LOCATION: FACTORY FARMS IN THE UK, BELGIUM, AND FRANCE
Where filming took place is really of no significance—the misery depicted occurs all around the world, hidden behind closed doors so that consumers may shop for their morning bacon or BBQ pork chops without a hint of remorse.
No words necessary. Motherhood, shot from a mother pig’s point of view, includes no commentary. Instead, it takes you into her world. Her very small, unfortunate world…
Just over three months ago, I joined the fundraising team at a UK-based nonprofit organization: Compassion in World Farming. Although we’re tackling the devastating, widespread issue of cruelty to farmed animals, most of my days are spent detached from the suffering and focused instead on numbers and campaign performance. Well, when an email from HQ hit my inbox last Thursday, I was intrigued by a headline within, “Motherhood in a cage: A new short film, commissioned by Compassion, shows why caged farming must end.”
Only six minutes and 40 seconds. I couldn’t handle it in one go, pausing every minute or so to let my mind process the cold grip of reality. When it was over, I let my anger, frustration, and sadness pour out in tears. I needed to do something. I needed to take action for the countless animals condemned to this madness. But how? What more could I do?
What I really want is for people to see this, for them to understand the suffering involved with certain everyday choices. A mother—of any species—should not be forcefully impregnated or confined to a cage, only able to offer her babies a fraction of comfort through bars.
I do not share this video lightly; I’m not trying to ruin anyone’s day. But if even one person is brave enough to face the true cost of animal-based foods—and is inspired to make kinder choices—I’d say the reward far outweighed the risk.
🔴 TRIGGER WARNING: You might cry, and your heart will ache, but you just might decide to ditch animal products for good.