A Letter from Marco: Undercover Investigator for Animal Equality

A letter from Marco, Undercover Investigator for Animal Equality:

I am accustomed to risk and uncertainty; a sudden change of plan; endangering my health and safety: It’s the nature of my work.

As you can imagine, everything I do in “normal” situations is not exactly a walk in the park… and yet in these last months, it has been more difficult and hazardous to carry out my investigations.

But there hasn’t been a single second in which I’ve thought about stopping or silencing the stories I’ve seen.

Luckily for me, I’m surrounded by a team of real professionals, and thanks to our high degree of organization and the specialization of each of us, we were still able to conclude important projects in the bleakest months of 2020.

The investigation we carried out in May, in China, is one example among many, and soon we’ll be able to release other important investigations.

What drives us to do what we do is the desire for redemption for all the animals we meet along the way—animals that the meat industry shows no mercy.

For this reason, we tell the truth without filters (sometimes even in a very blunt way) because people have the right to know the truth… even if it often hurts.

I chose to be part of Animal Equality because it puts animals bred for consumption—the ones that nobody usually considers and nobody remembers—at the center of its mission because to the meat industry, they are nothing more than “just food” or “money machines.”

Farmed animals die in the largest numbers at the hands of man: A veritable massacre that takes place in silence every second. Despite this, these beings are the least protected by law.

In addition to this silence, animals bred and killed for food is a misery that no one sees because it happens behind the closed doors of farms and slaughterhouses.

With my work, I swing open those doors and show the images and sounds of that clandestine world so that everyone can know the truth.

Unfortunately, it’s not sufficient to just gather evidence of cruelty and the abuse of animals (although in my ideal world, it would be enough to change their lives).

This is where the rest of Animal Equality’s team comes into play.

Thanks to our communication team, the images we collect from farms and slaughterhouses are shared across the world to encourage people to make more compassionate choices.

Through our Corporate Outreach department, large food companies are being convinced to adopt better animal welfare policies and higher standards.

Finally, through constant legal and political pressure, we compel governments to change animal welfare laws and make sure that those who commit crimes do not go unpunished.

But there is still a fundamental element missing that allows these strategies to bring results…

The meat industry is powerful, well-organized and, above all, has an enormous amount of capital at its disposal to convince millions of consumers (for example, through false advertising) that its products are ethical and humane.

In contrast, we are just a small group of determined people, united by a common dream to change the world and build a fairer and more just society for everyone, including animals.

I will be honest with you…

We will never, ever have the same economic resources as those of the large industries, and we will never be able to fight them on equal terms.

But we have something more: Compassion!

I know that seeing animals suffering, crying, and screaming in pain is heartbreaking and something nobody would want to see. I know that those images make you deeply angry and that you’d wish to stop all that evil with just a snap of your fingers…

Unfortunately, that isn’t possible.

If we want to achieve concrete and long-lasting results for animals, we must carefully study our adversaries and persevere in what we do, without ever getting discouraged.

If you’re reading this letter, it’s because in your heart, you want to do something for all the animals that are exploited and mistreated by the food industry, killed in wet markets, and suffering on farms and in slaughterhouses across the US.

At this point, you have two paths ahead of you.

You can ignore everything you’ve read so far in the hope that sooner or later, someone else will do something for the most vulnerable among the defenseless…

…or you can be part of the small group of people who want to change the world and stand together with us.

Whatever decision you choose, I thank you for reading this letter because even in this moment of uncertainty, you’ve dedicated ten minutes of your time to the plight of farmed animals. I really appreciate it!

But now I want to turn to the people who will choose to stay by our side because our work goes on only thanks to small and big donors who believe in us.

We are a nonprofit organization, and to remain committed to our mission, we only accept funds from private citizens like you.

It’s very important for us to win people’s trust and keep it over time through our successes: The victories and results we have achieved over the years for millions of animals are our best “resume.”

I know that asking for your donation at such a difficult economic time may require a small sacrifice.

Many have been separated from their loved ones, some have lost their financial security, and lives have been dramatically changed because of the pandemic.

For this reason, any support we receive from now until December 31 will not only be worth twice as much from a numbers perspective—it will be worth twice as much in our hearts.

Knowing that there are people like you that are so generous, selfless, and considerate of the weakest among us, fills my heart with joy, especially now at this moment in history. Your compassion is my fuel, as it gives me courage every time I’m about to lose hope for a better world.

With you by our side, the animals can count on a precious ally for their future.

It means so much and will allow us to fight this long battle until every animal is protected and respected.

Thanks,

Marco

Animal Equality works to improve our food system by fostering a transformation toward sustainable, affordable, ethical, and delicious foods that help people and animals. Consider replacing meat, dairy, eggs, or other animal products with plant-based ones. Join our Love Veg movement and invite your friends too!