amicus brief to support a false-advertising lawsuit against Hormel Foods.

July

In collaboration with Italy’s national media outlet, Tg2, Animal Equality published an investigation exposing a Northern Italian pig farm.

July

Animal Equality released its first U.S. investigation, exposing cruelty at a calf ranch that supplies Bel Brands, producer of Babybel.

July

Animal Equality in the U.S. co-represented nonprofit consumer groups in a lawsuit filed against Tyson, alleging deceptive marketing.

July

Animal Equality released an investigation revealing cruel and illegal practices at egg farms across India.

JUNE

Animal Equality, joined by a trio of public interest groups, challenged Arkansas’ Ag-Gag law in an effort to remove the veil of secrecy over the state’s factory farms.

JUNE

Animal Equality in the U.K. released a new investigation with footage of animal suffering on three chicken farms in Lincolnshire, England.

MAY

Animal Equality in the U.S. recorded its first two corporate outreach successes. Its collaborative work secured commitments from Denny’s and Sun Basket to eliminate some of the worst abuses of chickens in the companies’ meat supply chains.

MAY

Animal Equality in the U.K. exposed suffering, cannibalism, and abuse on chicken farms. These farms supplied Nando’s, a popular restaurant chain, as well as retailers Lidl and Asda.

APRIL

In response to Animal Equality in Mexico’s work, state lawmakers approved a historic initiative criminalizing cruelty to farmed animals. The initiative was called Jalisco Without Cruelty.

MARCH

Animal Equality collaborated with VICE Spain on a project called “Uncaged,” which will inform its Spanish audience about Animal Equality’s work in the country.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality launched Jalisco Without Cruelty, a new campaign to change animal protection laws in the Mexican state.

FEBRUARY

Thanks to an Animal Equality investigation in Lincolnshire, three U.K. pig farm workers were convicted of multiple animal cruelty offenses and sentenced for their crimes.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality partnered with another animal protection organization to persuade Italian chicken producer Amadori to change its advertising language. Prior language was not representative of the cruelty chickens face for its products.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality was named co-council for Food and Water Watch and the Organic Consumers Association in a lawsuit against Pilgrim’s Pride. The lawsuit alleged false advertising regarding the treatment of chickens killed for Pilgrim’s products.

JANUARY

Animal Equality in the U.S. helped defeat the King Amendment, which threatened to prohibit states from passing new animal protection laws and would have negated existing state laws protecting animals.

JANUARY

In just a few hours, 120,000 people signed Animal Equality in Italy’s petition against cruelty in slaughterhouses. The petition was addressed to the Ministers of Health and Agriculture.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality marked its 100th corporate commitment, securing a cage-free future for egg-laying hens across Spain, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and India.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality in Mexico released a new investigation with actor Eugenio Derbez, exposing the living conditions of caged hens.

DECEMBER

Animal Charity Evaluators named Animal Equality a Top Charity for the fourth year in a row.

NOVEMBER

Co-founder and President Sharon Núñez was featured in one of the most widely-circulated newspapers in Spain, El Pais.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality launched Love Veg in Spain.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality delivered 200,000 petition signatures to the German Parliament, calling for an end to the castration of piglets without anesthesia.

NOVEMBER

After Animal Equality helped gather over 600,000 signatures in support of Prop. 12, the ballot measure passed.

NOVEMBER

Actor Peter Egan and Animal Equality in the U.K. delivered 100,000 signatures to the Prime Minister, demanding a UK foie gras import ban. Following coverage in Huffington Post and El País, several restaurants dropped foie gras from their menus.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality held its annual gala in Los Angeles, where it honored Kat Von D, Nic Adler, and Beyond Meat’s Ethan Brown for their animal protection work. It featured a special performance by Renee Olstead and was covered by Vogue magazine.

OCTOBER

Together with 130 animal protection organizations, Animal Equality demanded a ban on cages throughout the European Union with its End the Cage Age campaign.

SEPTEMBER

Love Veg launched in Mexico with a new digital cookbook. In the first month, the e-book was downloaded 71 thousand times.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality in Italy released a new investigation with state-owned television channel Tg2, exposing cruelty to hens in the egg industry.

AUGUST

Animal Equality in the U.K. released an investigation at Coombe Farm in Somerset, where workers aggressively beat dairy cows. The investigation was covered by The Daily Mirror.

AUGUST

Actor Edie Falco and her son joined Animal Equality to protest outside a McDonald’s restaurant in New York City’s Times Square.

AUGUST

Animal Equality in Italy gained exclusive access to a Sardinian fishing boat during an investigation of the commercial fishing industry.

