UK GOVERNMENT TO BAN LIVE EXPORTS - BIG NEWS FOR FARM ANIMALS! - Compassion in World Farming
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Issue 206 – summer 2021
BIG NEWS FOR FARM ANIMALS!
UK LAW TO
RECOGNISE ANIMALS UK GOVERNMENT IS THIS
THE DAWN OF
ARE SENTIENT BEINGS TO BAN LIVE EXPORTS CAGE FREE FARMING?
I SSUE 206
FARM ANIMAL VOICE
CONTENTS
UPDATE
4
GLOBAL NEWS
The latest farm animal updates
6 LIVE EXPORTS: MAJOR PROGRESS
Good news from the UK and New Zealand,
although the trade claims more victims
10 THE LATEST FROM WESTMINSTER
How you’re influencing UK politics,
for the sake of animal welfare
12 ENDING CAGE CRUELTY
Your big day in the European Parliament,
and more End the Cage Age progress
18 SAVING OUR ANTIBIOTICS
New evidence supports the call to end the
overuse of antibiotics in farming
22 WHAT’S IN THE PACKET?
Your fight for honest labelling is set to
benefit billions of animals
6
ACTION
8 YES, ANIMALS CAN FEEL!
A big win in your campaign for legal
recognition of animal sentience
15 A YEAR FOR GLOBAL ACTION
How you’re taking the call to end factory
farming to the United Nations
20 SCOTTISH SALMON SCANDAL
Your latest undercover investigation,
plus progress for fish welfare in Europe
27 BRILLIANT ANIMAL CHAMPIONS
Great ways to fundraise for farm animals
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION
24 REACHING MINDS AND HEARTS
Inspiring South African children to care
about animal welfare
26 CLEAN AND COMPASSIONATE
The exciting new food chain, Clean Kitchen,
is fighting factory farming! 20 8
Editor Tamsin Seymour • Production Manager Sarah Bryan • Design Neo – weareneo.com
Farm Animal Voice is published twice a year by Compassion in World Farming International. Compassion in World Farming International is a
registered charity in England and Wales, registered charity number 1095050; and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales,
number 4590804. The registered office is at River Court, Mill Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1EZ, UK.
Enquiries: Tel +44 (0)1483 521 953 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) • Email supporters@ciwf.org
Our Patrons: Professor Joy Carter CBE DL • Jilly Cooper CBE • Peter Egan • Rose Elliot MBE • Jerome Flynn • Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE • Princess Alia Al Hussein of Jordan • Stanley Johnson
Dame Penelope Keith DBE • Bruce Kent • Joanna Lumley OBE • Evanna Lynch • Deborah Meaden • Chris Packham • Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE • Revd Professor Michael J Reiss
Susan Duchess of Richmond • Sir Crispin Tickell GCMG KCVO • Professor John Webster
Front cover image: © iStock
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WELCOME
YOU’VE ACHIEVED HUGE
PROGRESS FOR ANIMALS –
THANK YOU!
T
here are so many BIG WINS
for animals in this Farm Animal
Voice that I’ve asked our
magazine editor for more room to
recognise your achievements!
Firstly, the UK Government has
announced it will ban live exports
for slaughter and fattening, and
the Scottish Government has made
the same pledge. Could a Great British live exports
ban be in sight?
Meanwhile, congratulations to both local and global
campaigners for achieving a precedent-setting ban on
all live exports from New Zealand.
Back in the UK, your fight for legal recognition that
animals can think and feel has led to the Animal Welfare
(Sentience) Bill, which will close an alarming gap in
Image: © Anita Jeram domestic law.
Plus, the UK Government has pledged to revisit controls on foie gras imports, review animal welfare labelling on
food, and consider reforms on the use of cages for hens and pigs.
What’s more, in the EU, influential scientists, major food companies, and MEPs from across the political spectrum have
lent their backing to your 1.4 million-signature European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI).
When the End the Cage Age ECI was launched in 2018, we knew our cause was just, but we hardly dared dream that,
together, we could inspire such opposition to cages in Brussels. The European Commission’s response to the ECI is
imminent, so stay tuned!
Of course, intensive farming also has terrible consequences for human health and the environment. So, this year, as a
United Nations Food Systems Champion, I’ll be taking your message to the heart of the UN Food Systems Summit:
Factory farming must end – for the sake of animals, people and the planet.
THANK YOU for all you do to fight for humane, nature-positive farming. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Farm Animal Voice –
and here’s to your next BIG WIN for farm animals!
PAGES 12-14
Philip Lymbery BIG NEWS IN THE
Global CEO, Compassion in World Farming International
FIGHT TO END
Philip’s personal blog is available at: philiplymbery.com THE CAGE AGE
or you can follow on Twitter: @philip_ciwf
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G L OB A L N E W S U P DATE
FOOD PRODUCERS
STEP UP FOR ANIMALS
The ninth annual Business Benchmark
on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) shows
continued progress in corporate practices
for animals.
Jointly supported by Compassion and World Animal Protection,
the Benchmark once again ranked the animal welfare policies and
performance of 150 global food companies.
More big names make This year, 23 businesses moved up at least one tier, 80% now have
improvement goals for farm animal welfare, and food producers and
the Better Chicken manufacturers were the highest scoring sector for the very first time.
Commitment
Meanwhile, overall, UK businesses out-performed those in other areas.
We’re delighted to announce But momentum is building in the Latin American and Asia Pacific regions
the latest wave of leading food that include some of the biggest names in global meat production.
companies who’ve signed up to
Find out more at ciwf.org.uk/BBFAW-2020
the Better Chicken Commitment.
Burger King and Friday's in
the UK, KFC in France, and We’ve had UTAH
Carrefour Poland have all
pledged to move to rearing enough! ENDS THE
slower-growing chickens in CAGE AGE!
better living conditions. At the start of a ‘super election
year’ in Germany, and despite the In March, Utah became the
And Domino’s Pizza has pandemic, the ‘Wir haben es satt! eighth US state to ban the
made the commitment (We’ve had enough!) Alliance’ caging of egg-laying hens.
across no less than six united 10,000 people to create
a sea of footprints outside the The legislation, which comes
countries: France, Germany, into force in 2025, also sets
the Netherlands, Denmark, Federal Chancellery in Berlin.
minimum welfare standards for
Belgium and Luxembourg! The movement is calling for alternative systems, and bans
agricultural reforms – in Germany and the sale of eggs
beyond – to protect the wellbeing of from caged hens –
society, animals and the environment. thereby protecting
The protest, in front of the official animals both in
‘seat’ of Chancellor Angela Merkel, Utah and beyond.
demanded that we must “start
the agricultural turnaround.”
