October 8, 2009
HSI Launches Media Campaign to Help Farm Animals
Humane Society International has launched an innovative advertising campaign in the Delhi-National Capitol Region of India to educate the public about the conditions under which animals are raised for meat and eggs. The advertisements, which began airing this week, can be seen on video screens in 475 locations across the area, including fast-food restaurants, food courts and health clinics.
Rapidly increasing meat and egg consumption in India has led to the expansion of industrial farm animal production facilities, or factory farms. A typical egg or chicken meat factory farm confines thousands of birds in a single shed, and several sheds may be located on a small piece of property. As a result, large numbers of animals are packed onto very small parcels of land to accommodate India's growing demand for animal products.
"We hope these ads will make people think about the suffering endured by animals raised for meat, eggs and milk, and the ways in which our food choices impact those animals," said Chetana Mirle, HSI's campaign manager. "Science is clear that a primarily plant-based diet is better for our personal health, and it's obviously better for animals and the environment."
Nearly 200 million egg-laying hens on factory farms in India are confined to tiny battery cages, which are so restrictive they cannot fully spread their wings. With no opportunity to walk, nest, dustbathe, perch, forage or engage in most other natural behavior, these birds endure lives wrought with suffering. Billions of broiler chickens, though not confined in cages, also experience crowded confinement, poor air quality and stressful handling and transportation. HSI maintains a campaign against battery cages and other forms of farm animal cruelty in India.
The advertisements also direct viewers to visit hsi.org/kindness, where they will have the opportunity to sign a petition against battery cages, and learn about the threats factory farming poses to the environment and human health in India. Viewers can also text "hsi" to 56677 for more information.
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Humane Society International and its partner organizations together constitute one of the world's largest animal protection organizations — backed by 11 million people. For nearly 20 years, HSI has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide — On the web at hsi.org.