JULY

Animal Equality in the U.K. released an investigation into yet another pig farm certified by Red Tractor. Footage showed the abuse of piglets and adult pigs, receiving coverage on the front page of The Times newspaper.

JULY

Animal Equality joined forces with other animal protection groups to commission a digital ad in New York City’s Times Square, exposing the abuse of chickens on farms supplying McDonald’s.

JULY

Dulce Ramírez, Animal Equality’s Executive Director in Mexico, was featured in the Unbound Project, which celebrates women at the forefront of advocacy.

JULY

Animal Equality joined coalition members and 250+ activists to peacefully protest in front of a McDonald’s restaurant in Los Angeles.

JUNE

Animal Equality staff were selected to present at the annual Animal Rights Conference.

MAY

Animal Equality in the U.K. released shocking scenes of animal abuse filmed on Fir Tree Pig Farm in Lincolnshire, which is owned by one of Britain’s largest pig meat producers.

MAY

Animal Equality conducted its first investigation into the Mexican chicken industry, exposing suffering in hatcheries, farms, trucks, and slaughterhouses.

APRIL

Animal Equality released a new investigation exposing cruelty inside Italian chicken hatcheries.

APRIL

British celebrity Bill Oddie OBE joined MPs and Animal Equality in the U.K. campaigners to hand in over 70,000 signatures calling for a foie gras import ban.

MARCH

Animal Equality launched a campaign to help chickens exploited for McDonald’s products with a full-page open letter in The New York Times.

MARCH

Noble Foods, the UK’s biggest egg producer, announced a commitment to cage-free egg production by 2025. The decision followed an Animal Equality investigation of one of its suppliers.

MARCH

Animal Equality visited SXSW in Texas – one of the world’s most important interactive film and music festivals – to show iAnimal to hundreds of attendees.

MARCH

Animal Equality released an investigation into the Italian rabbit meat industry, which routinely violates rules and regulations during slaughter.

FEBRUARY

In collaboration with the Spanish TV program Salvados, Animal Equality revealed animal suffering on a Spanish pig farm which supplies sausage brand El Pozo.

JANUARY

Animal Equality in Italy presented an investigation inside pig slaughterhouses.

JANUARY

Faunalytics and Animal Equality released a study on the impact of video outreach on meat reduction.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality was named a Top Charity by Animal Charity Evaluators.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality in Italy infiltrated one of the roughly 200 lamb slaughterhouses that are allowed to slaughter animals without prior stunning.

OCTOBER

Alongside Mexican TV personality Marco Antonio Regil, Animal Equality presented images from Mexican farms and slaughterhouses to the Mexican Senate. Animal Equality also shared its virtual reality project with Senators.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality presented an investigation into hen and chicken farms in India, highlighting its cruel and illegal practices. Based on the footage, a report and a list of recommendations were included in the Law Commission’s proposed Egg Laying Hen Rules and Broiler Chicken Rules, 2017.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality brought its complaint about farmed animal cruelty to the European Parliament in Brussels with an exhibit. The exhibit showed images from factory farms in Spain, England, and Germany.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality investigators discovered calves caged in tiny pens far past the eight-week legal limit on a U.K. dairy farm, resulting in international media coverage.

JULY

iAnimal, Animal Equality’s virtual reality project, took on the dairy industry with its third film in the series, narrated by actor Evanna Lynch.

JULY

Animal Equality used drones to expose the devastating environmental impacts of factory farming. Footage showed facilities across Catalonia, Spain, full of toxic waste that harms nearby residents and animals.

JULY

Animal Equality released an investigation in India that shows illegal cruelty to hens used for eggs.

JULY

Animal Equality introduced a legal initiative to criminalize animal abuse in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

JULY

Celebrities and politicians joined Animal Equality in the U.K. to demand a post-Brexit ban on the import of foie gras. The campaign shared #FoieGrasFreeGB.

MAY

Animal Equality released its first investigation inside Brazil’s egg factory farms.

MAY

Italian actor Tullio Solenghi joined Animal Equality to create a video urging for the protection of lambs during the Easter holiday.

MAY

Based on Animal Equality’s findings, India prohibited the sale of cows and buffaloes at the nation’s animal markets.

MAY

Thanks to Animal Equality’s footage, a dairy farm worker in Somerset, England, pled guilty to two counts of animal cruelty. The U.K. worker received a 12-month suspended prison sentence, a two-year ban on working with animals, and a fine.

MAY

Animal Equality released images from a chicken factory farm in Lower Saxony, Germany. The story of a chick named Finn caused a stir nationwide.