EU set to promote plant-rich diets
A new plan to fight cancer, published by the European Commission,
includes a commitment to encourage a “shift to a more plant-based diet,
with less red and processed meat and other foods linked to cancer risk.”
The final plan was less ambitious than an earlier, leaked version,
but it is a positive step towards the ‘eat less and better’ approach
advocated by Compassion. The EU now needs to step up the
promotion of plant-rich diets in upcoming laws and policies.
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G L OB A L N E W S U P DATE
ciwf.org.uk
EU ANIMAL WELFARE STRATEGY Farm FARM ANIMALS IN
ASI
FUNDING THE FUTUREA:
– FAILINGS IDENTIFIED animals
A European Commission assessment of the in Asia –
EU’s animal welfare strategy says none of its
objectives have been “fully achieved” and that
funding
legislative compliance remains “a key challenge.” the future
o
© iStockphoto/Gyr
The report singles out animal transport,
the routine docking of pigs’ tails, and some Compassion has
methods of slaughter as compliance “risk launched a new programme designed to help
areas” and says that a forthcoming legislative build the grassroots movement for farm animal
review will pay “special attention” to them. welfare in Japan, Indonesia and South Korea.
Olga Kikou, Head of Compassion in World The programme offers grants to individuals and
Farming EU, said: “It’s astonishing that none of organisations already working within farm animal
the EU’s animal welfare goals have been fully welfare advocacy, climate change or environmental
met. Based on this evaluation, we expect the protection, or looking to take their first steps into
European Commission to increase its ambition improving farm animal welfare in their region.
level and overhaul EU animal welfare legislation.” Find out more at ciwf.org.uk/FundingTheFuture
FISH SUFFERING EXPOSED
Alarming new research from CIWF Netherlands
shows that the country’s farmed fish are enduring
high levels of stress, disease and mortality.
Despite there being five times more farmed fish in the
Netherlands than cattle, goats and sheep combined,
there is no species-specific legislation in place for fish.
CIWF Netherlands are calling for the introduction of
annual farm inspections, a ban on slaughter without For more news on your campaign
stunning, and welfare legislation for all farmed fish species. to Rethink Fish, turn to page 21.
A CHRISTIAN ETHICS FOR
FARMED ANIMAL WELFARE
A three-year project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council,
has developed a set of moral principles related to farmed animal welfare.
Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare (CEFAW) is being led by
researchers at the University of Chester, and Compassion has played a
key role in influencing the project’s thinking.
Focusing on the ‘flourishing’ of animals, and evaluating the extent to
which current farming systems achieve this goal, CEFAW has also published a policy
framework to help guide the actions of churches and other Christian organisations.
To find out more, visit the CEFAW website via ciwf.org.uk/CEFAW
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BAN LIVE EXPORTS – THE TIME IS NOW
The global movement against live exports is gaining momentum.
Could 2021 be the beginning of the end for this cruel trade?
UK LIVE EXPORTS: supporters to the Cabinet Secretary
THE END OF THE ROAD? for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing. TAKE ACTION!
On 11 May, in the Queen’s Speech, We’re delighted to say that, A huge thank you to
the UK Government finally confirmed following this campaign, the everyone who has
it will bring in legislation to Scottish National Party (SNP) responded so generously
ban the export of live animals made an election manifesto to our recent Battle Plan
for fattening and slaughter. commitment to “ban live exports appeal to ban live exports:
for slaughter and fattening”.
This monumental victory, which • See our four-step plan
we expect to end live exports from Such a ban would not only protect to defeat this trade,
or through England and Wales, Scottish animals, but also prevent or make a gift, at
is thanks to the determination sheep or cattle being trucked from ciwf.org.uk/battle-plan
and commitment of campaigners England or Wales into Scotland,
like you. And it follows a formal and then subsequently exported. • Join the call for a Great
consultation, during which a So, we're stepping up the pressure British live exports ban at
phenomenal 110,000 people on the SNP to keep its promises, ciwf.org.uk/GreatBritishBan
added their names to our and calling on the UK and • And visit
response. Thank you! Scottish Governments to work ciwf.org.uk/EU-petition
together to deliver a ban on to call for changes to
An English and Welsh live exports live exports from all of Britain.
ban would represent huge progress legislation to end the
in our decades-long campaign, Meanwhile, we must also address EU live export trade.
and it could spare thousands of the fact that animals could still
animals every year from needless be exported from the UK to the
suffering. Now, the next steps in Continent from or through Northern
our battle plan are to hold the UK Ireland, which remains within EU
Government to its commitment, trading rules. For the sake of animals
and to secure an end to live across the UK, and the millions
exports from Scotland. exported from Europe each year, it
is crucial that we not only secure
Shamefully, in its own live export a Great British live exports ban,
consultation, the last Scottish but also that the EU follows suit.
Government failed to propose
a ban on the trade – prompting
28,000 emails from Compassion
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U P DATE
DISASTERS AT SEA and Romania – were trapped. This
extended the animals’ already
This year has already seen
appalling journeys and put them at
two stark reminders of why
risk of shortages of food and water.
the European Commission
must act to end the cruel and The good news is that an Inquiry is
unnecessary live export trade. ongoing into EU live exports, and the
European Commission is reviewing
For over three months, from mid-
the law that permits this devastating
December 2020, nearly 3,000
trade. So, we are calling for: © iStockphoto
Spanish cattle were stranded in
the Mediterranean Sea, enduring
horrific conditions on board the • An immediate ban on live
INTERNATIONAL
Elbeik and Karim Allah livestock ships. exports beyond the EU
The vessels were bound for Libya and
AWARNESS DAY
• An 8 hour maximum journey
Turkey but, due to fears that the bulls time within the EU
may be infected with bluetongue
disease, the ships were denied entry • A ban on the transport of
unweaned animals. On 14 June, this year's Ban
at port after port. What followed
Live Exports: International
was an animal welfare disaster.
