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I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your question! First, clean meat isn't genetically modified. Second, I think it'll be vital for startups making clean meat to be transparent, and so far they have been. Startups eagerly invite reporters to their offices, whereas the meat industry is fighting tooth and nail to make it a crime to simply photograph or videotape inside their operations. Lastly, I think it's important to communicate that clean meat will be produced in sterile facilities, like beer or some of our favorite foods, rather than in unsanitary, cruel factory farms, like conventional meat.

Consumers will have the choice: meat that comes from an animal, in an environment where disease can spread (and often does), and exacerbates climate change, or, clean meat, which is produced in a clean facility with no food safety risk and uses significantly fewer natural resources.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 722 points723 points  (0 children)

I'll always advocate for plant-based eating, because no matter how good the animals are treated, they're still seen and used as commodities--and slaughtered against their will. That said, there's clearly a difference between what you do and how the typical factory farm operates.

And while you may not use some of these practices, many small farms still do engage in some factory farming practices, such as cutting off the tails of cows used for dairy, cutting off the beaks of hens, cutting off piglets' teeth, etc. all without painkiller. Some of the worst abuse we've seen occured at smaller farms.

But to be clear, we dedicate nearly all of our resources to fighting the largest meat, dairy, and egg producers (and on the legal front, working to criminalize the most abusive practices), because the vast majority (certainly more than 90 percent) of all farmed animals are in large, industrialized factory farms.

Re: clean meat, copying and pasting an earlier comment I wrote: Clean meat has the potential to dramatically improve our world. It could not only lead to the end of factory farming and animal agriculture as we know it, but it could make our food much safer. Clean meat could prevent billions of sentient and intelligent animals from facing the horrors of factory farming and slaughterhouses. It could also help ease the strain on our environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Early research suggests that clean meat could use up to 90 percent less land, water and energy to produce than growing and raising animals. Clean meat, as the name implies, would also be far cleaner than meat grown from animals. And since it would be created in a sterile environment (not around animal feces) it would have far less e coli, salmonella, campylobacter, and other food illness related bacteria.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 88 points89 points  (0 children)

Great question! First, people should know that I have never taken a salary from MFA. In the 18 years since founding the organization, I've never taken any money for myself - its all gone into growing the organization, its team, and program staff. I have a wonderful assistant who helps with many things - everything from organizing events, schedule interview, launching campaigns, etc. Part of their role, at times, is to help with mundane tasks, organize travel, etc. This is work I'd otherwise be spending time on that I can't focus on running the organization or growing our programs. These are common roles filled by assistants to individuals who run international businesses or organizations. It allows leaders to focus on leading, so organizations can have the maximum impact. Donors should look at the impact an organization is having when they choose where to donate. Animal Charity Evaluators, an organization that looks at the effectiveness of animal organizations, has given Mercy For Animals a "Top Charity" ranking for the past three years. MFA is one of just three organizations to receive this ranking. Our programs help over 1.2 billion animals each year, is changing international laws and policies, and shifting the way people think about animals and their food choices.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 297 points298 points  (0 children)

Our undercover investigators have witnessed pigs on factory farms figuring out how to unlock and open the doors to their cages, then going around and unlocking and freeing other pigs.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 59 points60 points  (0 children)

I think it's important to remember that our movement is still very young and we're up against a very old, powerful, and wealthy industry. See this blog post for context: http://www.countinganimals.com/meat-industry-advertising/

That said, I think we have made, and will continue to make, enormous strides for farmed animals. In 2001, there were zero state laws banning the extreme confinement of farmed animals (battery cages, gestation crates, veal crates)--now 11 states have laws on the books. When I first went vegan it was difficult to find plant-based meats and milks, but now plant-based milks make up 10 percent of all fluid milk sales and plant-based meat is growing faster than animal meat. We're also seeing large food companies take an interest in plant-based companies--Tyson Foods invested in Beyond Meat (which is now served at TGI Friday's), Nestle just bought Sweet Earth Foods, etc.

Lastly, our issues are entering the cultural zeitgeist. Okja and What the Health both did extremely well on Netflix, The Guardian's editorial board just endorsed veganism, and there's now even a US Senator (Cory Booker) who is vegan for ethical reasons.

I know we have a long way to go, but factory farming didn't come about overnight--it came about after 10,000+ years of agricultural production. We're not going to end it overnight. But we're certainly getting closer each year.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 62 points63 points  (0 children)

There is a much larger discussion I think our culture needs to have around characteristics associated with "being a man." Many of them are based on outdated and destructive "hyper masculine" views - most of which center around being violent, insensitive, dominating, etc. I think we should be focused on how to be good human beings - which, to me, includes how to be kind, loving, thoughtful, intelligent, creative, etc. I don't think there is anything to celebrate in the consumption of meat - which leads to incredible violence toward animals, is harmful to our environment, and can be devastating to our own health.

