Hogtown. The moniker that Toronto has carried for a century. Because of that, there is no better place to have given birth to the most successful grassroots, farmed animal rights organization in all of Canada.
Three years ago, Toronto Pig Save was formed by a small group of dedicated Animal Rights Activists in order to ‘erect glass walls’ on Toronto’s several slaughterhouses. Their purpose was to ensure that the community knew of the existence of these industrialized killing facilities; to help educate the public that there are healthier, compassionate choices; and to bear witness to the thousands of lives lost on a weekly basis.
The Save Movement emphasizes the teachings of Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy as a foundation and strive to create a peaceful, inclusive community in order to avoid alienating the public. This policy has allowed them to reach out to countless people in Toronto and have attracted an enormous amount of support from the vegan, Animal Rights community. To date – over twenty Save Movement groups have been formed, around the globe, who replicate the goals of the original group from Toronto. The concept of Bearing Witness is not a new one and has been used to combat injustice and oppression, without judgment, for centuries. What the Save Movement has done with that concept is to extend it to the lives of all beings – regardless of species.
Find out more about the Pig Save, Cow Save and Chicken Save and how to start a chapter in your area!
Bearing Witness
Anonymous at birth
Anonymous at death
You’re a piece, a part, a unit
A number with a breath.
A unique personality
With one common name
And tangible feelings
No two the same.
Few will ever meet you
Or mourn your tragic end
You never had an ally
You never had a friend.
Through portholes in the metal
Our somber eyes unite
We promise you through silent tears
We won’t give up our fight.
We try our best to comfort you
Your dignity embraced
Through photographs we’re changing hearts
With each angelic face.
To us you weren’t an object
And although your soul’s departed
We refuse to let compassion die
The ripple’s only started.
Poem by Heather Michael Leughmyer and Poetic Expressions by Heather.
**WARNING: The following video contains graphic and disturbing content of an injured cow headed to slaughter **
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