Awareness Day once again
It was reported that hundreds of “The suffering of animals in united compassionate people
bulls died on board, and all those recent live exports incidents is around the world.
remaining were slaughtered on their truly horrific and completely
eventual return to Spain in March. unnecessary, we expect the EU’s With many countries still
ongoing Committee of Inquiry affected by COVID-19
Then, when the Suez Canal
into live exports to take these restrictions, campaigners once
was blocked for a week by a
latest tragedies into account, and again came together online,
200-metre-long container ship,
demand action from the European to tell politicians, policy makers
approximately 200,000 animals
Commission to end this trade.” and the industry that this cruel
were the helpless victims.
trade must end.
With the Ever Given lodged across Mandy Carter, Compassion’s
the canal from 23-29 March, Global Head of Campaigns Discover highlights
numerous livestock vessels – many from the day at
of which had set out from Spain stoplivetransport.org/2021
NEW ZEALAND
ALL LIVE EXPORTS TO END!
New Zealand is taking the unprecedented step of banning all live
exports by sea.
The country has already stopped exports for slaughter, but still ships tens of thousands of cattle
abroad each year for breeding. That trade will now end after a two-year transition period.
This huge victory for local and global campaigners follows a review process, to which Compassion responded.
And Agriculture Minister, Damien O’Connor, identified “a world where animal welfare is under increasing
scrutiny” as the reason New Zealand needed to “stay ahead of the curve.”
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Compassion supporters like you were instrumental in securing the
EU animal sentience legislation in the 1990s. We have long been
calling for UK legislation that recognises animals as thinking, feeling
beings and for sentience to be given due regard when formulating
and implementing policy. We are extremely pleased to see the UK
Government moving in the right direction by promising this new law.
James West, CIWF UK's Senior Policy Manager
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ACTION
FARM ANIMALS HAVE
FEELINGS TOO
Since Brexit, UK animals have not been legally recognised as
being able to feel joy, pain and fear. But now, thanks to you, the
Government is delivering on its promise of sentience legislation.
T
he UK Government announced We still had to keep up the Of course, the new legislation
in 2017 that it didn’t intend pressure for a further year. isn’t a ‘done deal’ until it has
to transfer the hard-won EU But, in the Queen’s Speech completed its progress through
animal sentience regulation into on 11 May, the Government Parliament. So, we’ll be lobbying
national law. Shocked Compassion finally announced legislation hard to ensure the final law is
supporters took immediate action to recognise animals as robust in its protection of animals.
and, by the end of the year, the thinking, feeling beings.
campaign you led had forced In the meantime, we’d like to say
a Government U-turn. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) a HUGE thank you to everyone
Act, which was introduced to who donated so generously
Yet, the promised new legislation Parliament two days later, will: to our urgent appeal about
didn't materialise. So, in 2019, this issue earlier this year. And,
Compassion worked with a • Formally recognise animals are thank you to everyone who
coalition of more than 40 animal sentient beings in UK law. asked their MP to support legal
welfare organisations to secure • Establish an Animal Sentience recognition of animal sentience.
over 100,000 signatures on Committee (ASC) to ensure
a Parliamentary petition, that, across all Government
asking Ministers to: departments, policy making TAKE ACTION!
and implementation considers Visit ciwf.org.uk/
• Impose a legal duty on
animal sentience. animal-feelings to make
Governments to pay all due
regard to the welfare needs of • Require Ministers to respond a donation or see the
animals as sentient beings. in Parliament to reports from personal reflections of
the ASC, to ensure they remain Joyce D’Silva, Compassion
• Recognise animal sentience ambassador and former
politically accountable.
when formulating and CEO, on why legal
implementing policies. Legal status for animal sentience recognition of animal
underpins everything Compassion sentience is vital to
• Ensure clear, consistent processes
for all Ministers to deliver against is working for. To ensure all farm protecting their welfare.
their animal sentience duties. animals are treated with respect
and kindness, it is vital the law
• Create an Animal Welfare recognises that their experiences and
Commission to monitor feelings matter, and holds politicians
Government performance to account. This is a critical step
against animal sentience law. towards our bigger vision of ending
factory farming and replacing it
Thanks to campaigners like you,
with sustainable, compassionate
in March 2020, this petition was
alternatives, such as organic and
debated in Parliament, and Defra
Minister, Victoria Prentis MP, said free-range farming.
“The Government will introduce
the necessary legislation on animal You didn’t give up. You didn’t give in. You made it clear to
sentience as soon as we can.” the UK Government that the ability of animals to think
and feel is too important for the law to ignore.
9
U P DATE
CHAMPIONING ANIMAL
WELFARE IN UK POLITICS
Throughout a busy few months in Westminster, your relentless
campaigning has influenced important Bills and debates that
could affect farm animals long into the future.
James West, CIWF UK's Senior Policy Manager, rounds up the latest news.
This progress is a testament to LATEST NEWS ON
YOU DID IT the dedication and compassion TRADE DEALS
of campaigners like you, who
On 29 April, the Trade Act was
have driven animal welfare up
On 11 May, in the Queen’s granted Royal Assent and became
the political agenda and kept up
Speech, the UK Government law. This legislation will govern
pressure on the UK Government how the UK negotiates new Free
committed to no less than three
to deliver on its promises. Trade Agreements (FTAs).
new Bills relating to animals.