MARCH

The European Parliament approved an initiative by MEP Stefan Eck to end cages for rabbits in the meat industry. Animal Equality supported the initiative with #BanRabbitCages.

MARCH

Legislation introduced in the Mexican Senate, on behalf of Animal Equality, aimed to criminalize cruelty to farmed animals at the federal level.

MARCH

Animal Equality documented systemic cruelty in Mexico’s dairy industry, including painful mutilations and forced pregnancies.

FEBRUARY

An investigation inside Italy’s egg industry received massive media exposure. The sale of eggs dropped for an entire week following the investigation.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality’s second 360º virtual reality film offered a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of chickens raised for meat. It was presented and narrated by Kat Von D.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality celebrated 10 years of helping animals, thanks to the compassion of its supporters.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality opened an office in Brazil.

NOVEMBER

An extensive Animal Equality investigation spanned 31 slaughterhouses in seven Mexican states, revealing widespread cruelty to animals.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality launched the first film in its iAnimal virtual reality series. It was narrated by artist and musician Tony Kanal.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality in Mexico released an investigation into battery-cage egg farms, the first investigation ever conducted inside factory farms in Mexico.

OCTOBER

An Animal Equality investigation uncovered the violent abuse of cows and their calves on a family-run British dairy farm.

SEPTEMBER

Four years after Animal Equality revealed some of the most severe cruelty ever witnessed, four employees of a Spanish pig farm called El Escobar were found guilty of animal cruelty and sentenced to prison.

AUGUST

During an investigation into British chicken farms, Animal Equality investigators rescued a weak, young bird who had been thrown in the trash alive. She was taken to an animal sanctuary and named Gloria – and she survived!

JUNE

Animal Equality presented evidence from European rabbit farms to the EU Parliament, supporting a campaign to ban battery cages for rabbits.

APRIL

A new investigation in Italy revealed the suffering of rabbits during live export and slaughter.

MARCH

For the third year in a row, Animal Charity Evaluators recognized Animal Equality for its efficient work for animals.

JANUARY

Animal Equality investigators exposed squalor and suffering on award-winning British pig farms linked to major supermarkets.

JANUARY

Animal Equality’s virtual reality project, iAnimal, celebrated its international premiere during the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in the U.S.

DECEMBER

For the second year in a row, Animal Equality was chosen as a ‘Top Charity’ by Animal Charity Evaluators and recognized as one of the three most efficient animal protection organizations in the world.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality conducted its first investigation inside industrial chicken hatcheries in Spain. The video received tens of millions of views.

NOVEMBER

An Animal Equality investigation in China revealed the slaughter of dogs for their skins.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality focused its efforts on farmed animals.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality started its first program at Mexican universities, delivering free plant-based guides to students.

JUNE

Animal Equality collaborated with an Italian TV program to show millions of people shocking cruelty found in several pig farms and slaughterhouses.

MAY

Animal Equality uncovered cruel conditions in two organic hen farms that supplied Deutsche Frühstücksei GmbH, Germany’s largest egg producer.

APRIL

The Mexican state of Jalisco prohibited the use of animals in circuses, thanks to an initiative presented by Animal Equality and supported by local groups.

MARCH

Animal Equality rescued several animals from the Italian lamb meat industry, including little Basilico.

FEBRUARY

After an Animal Equality investigation, Mexico’s Office of Environmental Protection seized over 100 animals from a decrepit zoo called “Club of the Little Animals.”

DECEMBER

Animal Equality investigated German duck farms, and the country’s largest suppliers were forced to close for several months. Workers faced possible legal consequences.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality in Italy rescued two lambs while exposing the suffering of live animals during transport.

DECEMBER

Following an Animal Equality investigation into rabbit farms in Spain and Italy, The Terrace restaurant at the National Theatre in London removed the rabbit dish from its menu.

NOVEMBER

Two of Animal Equality’s international directors, Sharon Núñez and Jose Valle, incorporated Animal Equality as a non-profit (501c3) in the United States.

SEPTEMBER

Due to an initiative presented by Animal Equality and other local associations, the city of Guadalajara, Mexico, prohibited the exhibition and use of animals in circus shows.

AUGUST

Animal Equality in Germany investigated a pig farm that supplies Edeka. The popular grocery store promotes “transparency” to entice customers, but investigators found animal suffering and unsanitary conditions.

AUGUST

The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs passed a nationwide ban on the import of foie gras as a direct result of Animal Equality’s investigations.

MAY

Animal Equality investigated more than 70 facilities across Europe that breed or raise rabbits for meat.

