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Disturbing Welcome at Swiss Slaughterhouse

Disturbing Welcome at Swiss Slaughterhouse

Earlier this year, an Animal Save group was started in Zurich, Switzerland (Schlachthaus Nachtwache Zürich) to peacefully bear witness to the last moments of frightened animals' lives before they are killed for human consumption in the local area. A Swiss In Defense of Animals volunteer is part of this group and shared with us what had happened at a recent event . It was something the participants didn't expect.

 


Every Friday morning at 4 a.m., the group stands in front of the slaughterhouse (which is located next to a soccer stadium in a residential area) waiting for the trucks to come. Crammed into their cargo holds, dozens of terrified animals await a horrific fate. Just walking by, anyone can hear the screams, and smell the scent of fear and feces of the frightened animals.

 


The advocates have witnessed animals getting unloaded, being screamed at and beaten, even shocked with electric tasers. When the workers saw their own cruel treatment of the animals was being documented, they put up a banner to hide the horrific scenes. Today, you can hardly see the animals, but you can still clearly hear the nightmare unfolding behind the screen.

 


It takes strength not to look away from the animals who would otherwise leave this world as faceless numbers. Just three minutes were begged from truck drivers for advocates to say goodbye to the innocents before their lives were taken from them.

 


On April 7, a permit was granted by police for the advocates to stand in front of the slaughterhouse to once again bear witness and document the animals' last moments. It was the first time that the workers were forewarned of the activists' attendance. When they arrived, blood and animal remains were strewn across the public sidewalk in the place where the advocates stand usually. The sad sights and smells were horrific. This was a primitive, unacceptable act designed to intimidate. Nevertheless the advocates stayed there, and peacefully bore witness once again – because their compassionate love for animals was stronger than the hate of the person(s) who did this.

 


You can see video of the event here.

 


If this story has resonated with you, or if you have experienced similar adversity in your animal advocacy, please reach out for free and confidential support via our animal activist support services:

 


800-705-0425 or activistsupport@idausa.org

Operation Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm PT (11:00 am – 11:00 pm ET)

 


You can also join our monthly Animal Activist Online Support Group, which next meets on Thursday, April 27, 5-6pm PT, and which has an ongoing Facebook group.

 


If you live in Switzerland, please join the Animal Save Zurich.

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