Thanks, in no small part, to FAIR PAY FOR Unfortunately, despite strong House
of Lords support for amendments to
Compassion supporters: KINDER FARMING
the Trade Bill, the Government blocked
• The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Earlier this year, Parliament a blanket ban on imports that don’t
Bill will recognise, in UK law, passed a landmark law, setting meet UK animal welfare standards.
that animals can think and out how the UK will replace the
feel. Find out more on page 9. financial support that farmers The good news is that, thanks
to your tireless campaigning,
previously received through the
• The Kept Animals Bill is set no lowering of standards will
EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.
to help protect the wellbeing be permitted in existing FTAs.
of sheep and young calves, Instead of being based on the And you also helped to secure
by “ending the export amount of land farmed, subsidies some improvements in the
of live animals for under the new Agriculture Act scrutiny of trade agreements.
fattening and slaughter.” will provide ‘public money for In particular, where a relevant
Read more on page 6. public goods’. These will include parliamentary committee intervenes,
• And the Animals Abroad Bill payments for taking steps to protect FTAs may now be debated in
will ban the advertising for the environment and, thanks to both Houses of Parliament. Plus,
sale of low animal welfare pressure from people like you, the Government has put the
tourist experiences abroad. promoting good animal welfare. Trade and Agriculture Committee,
which will scrutinise trade deals,
In the Speech, and a new Action It will be a number of years on a statutory footing.
Plan for Animal Welfare, the before the new system is fully in
Government also announced place, but Compassion will be However, in the absence of
it will consider further steps to closely monitoring pilot schemes strong legal measures to protect
and campaigning to ensure animal welfare, the Secretary
limit the import and sale of
that only genuinely higher of State for International
foie gras, and review animal
standards are eligible for Development has now reportedly
welfare labelling on food.
animal welfare payments. negotiated a trade deal with
Australia that puts animals at risk.
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We understand that, under the FTA ENDING THE CAGE AGE Unfortunately Sir David's Bill hasn't
brokered by Liz Truss, following FOR SOWS yet been adopted by Ministers,
a transition period, there will be which is vital for it to have a realistic
no quotas or tariffs on food Every year, over half the UK’s prospect of becoming law. However,
imports from Australia to the mother pigs endure weeks on a Government source told The Times
UK, despite the fact that: end, trapped in farrowing crates. it would "act this year" to end the
Kept in these appalling cages from use of these cages – and their new
• Many Australian cows are fattened just before they give birth until Action Plan for Animal Welfare
in cruel, barren feedlots. their piglets are taken away, these confirmed they are "considering
sows cannot even turn around. the case" for introducing reforms
• Confining hens in barren cages is
still common in Australia, whilst on the use of farrowing crates
these cages are banned in the UK. and also cages for laying hens.
• The misuse of antibiotics is Watch this space for further
rife on Australian farms – with actions you can take as we
use per animal up to 16 times keep up the fight to End the
higher than in the UK. Cage Age for the UK’s pigs.
As a result, higher welfare UK
farmers may be undermined by
cheaper, factory farmed imports. © CIWF/Richard Dunwoody
This could be devastating for
animals on both sides of the world
– encouraging low-welfare practices
in Australia and putting pressure
on the UK to cut standards.
In March, Compassion supported
What’s more, the Australian deal Sir David Amess MP to introduce
could pave the way for more tariff- a 10-Minute Rule Bill seeking to
free imports of intensively-farmed ban the use of farrowing crates in
products when the UK strikes other England. If such a Bill became law,
trade deals, including with the USA. it could pave the way for similar
steps in other parts of the UK and
ultimately transform the lives of
Whilst imprisoned in
TAKE A STAND over 200,000 animals every year.
farrowing crates these
Please speak out against A huge thank you to over 32,000 sensitive, intelligent
the UK-Australia Free people who asked their MP to back animals… can’t walk, let
Trade Agreement. the Pig Husbandry (Farrowing) Bill. alone build nests for their
Visit ciwf.org.uk/ You were joined by Compassion’s piglets or forage for food.
Broken-Promise to tell Liz wonderful Patron, Joanna Instead, they bite and
Truss that the deal she’s Lumley, who seized opportunities chew the bars and scrape
brokered is unacceptable, in The London Economic and at the floor in frustration...
for animals, higher The Times to raise awareness of Hour after hour, day after
welfare farmers, and for the cruelty of these cages. day, week after week, the
the UK’s reputation. misery continues. This is
Meanwhile, in Parliament, Sir David completely wrong and yet,
drew attention to Boris Johnson’s astonishingly, it is still legal.
past commitments on this issue:
“The Prime Minister himself
stated, in this chamber… ‘there
are measures we will be able to
implement as a result of Brexit – Joanna Lumley, Actor
such as banning sow farrowing and Compassion Patron
crates.’… This Bill is a significant
step in delivering on that promise.”
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The EU needs to take action
on behalf of the millions
of hens and other animals
treated in this cruel manner.
Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE,
Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute
& UN Messenger of Peace
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ENDING THE CAGE AGE:
A BIG DAY IN PARLIAMENT
In April, your historic, 1.4 million-signature European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) had
its public hearing in the European Parliament – and received phenomenal support.
A
cross the EU, every year, Compassion worked tirelessly
hundreds of millions to secure the support of these
of hens, sows, rabbits, prominent scientists, businesses, and
geese, ducks, quail and calves other key stakeholders. And CIWF
are imprisoned in cages. These EU relentlessly engaged with
inhumane systems are a desolate European Commissioners and
reflection on society – but, thanks to MEPs who were due to participate
you, many Members of the European in the hearing in parliament.
Parliament (MEPs) and European
Commissioners have now expressed Then, in April, Compassion
support for ending their use. supporters across Europe took
action, with over 35,000 tweets,
In October last year, we submitted and emails from 38,750 citizens,
the record-breaking, 1.4 million- calling on MEPs to back the ECI.
signature, End the Cage Age ECI
to the European Commission. This What followed, at the hearing
triggered a formal process that led, itself, exceeded even our hopes.
on 15 April, to a public hearing Compassion’s Léopoldine
in the European Parliament. Charbonneaux and Olga Kikou A few MEPs did speak out against
In the run-up to the event, the were amongst those who made banning cages, and this hearing is
campaign to ban caged farming the undeniable, powerful case neither the end of our campaign
received international support for banning caged farming. Then, nor of such cruelty in Europe.
from over 140 influential MEP after MEP came forward
scientists, who identified the to support the phasing out of At the time of writing, the
use of cages as “inconsistent cages. In some cases, they even Commission still hasn't given its
with the Treaty recognition of proudly displayed End the Cage formal response to the ECI. Then,
animals as sentient beings.” Age posters as they spoke. should it side with its citizens
and start the legislative process,
Just weeks later, 10 major food Meanwhile, several speakers any proposal would require
companies, including Nestlé, who were expected to oppose approval from the European
Unilever and the Jamie Oliver the ECI called only for financial Parliament and EU ministers.