MAY

The Supreme Court in India introduced a nationwide ban on all bull performances, including bullock cart races, following the efforts of Animal Equality and other groups. 

MAY

Following requests by Animal Equality, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs issued a directive that reduced the number of large animals killed during the Gadhimai Festival by 80%.

MAY

Coinciding with Eid al-Adha, also called the “Feast of the Sacrifice,” Animal Equality exposed cruelty within the halal meat industry in Italy.

APRIL

After investigations by Animal Equality, the consumption of lamb meat in Italy dropped by 40% in 2014 and a further 50% the following year.

APRIL

Animal Equality investigators captured footage of lamb slaughterhouses and lamb weighing. After this exposé, 60% of Italian families eliminated lamb meat from their Easter holidays.

APRIL

Animal Equality was chosen as a ‘Top Charity’ by Animal Charity Evaluators and recognized as one of the three most efficient animal protection organizations in the world.

MARCH

More than one hundred people gathered in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to commemorate animals who suffer and die in the factory farming industry.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality’s investigations in China contributed to the Chinese authorities closing a dog slaughterhouse and 33 dog and cat meat vendors.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality rescued six hens from an egg factory farm in Germany.

JULY

Thirteen circuses were investigated in the Mexican state of Jalisco. This led to the confiscation of animals in poor condition, as well as two initiatives prohibiting circuses in Guadalajara and Jalisco.

MAY

Animal Equality’s investigators rescued Vita, a dog used for breeding, from a slaughterhouse in China. They took her to Europe, where she gave birth to nine babies a short time later.

APRIL

Animal Equality conducted the first widespread investigation into the dog meat trade in China.

MARCH

Animal Equality in Italy revealed unprecedented images of cruelty to lambs in farms and slaughterhouses. Following this investigation, lamb meat consumption decreased during Easter holidays.

MARCH

Animal Equality investigated Schwaben Park, a German zoo, for ten months. Investigators documented the suffering of chimpanzees.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality released an investigation into a monkey breeding facility, which sells them to labs around the world for experimentation.

DECEMBER

After the release of new footage inside foie-gras farms, a renown Spanish restaurant called Mugaritz was fined for using foie-gras from illegal farms.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality organized the first Congress Against Repression in Spain.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality filled the center of Madrid with crosses in remembrance of animals abused and killed by humans.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality organized its fifth Animal Rights Day in the center of Madrid.

DECEMBER

Over 60 demonstrators gathered in front of the Pantheon in Italy to commemorate International Animal Rights Day. The event gathered international media coverage.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality’s suggestion of a sensor device to prevent elephant deaths due to train accidents was accepted by the Government of India. The device has been developed and was in the experimental stage as of October 2016.

NOVEMBER

After another foie gras investigation by Animal Equality, the largest supermarket chain in Italy, COOP, decided to end the sale of foie gras.

NOVEMBER

An Animal Equality investigation into British pig farms resulted in the closure of Harling Farm and the prosecution of its workers. They received the longest sentence ever handed down for abuse of farmed animals.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality began working in Mexico, with Dulce Ramírez as its Executive Director there. She was later named Vice President for Latin America.

JULY

Animal Equality began many years of investigations into the foie gras industry. Our petition against foie gras production quickly reached 100,000 signatures.

JUNE

Animal Equality presented an investigation uncovering the capture and killing of tuna in Carloforte, Italy.

MAY

Animal Equality in Germany was incorporated.

APRIL

Hundreds of people marched against animal experimentation.

MARCH

Animal Equality conducted a human meat tray demonstration in Barcelona, Spain.

JANUARY

Animal Equality was registered as an organization in Italy. Matteo Cupi became Animal Equality’s Executive Director in Italy.

DECEMBER

For its fourth Animal Rights Day, Animal Equality brought hundreds of activists together in Madrid.

NOVEMBER

Hundreds of people joined Animal Equality to protest fur farming.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality exposed the cruelty behind ritual killings in Melilla.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality released an investigation inside ten Spanish zoos. The investigation gained national attention and sparked a debate about zoos and aquariums.

SEPTEMBER

For the fourth year in a row, Animal Equality filmed the killing of a bull with spears in Tordesillas, Spain.

JUNE

Animal Equality continued its work in London to educate people about the benefits of plant-based eating.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality marched against animal experimentation in Catalonia, Spain.

JANUARY

Animal Equality began working in India with Amruta Ubale as its Executive Director.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality commemorated Animal Rights Day with a shocking action at Leicester Square in London, United Kingdom.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality rescued five hens from a factory farm in Spain. The organization was joined by photographer Jo-Anne McArthur.

