Photo: Rebecca Cappelli Loviconi / We Animals
As we embark on a new year, election results have set the stage for a pivotal moment in the fight to protect farmed animals and build a kinder food system for all. Indeed, the meat, egg, and dairy industries are expected to push their agendas more aggressively than ever. Mercy For Animals is ready to hold our ground against this challenge—and we’re counting on you to unite with us.
“The morning after the election, my son asked me a question that struck deep: ‘What will this mean for us?’ Like so many of us, he was wondering how recent changes may impact our planet, the animals, and all the life we treasure. As I reflected, I knew my answer was simple: We keep fighting.”
—Leah Garcés, CEO and President, Mercy For Animals
Here’s what’s at stake in 2025:
Investigations: Protecting Truth and Transparency
One of the most immediate and dangerous threats emerging from the new political landscape is a possible increase in support for ag-gag laws. These laws are designed to prevent people from investigating and exposing wrongdoing at farms and other agricultural facilities, such as animal cruelty or unsafe working conditions. They often make it illegal to record videos, take photos, or get a job at these facilities with the intent to uncover such issues. Ag-gag laws protect corporate interests while making exposing the cruelty and unsafe practices taking place behind closed doors at factory farms nearly impossible.
Undercover investigations are the backbone of our work, and we remain committed to revealing the truth despite these challenges. We will protect whistleblowers and challenge these oppressive laws while we continue to bring the hidden suffering of animals into the light.
Defensive Work: Fighting Dangerous Bills like the EATS Act
Unfortunately, the EATS (Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression) Act or similar legislation is likely to gain significant momentum under the new Congress. This dangerous bill threatens to eliminate state-level protections for farmed animals, such as California’s Prop 12, which bans the sale of meat and eggs from animals kept in extreme confinement.
Mercy For Animals will tirelessly fight measures that seek to erase hard-won protections for animals. At the same time, we’ll continue to champion federal bills that help animals, such as the Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act and Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act, which promote transparency and provide resources for farmers transitioning from factory farming.
Mercy For Animals will also lead several state-level bills in 2025 that aim to reduce suffering for aquatic animals in the food system and prohibit the expansion of existing factory farms and the development of new ones.
Corporate Accountability: Holding Corporations to Their Promises
The new administration’s appointees may embolden corporations, food companies, and restaurant chains to roll back commitments like cage- and crate-free pledges, putting billions of animals at risk of extreme suffering. Mercy For Animals is prepared to hold companies accountable, ensuring they don’t go back on their animal welfare commitments. Through our campaigns and petitions, we will continue to empower compassionate consumers to resist corporate backsliding and demand better for farmed animals.
Growing Plant-Based Options: Expanding Access
In the new year we will continue to encourage serving plant-based meals in schools, hospitals, and other public institutions and promote plant-based food purchasing policies that reduce the demand for animals in the food system and foster a more sustainable future.
Shifting Public Attitudes: Confronting Misinformation and Building Momentum
From methane emissions to deforestation, the truth is undeniable: Industrial animal agriculture is a leading driver of the climate crisis. But unfortunately, dangerous misinformation surrounding the reality of climate change—and animal agriculture’s role in it—threatens progress on urgent environmental issues. Mercy For Animals is ready to counter these false claims with truth and science.
In the new year, we’ll launch more hard-hitting, fact-based campaigns to expose the indisputable link between factory farming and climate change. Through powerful media outreach, celebrity partnerships, and public education efforts, we’ll make sure this message is heard loud and clear.
You Are the Hero Animals Need
Every action we take relies on the support of compassionate people like you. Together, we can face legislative and corporate challenges head-on, defending animals and creating meaningful change.
Your gift of $25, $50, or whatever you can give helps Mercy For Animals
oppose harmful legislation, protect undercover investigators, and expand plant-based solutions. With your help, we can ensure animals are not forgotten in the face of political shifts.
To stay informed and take action in support of farmed animals, follow us on social media or become a Hen Hero to get emails with campaign updates and quick, easy ways to make a difference.
Thank you for being the force behind every step forward. Animals need you—now more than ever.
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