Group, also wrote to the European support for farmers to eliminate
Commission. They gave the End the cages, and protection from lower Plus, even if a legislation is
Cage Age Initiative their backing, welfare imports. And the European announced, we expect intensive
and called for cages to be phased Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz farming groups to lobby to
out, starting with egg-laying hens. Wojciechowski, announced the delay – or perhaps even attempt
Commission’s “full support” to to block – a ban on cages.
All the companies that supported the implement this “transformation”
ECI are listed on ciwf.eu/ECI-letter. of European farming.
Continues overleaf >>
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However, before the ECI was Thanks to you, the need to ban We’ve reached a huge
launched two years ago, few caged farming has been heard milestone in the campaign
could have imagined that ending loud and clear, and accepted by to End the Cage Age –
these brutal, outdated farming many politicians across the EU. but the fight is far
systems could receive such vocal, Now, we need Europe’s policy from over. Please
widespread, passionate support makers to turn their words into sign-up at ciwf.org.uk
in the European Parliament. actions and help End the Cage for email updates on all
Age, for once and for all. the latest news and
actions you can take
for farm animals.
LATEST STEPS TO END THE CAGE AGE
OCTOBER 2020
• 1.4 million validated ECI signatures submitted to the European Commission
• The Institute for European Environmental Policy says going cage free could be a
‘win win’ for animals and the environment
• We meet with 16 top-level Commission officials to present the case for banning cages
NOVEMBER
• 13 MEPs send the Commission a video message demanding legislation to End the Cage Age
• An EU Parliament report finds that ending caged farming is both sustainable and feasible
FEBRUARY 2021
• The EU’s Committee of the Regions reiterates its calls for “an end to cage rearing”
• 140 influential scientists, including CIWF Patron, Jane Goodall PhD, DBE, publicly back the ECI
MARCH
• 10 leading food companies call for a phase out of caged farming, starting with hens
• The 40,000-strong International Veterinary Students’ Association calls for a transition
to cage-free farming
APRIL
• Tens of thousands of EU citizens lobby MEPs to support a ban on caged farming
• The End the Cage Age ECI receives overwhelming support at the European
Parliament hearing
• 101 MEPs from across the political spectrum write to the Commission, calling for a
phase out of cages
MAY
• The European Parliament's Agriculture Committee votes to call for legislation to
phase out caged farming by 2027
JUNE
• The European Parliament is due to vote in early June on the Agriculture
Committee's Resolution against cages
• The European Commission's formal response to your End the Cage Age ECI is
expected by the end of June... watch this space!
14
ciwf.org2021: A YEAR FOR
GLOBAL ACTION...
...FOR THE SAKE OF
ANIMALS LIKE WENDY Continues overleaf >>
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When world leaders meet later this year, ending factory
farming must be on their agenda – for the sake of
animals, people and our planet.
W
endy is a tiny, vulnerable, feed, whilst an estimated 690
one-day-old chick. But million people suffer from under-
she is also a cog in a vast,
ruthless industrial machine. She will
nutrition. And intensive farming
pollutes the air, damages soils, and
THE SOLUTIONS
endure her short life in a crowded threatens wildlife. Plus, livestock • HUMANE FARMING: All
shed, before being slaughtered production generates 14.5% of countries should adopt legal
at as little as 40 days old.* all greenhouse gas emissions. protection for farm animals.
This could be based on the
What’s more, the hungry, intensive Yet, despite all this, world leaders Farm Animal Welfare Council’s
farming machine doesn’t just have repeatedly ignored factory internationally-recognised
have a terrible impact on animals farming’s role in damaging our planet. ‘Five Freedoms’, including
like Wendy. It also damages our Indeed, at last December’s Climate freedom from pain and fear,
wellbeing and the environment Ambition Summit, co-hosted by the and freedom to express
on which we depend. United Nations, UK and France, not normal behaviours.
a single speaker addressed the
In the coming months, a series impacts of intensive farming. • GOOD HEALTH: Growing
of United Nations summits and evidence shows that
conventions will shape a post-COVID We are therefore very grateful for overconsumption of animal
roadmap, designed to save our every generous response to our products contributes to global
planet, our health and biodiversity. recent appeal about turning the health challenges, including
global tide against intensive farming. some cancers. The EAT-Lancet
Any meaningful solutions must Our work, together, to persuade ‘Planetary Health Plate’
include ending factory farming. those in power to fix our broken proposes a diet consisting
But, without the efforts of visionary food system is well underway. of 50% vegetables and fruits,
people like you, our leaders may not alongside whole grains,
deliver a sustainable, fairer, kinder plant proteins and oils, and
food system. PHILIP LYMBERY: FOOD optional, modest amounts
SYSTEMS CHAMPION of animal protein.
THE CHALLENGE Earlier this year, Compassion’s • GLOBAL FAIRNESS: Policies
Global CEO, Philip Lymbery, to support small-scale farmers in
You know that factory farming developing countries and raise
was appointed as a UN Food
prioritises profit over compassion. incomes in poor communities
Systems Champion for the
It crowds, cages and breeds animals should be accompanied by
2021 Food Systems Summit.
for fast growth or high yields. It treats taxes to address the external
them not as sensitive, intelligent Due to be held in September, this health and environmental
beings, but as units of production. summit aims to launch bold, new costs of intensive farming and
actions to transform the way the subsidies to make healthy food
In addition, around one third of more affordable.
world produces and consumes food.
the world’s croplands grow animal
• PROTECTING THE PLANET:
A PACKED CALENDAR Reducing global livestock
production, and supporting
• September 2021: UN Food Systems Summit – New York, USA low-input, regenerative
farming could not only benefit
• October 2021: UN Convention on Biological Diversity – Kunming, China human health and equity,
but reduce pressure on soils,
• November 2021: UN Convention on Climate Change – Glasgow, UK cut damaging pollution,
support biodiversity and cut
• December 2021: Nutrition for Growth Summit – Tokyo, Japan greenhouse gas emissions.