SEPTEMBER

For the third year in a row, Animal Equality released hidden-camera footage of a Spanish bullfighting event, Toro de la Vega.

MAY

Animal Equality presented its second investigation into Spanish pig farms, which covered over 172 facilities. The images were released in prime-time on Spanish television.

MARCH

Animal Equality lowered a banner in Puente de Segovia, Spain, to protest bullfighting.

FEBRUARY

A protest against fur farming brought hundreds of people together in Madrid.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality carried out its second catwalk disruption in Madrid, Spain, to protest the fur industry.

JANUARY

Dozens of activists protested inside a fur shop in Madrid, Spain.

DECEMBER

For its second Animal Rights Day, Animal Equality brought together hundreds of activists from various European countries.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality carried out the first open rescue of lambs in Spain during Christmas Eve. This became the first livestream open rescue.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality presented its first investigation of the fur industry, releasing footage inside several Spanish fur farms.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality registered as a non-profit limited company (and in 2017 as a charity) in the UK.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality released hidden-camera footage of a Spanish bullfighting event, Toro de la Vega, getting major media coverage. This initiated a discussion in the Spanish Congress about abolishing the event.

APRIL

Animal Equality lowered a banner against bullfighting in Seville, Spain.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality carried out its first catwalk disruption in Madrid, Spain, to protest the fur industry.

FEBRUARY

During a protest against the fur industry, several volunteers and two Animal Equality co-founders chained themselves to a fur stall during the largest fur fair in Spain. The action was covered by Spanish national television, reaching millions of people.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality protested against a judge who was shown hunting in the media.

JANUARY

Animal Equality carried out a protest against fur in a shopping mall in Seville, Spain.

DECEMBER

During Animal Equality’s first slaughterhouse investigation in the country, co-founder Jose Valle visited five facilities in Northern Spain. The images were shown in the media.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality rescued ten hens from a factory farm in Spain. The rescue was viewed by over 2.5 million people on Spanish TV.

DECEMBER

Animal Equality commemorated Animal Rights Day in Madrid by honoring animals who suffer in factory farms and slaughterhouses. This action has been replicated by other organizations around the world.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality jumped into a bullring in Zaragoza, Spain, to protest the killing of bulls for entertainment.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality protested bullfighting in Zaragoza, Spain, by lowering a banner from the city’s largest bullring. The action was covered by Spanish national television, as well as local papers, and reached millions of people.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality protested a bullfighting event in Spain with a banner that read, “Respect Animals” from the sky.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality used hidden cameras to film the killing of a bull in Tordesillas, Spain.

AUGUST

Animal Equality released its first investigation into pig farms. The footage exposed conditions on a farm connected to Campofrio, one of Spain’s biggest meat producers.

JULY

Animal Equality protested one of the biggest meat companies in Spain, Campofrio, by carrying out a protest at its headquarters.

JUNE

Animal Equality lowered a banner that read, “Bullfighting Abolition” from Barcelona’s bullfighting ring, La Monumental. Bullfighting is now banned in Catalonia.

MAY

Animal Equality lowered two banners from the world’s most important bullring. They each read, “Abolition.”

APRIL

Animal Equality displays a banner calling for an end to bullfighting on the Osborne bull, deemed one of Spain’s biggest national emblems.

MARCH

Animal Equality protested the killing of seals in Canada at the Canadian Embassy in Madrid.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality became the first organization in Europe to carry out an open rescue, bringing six piglets from a Spanish factory farm to a sanctuary. Since its foundation, Animal Equality has carried out many open rescues, saving over 100 animals.

MARCH

Animal Equality protested the killing of seals in Canada at the Canadian Embassy in Madrid.

FEBRUARY

Animal Equality protested the use of animals in circuses in Madrid, Spain.

NOVEMBER

Animal Equality used a shocking action to encourage consumers to replace animal products with plant-based proteins. This protest has been replicated by organizations around the world.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality started working in Latin America. The organization gathered activists in various countries who carried out protests and distributed plant-based leaflets.

OCTOBER

Animal Equality gathered outside the Japanese Embassy to protest the killing of dolphins in Japan every year.

SEPTEMBER

Animal Equality’s first action gained significant media attention. Two of Animal Equality’s founders, as well as two other activists, chained themselves to the entrance of a slaughterhouse in Madrid, Spain.

Sharon Núñez, Jose Valle, and Javier Moreno founded Animal Equality in Spain. Animal Equality’s mission was to create a world where all animals are respected and protected.