* Photo illustrative of the early life of a chicken reared for meat
16
ciwf.orgACTION
The Food Systems Summit will Closing the event, James Lomax
also address such diverse issues as identified the importance of such TAKE ACTION!
providing safe, nutritious food for discussions between NGOs, scientists,
all and tackling the environmental the food industry and citizens: Join us online and
impact of the food industry. “From difficult conversations, comes explore the solutions to
consensus. I would ask all of you our broken food system
In his role as a Food Systems to engage with the Food Systems during this pivotal year.
Champion, Philip will help guide Summit somehow… We all have
summit discussions, propose to strive to try to make that Watch the highlights of
solutions to food system issues, change in our food system.” How to Love Food and
and organise and participate in Save Nature, at
national and international dialogues
ciwf.org.uk/Love-Food
leading up to the event. A UNITED NATIONS
He will represent animal welfare PARTNERSHIP Read the ground-
organisations in Europe and breaking Chatham
In February, long-term work behind-
beyond, and seize every House report, 'Food
the-scenes bore further fruit, with
opportunity to show global the launch of Food System System Impacts on
policymakers the clear case Impacts on Biodiversity Loss. Biodiversity Loss' at
for ending factory farming. ciwf.org.uk/
This important Chatham House Chatham-House
report was released in partnership
LEADING THE with Compassion and UNEP. It
CONVERSATION highlights how the global food
system is the primary driver of
Last December, we grasped the biodiversity loss – threatening
agenda ahead of the 2021 UN 24,000 species at risk of extinction.
summits with a high-profile online It calls for reform, focusing on:
event, promoting healthier
diets and nature-positive, • More plant-based diets, to reduce
higher welfare farming. pressure on the environment and
land and improve human health.
‘How to Love Food and Save Nature’
was a collaboration with the United • Protecting and restoring native See the launch of
Nations Environment Program (UNEP) ecosystems and setting aside 'Food System Impacts
and the influential EAT forum. more land for nature. on Biodiversity Loss',
It featured James Lomax, Food
• Replacing monocultures with attended by
Systems and Agriculture Adviser
more diverse farming and 25,000 people,
at UNEP and Fabrice DeClerck, at ciwf.org.uk/
supporting biodiversity.
Director of Science at EAT. Report-Launch
Over 25,000 people attended the
Representatives of Compass
online launch of the report, which Find Compassion’s
Group North America and IKEA
discussed how food businesses
featured speakers from Compassion, blueprint for a better
UNEP and Chatham House, plus food system, the Vision
can act to benefit both people
Compassion Patron, Jane Goodall for Fair Food and
and the planet, and inspirational
PhD, DBE, Founder - the Jane Goodall
higher welfare US farmer, Will Farming, at
Institute & UN Messenger of Peace.
Harris of White Oaks Pasture, ciwf.org.uk/The-Vision
shared his hopes for the future. The report has since secured
huge global media coverage –
The event also introduced the
reaching audiences from the UK
radical new Regenerative Organic
to Colombia, Nigeria to China
certification scheme, developed
with the message that plant-
with input from CIWF USA. The
rich diets and ending factory
scheme has three pillars: animal
farming are vital for preserving
welfare, social fairness and soil health
and restoring biodiversity.
– promoting agriculture that is good
for animals, people and planet.
17U P DATE
PROTECTING ANIMALS…
AND HUMANS
Thanks to you, pressure is mounting to end
the overuse of antibiotics on factory farms –
for the sake of both animals and people.
A
ntibiotics are often used In Farm Antibiotics and Trade Deals – However, the UK has no legislation
routinely on intensive farms, Could UK Standards be Undermined? in place to prevent the routine,
to prevent diseases in animals the ASOA reveals that, on average, preventative use of antibiotics on
who are stressed, overcrowded or farm antibiotic use in both the US farms. So, competition from
bred to grow unnaturally fast. This is a and Canada is about five times cheaper imports raised in lower
cruel misuse of vital medicines, and it higher than in the UK. And for welfare, high-antibiotic systems
is also contributing to the emergence US cattle, who are often fattened in could discourage British farmers
of drug-resistant bacteria. barren feedlots, the figure is about from keeping down their use
seven times the UK average. of medication… just as another
From 2022, thanks to campaigners ASOA report shows that further
like you, the routine preventative use Meanwhile, antibiotic use in cuts in antibiotic use are possible.
of antibiotics will be banned in the Australian poultry is over 16
EU. But other countries have yet to times that in the UK, and for
follow suit – which makes two recent pigs it is three times higher.
GOING ORGANIC COULD
reports from the Alliance to Save Our SAVE ANTIBIOTICS
Antibiotics (ASOA) both timely and Plus, all three of these countries still
Released in April, Antibiotic Use
important. allow the use of some antibiotics as
in Organic Farming: Lowering
growth promoters – raising significant
Use through Good Husbandry
concerns for animal welfare.
IMPORTING HIGH features a survey of livestock farms
DRUG USE? In recent years, as the issue of certified by the Soil Association.
antibiotic resistance has risen up
Historically, the majority of the UK’s The research looked at drug use
the national agenda, British farmers
meat and dairy imports have come per standard ‘livestock unit’ for
have taken steps to cut their use of
from Europe. However, following fair comparison, and found that,
these drugs. Globally, around 66%
Brexit, the UK Government is pursuing overall, these organic farms
of antibiotic use is in farming, whilst
trade deals with other countries use a quarter of the average
in the UK it is approximately 30%.
that have much higher levels of UK level of antibiotics.
antibiotic use in farming.
18
ciwf.orgU P DATE
The survey also showed that Soil There were significant variations
Association pig farms used just in antibiotic use amongst the Soil
1.3% of the UK average amount Association farms, but this study
of antibiotics. This was based on a provides clear evidence that – for
small sample – but reflects earlier both organic and non-organic farms
Danish research showing antibiotic – higher welfare practices could
use on organic pig farms to be a help ensure vital medicines remain
tenth of that on non-organic farms. effective, thereby protecting
animal and human health.
Of course, Soil Association
accreditation requires farmers to
follow a number of higher animal
welfare practices, and the farmers
in the UK survey saw a close link
between these welfare standards
and low use of antibiotics.
TAKE ACTION
“When we asked Soil Association
farmers about how they minimised Compassion is a founding member of the ASOA,
their antibiotic use they told us that and your support is helping to put pressure on
husbandry was key,” explains Ed Bailey the UK Government to ban the antibiotic misuse
of George Farm Vets who carried that props up factory farms – as well as showing
out the survey. “Among a range of politicians and farmers that there is a better way.
factors, frequent responses were
that it was important to have good Visit saveourantibiotics.org to find out more
hygiene, to keep animals outdoors about the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics
as much as possible, to provide a or read their new reports in full.
low-stress environment and, in pig
farming, to avoid early weaning.”
19
ciwf.orgACTION
© iStockphoto
20
ciwf.orgACTION
A WAVE OF CHANGE
FOR FISH
In the UK and across Europe, you're keeping the welfare of
these vulnerable animals on the political agenda.
SCOTTISH PROGRESS IN EUROPE We’ve developed a bank of
SALMON SCANDAL In May, the European Commission
infographics and guides for
businesses, and recently hosted
In March, you helped expose published new Strategic
three well-attended webinars on
endemic cruelty within the Guidelines on Sustainable
topics ranging from environmental
Scottish salmon farming industry. Aquaculture which, for the first
enrichment to humane slaughter.
The shocking footage from our time, address fish welfare.
ground-breaking investigation Plus, on page 22, see the latest
Following intensive work behind-
triggered shockwaves worldwide. progress in your campaign to improve
the-scenes by Compassion, the
It prompted widespread media welfare in fish certification schemes.
Commission has called for codes of
coverage, and action from
practice for fish farming, transport With your support, our
campaigners around the globe.
and slaughter, the development sights are firmly set
Our investigation, into farms of species-specific welfare on major corporate
owned by all five of Scotland’s indicators, and more research change for fish.
largest salmon producers, revealed on the welfare of farmed fish.
fish with sea lice eating away at
Around 70 different species of fish
their skin, seaweed growing from TAKE ACTION!
are farmed in Europe, and these
open wounds, salmon swimming
guidelines will steer policy and the
in dirty, deoxygenated water and Deformed, diseased,
use of subsidies in the EU until 2030.
dead fish floating among the living eaten-alive by parasites:
They will also be a reference point
in overcrowded, barren cages. Salmon are sensitive,
for global initiatives on sustainable
intelligent creatures, and
aquaculture, and could play a vital
they deserve better.
role in improving the wellbeing
of animals around the world. If you haven’t done so,
please urge the Scottish
Plus, thanks to campaigners like
Government to halt
you, the European Parliament’s
the expansion of the
Fisheries Committee is set to
salmon farming industry
conduct a study on fish welfare. This
and prevent millions more
could represent an important
animals from suffering.
step towards much-needed
Visit ciwf.org.uk/
legislation, including revisions of
As a result, more than 120,000 Salmon-Deserve-Better
the General Farm Animal Directive
compassionate people have so today.
98/58 to specifically recognise the
far signed our open letter, urging
health and welfare needs of fish.
the Scottish Government to issue a
moratorium on the runaway growth
of these underwater factory farms. FISHY BUSINESS
Meanwhile, our Food Business team
Scotland is already the world’s
is working with top UK supermarkets,
third largest salmon exporter
including Tesco and Morrisons,
and, with the industry set for
alongside producers and food service
massive expansion by 2030, this
groups, on their fish welfare policies.
huge public support is crucial.
21
ciwf.orgU P DATE
Campaigning for
Clear labelling
When it comes to animal welfare, meat and dairy packaging can
be unclear or even misleading. Here are the latest updates on
your fight for better food labelling.
BILLIONS OF FISH URGENT ACTION IN ITALY Our proposals to the Italian
SET TO BENEFIT CIWF Italia is currently tackling
Government instead highlight the
need for clear and transparent
A huge thank you to everyone a major threat to clear
method of production labelling,
who has backed our campaign to labelling of animal products.
to support a transition to genuinely
improve animal welfare in the five higher welfare farming.
The Italian Agriculture and Health
largest fish certification schemes.
Ministries are working together
Despite doing some good work for on a national certification scheme
which could legitimise – and perhaps
MORE LABELLING NEWS..
sustainability, these schemes include
little or no protection for welfare subsidise – very low standards of EU agriculture ministers
standards, meaning many certified animal welfare. It is even possible have called for a new animal
fish may endure miserable lives that the certification could welfare labelling scheme.
in overcrowded tanks and cages, be applied to pork produced But they haven't specified the
or prolonged, painful deaths. by keeping sows in cages! scheme’s requirements, and
three quarters of Member States
Campaigners worldwide have Our team in Italy is campaigning don’t want a mandatory label –
now sent over 425,000 emails to against this plan and, together meaning the cruelty behind many
the certification bodies, demanding with one of the country’s most meat and dairy products could
that they introduce or improve influential environmental NGOs, remain hidden from view.
their fish welfare requirements. Legambiente, has presented two
And Compassion, as part of the alternative proposals for labelling “A voluntary label may also help
Aquatic Animal Alliance, has stepped according to method of production. delay much-needed legislation
up the direct pressure too. to improve conditions for farm
The aim is to offer a blueprint for a animals,” explains Olga Kikou,
Global GAP, a private sector body more rigorous, structured scheme Head of CIWF EU. “The proposed
that sets voluntary standards for for both pork and dairy labels. For label needs to be mandatory
certifying agricultural products, example, dairy products would be and clearly inform consumers
has since proposed incorporating classified on a scale from 0-5, based about how all animals have
humane slaughter and environmental on compliance with the EU’s organic been treated.”
enrichment into their standards. certification scheme and practices.
This year, the UK Government
Meanwhile, Friend of the Sea has As Annamaria Pisapia, CIWF Italia’s is expected to launch its
drafted 25 species-specific welfare director points out, the Ministries’ long-awaited consultation on
standards, and Best Aquaculture current proposal “could easily labelling of meat and dairy
Practices have plans to include become a tool for greenwashing, products. Armed with 120,000
requirements for humane slaughter. once again funnelling the EU’s petition signatures (and counting!)
Common Agricultural Policy from compassionate people like
If these certification schemes make funding into intensive farms”. you, we’re ready to respond with
these requirements mandatory,
a clear message: the UK demands
over 4 billion fish are set
mandatory method of production
to benefit. An astonishing
labelling now.
achievement – thanks to you!
22
ciwf.orgTAKE ACTION!
If you haven’t already done so, please call on the UK Government
to take action on food labelling at ciwf.org.uk/labelling-petition.
At the same time, you can sign-up for our email updates,
including more ways to get involved in the campaign
for Honest Labelling.
© iStockphoto
23
ciwf.orgMost crucially, I
believe, this approach
reaches both hearts
and minds. Humane
education is, ultimately,
about us. It’s about our
dignity. It’s about the
quality and worth of the
human race itself.
Louise van der Merwe, founder of
The Humane Education Trust
24
ciwf.orgI N S P I R AT I O N
Educating the
MIND AND HEART
In South Africa, the inspirational Humane Education Trust is
helping to create a better society, for animals and people.
L
ouise van der Merwe heads up incorporated the internationally- Following the project, one teacher
Compassion’s partnership work recognised Five Freedoms for heard two nine-year-old boys
in South Africa, engaging with animals into our work: debating whether a nearby dove,
politicians, companies and consumers extending its wings to catch the
to end factory farming. sun, was experiencing ‘freedom
• Freedom from hunger and thirst
from pain, injury and disease’,
The Humane Education Trust, which • Freedom from discomfort or ‘freedom to express
Louise founded, also supports animal normal behaviour’.
welfare teaching – and, here, she • Freedom from pain,
explains how the Trust helps transform injury and disease Meanwhile, students spontaneously
attitudes to animals. began to extrapolate the Five
• Freedom to express Freedoms to themselves. I heard a
“Back in the late 1980s, the sight normal behaviour young girl say to a boy: ‘Don’t bully
of debeaked hens shocked me into me. I’m a sentient being.’ She
a career that opened my eyes to a • Freedom from fear and distress
understood the implications of the
devastating world of human disregard Freedoms better than her own rights
for animal suffering. under South Africa’s Constitution.
With just a few supporters, we In this way, teaching justice as well
launched Animal Voice magazine, to as compassion for animals could
raise awareness of cruel practices in have benefits throughout society.
the food chain. And, because animal As one child said, “if you help
welfare didn’t feature anywhere in animals you will become very
South Africa’s school curriculum, we kind and help people too.”
also began our education programme.
Most crucially, I believe, this approach
Over the decades, we’ve successfully reaches both hearts and minds.
introduced animal care throughout Humane education is, ultimately,
Teacher and Louise’s
the curriculum – for 5 to 17-year- about us. It’s about our dignity.
colleague for 20 years,
olds – and our resources are officially It’s about the quality and worth
Vivienne Rutgers, teaching
recognised by the Department of of the human race itself.”
the Five Freedoms
Education. But our most recent
for animals
breakthrough has come from
addressing the notion of
‘human entitlement’. I believe these principles come close
to eliminating, from our psyche, a
In his book, Animal Rights Education,
sense of entitlement over nonhuman
Dr Kai Horsthemke identified that
"virtually all education leaves
lives. They convey, instead, the right Find out more...
of every living being in our care to live
students with the idea… that
comfortably and without distress. Explore the work of the
nonhumans are subordinate".
Humane Education Trust
This, in turn, inspires a sense of justice
Dr Horsthemke suggests that, to at animalvoice.org and
that children readily understand and,
reverse this sense of innate superiority, caringclassrooms.co.za
from our first Five Freedoms pilot
humane education should teach not
project, we saw a dramatic change in Visit ciwf.org.uk/Education for
just kindness, but also justice. And,
students’ attitudes – towards not only Compassion’s learning resources
following this principle, we have
animals but also their daily experiences. for schools in the UK.
25
ciwf.orgCLEAN KITCHEN –
A COMPASSIONATE
PARTNERSHIP
Last year, Made in Chelsea star
Verity Bowditch and YouTuber
Michael (Mikey) Pearce launched
Clean Kitchen – a plant-based
take-away and restaurant chain.
They also formed an exciting
partnership with Compassion in
World Farming and donated all
profits from their ‘limited-edition’
Compassion Burger!
Clean Kitchen will soon grow to imagined what I was getting myself After we launched the Compassion
six locations, and has impressive in for, but it’s been an amazing Burger, friends of mine began to
sustainability goals. Here, Verity journey. It started with one kitchen question factory farming and look
tells us more about this offering food deliveries, but now into it more, and that’s exactly
exciting venture… has multiple kitchens and two what we’re trying to make happen.
physical sites in Shoreditch and Mikey has also raised funds and
How does Clean Kitchen Wembley – and we’re still growing! awareness for Compassion in World
reflect your lifestyle? Farming through a collaborative,
It’s been an incredible opportunity sponsored running challenge.”
“Clean Kitchen represents everything to introduce people to plant-based
I stand for: compassion to animals, food, and I’ve also been able to What’s next for Clean Kitchen?
sustainability and health and wellness. focus on sustainability. Right now,
I studied biomedical science, and we’re working on implementing “Our two-storey Camden restaurant
a big part of that was nutrition. I the UK’s first reusable delivery is due to open very soon. We also
became a pilates instructor because system, which would enable us to want to continue to educate people
of my interest in health, and I’m really become entirely carbon-neutral.” about plant-based food and grow our
passionate about animals because podcast, 'Get me to Vegan'. We love
I grew up on a rescue farm. After Why did you decide to support talking to high-profile guests about all
learning more about the dairy and egg Compassion in World Farming? things entrepreneurship and plant-
industry, I also recently went vegan.” based living, and we follow Mikey’s
“I think a lot of people aren’t journey to a fully plant-based diet!”
How did the Clean Kitchen well-informed about where
concept come about? their food comes from, or what
factory farming actually entails. Find out more...
“I met Mikey during lockdown, at That’s something we’re trying to
a virtual running club. When we help change, so they can make Find out more about Clean
embarked on this partnership I never their own, informed choices. Kitchen, their innovative
menu, and their support for
Compassion at cleankitchen.club
26
ciwf.orgYou can also read