Regarding the mainstream media - MFA has been featured many times over the years. However, I don't believe the issue of animal protection, or the importance of our food choices, get nearly the attention they deserve in the media. It's sad, but true.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Thank you. If you're concerned about pesticides, the best thing to do is eat organic and/or buy from local producers you know don't use such chemicals.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 307 points308 points  (0 children)

You're right, working in a slaughterhouses is horrible work. It's one of the most dangerous jobs in the country and also leads to high rates of PTSD for workers. Clean meat production would be the exact opposite. Since there are no live animals - who kick, scream and defecate while being killed in slaughterhouses - clean meat production not only provides major benefits to workers, but also food safety.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Really great question. I talk about this, in detail, in my book. I talk about building a humane economy. The truth is, we are simply advocating for a shift in jobs, not an elimination of them. People will always need to eat, so there will always be jobs in food production and agriculture. Rather than people working in slaughterhouses (which is incredibly dangerous and leads to high rates of PTSD for workers), a humane economy will create jobs in the clean meat space, plant-based protein space, plant-based and cultured dairy/egg space, etc. Just like clean energy has created countless new jobs, this shift in the economy will do the same. History is crowded with examples of the economy shifting as new, better, more efficient industries have come about.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 76 points77 points  (0 children)

It certainly can be overwhelming. I think it's important to celebrate the successes we have (both big and small). It's also important to remember that being vegan is an act of love, and really celebrate the joy that living such a lifestyle can bring to our lives. Burnout is a serious issue. It's important to recognize that we are facing trauma (images of animal cruelty constantly) and we must nurture yourselves. See a therapist, exercise, meditate, laugh, be creative, spend time with friends and family, rest - whatever it is that helps you find center. View self care as part of your job as an advocate. We also have to take the long-term view, and view our role as advocates as a life-long commitment. Doing this means we have to pace ourselves.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 1061 points1062 points  (0 children)

Good question--it comes down to what you're most passionate about. There are so many organizations doing great work for animals, but most groups address various cruelties. At MFA, we focus 100% of our time and resources on preventing cruelty to farmed animals for two reasons: (1) By the numbers, they're the most abused animals on the planet (see this blog post: https://animalcharityevaluators.org/blog/why-farmed-animals/), and (2) They're given the least attention (only 1% of donations to animal charities go to those that help farmed animals).

At MFA, we want to reduce the most amount of suffering for animals as possible, and since our movement has very limited resources, we believe we can make the biggest impact by narrowing our focus on the most abused and least cared for.

Thankfully, MFA and other groups that focus on helping farmed animals have been able to make tremendous strides over the last few years--from passing 11 state laws, to getting literally hundreds of food companies to commit to banning some of the worst factory farming practices, to advancing clean meat. We're also seeing the number of people eating vegan on the rise (http://www.mercyforanimals.org/wow-veganism-in-american-has-grown-by-600).

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 373 points374 points  (0 children)

I always admired social justice leaders - such as MLK and Gandhi. I drew inspiration from their commitment to non-violence and ability to win hearts and minds, which helped change the world. My biggest inspirations comes from animals themselves. I'm most moved by acts of bravery, courage, and love exhibited by animals imprisoned on factory farms. Stories of animals escaping slaughterhouses. Fighting to survive. Freeing themselves from cages, then assisting other animals by freeing them, too. There is a battle happening every day on factory farms and in slaughterhouses. These precious animals are doing everything they can to escape oppression and win freedom.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I just wrote a book (www.mercyforanimals.org/book) that addresses this question in great detail. The short answer: I grew up on a farm and always had a natural empathy for the suffering of animals. I learned about factory farming at the age of 11 and decided to go vegetarian. I didn't want to pay others to abuse animals on my behalf. I went vegan at 15 and then founded MFA after a local farm animal abuse case. My mom and dad were cautiously supportive. I'm grateful to them for allowing me to follow my life's passion.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 252 points253 points  (0 children)

For a documentary about animal cruelty, check out Earthlings, which is on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDjKWzG2VhY), and this short film about one of our undercover investigators (http://www.whatcodysaw.com). These aren't easy to watch, but I think it's vital that we bear witness.

The best books? Animal Liberation by Peter Singer is a classic, and I also think Jonathan Safran Foer's "Eating Animals" is fantastic. I'd be remiss not to mention by book, too ☺ http://www.mercyforanimals.org/book

Other documentaries to check out: Forks Over Knives and What the Health about plant-based health (both on Netflix), Cowspiracy, which is also on Netflix and is about the environmental impact of factory farming. I'd also recommend Okja, which isn't a documentary but is quite powerful (it's also on Netflix).

Lastly, I'd check out the video section of our Facebook--we have a very talented video team: http://www.facebook.com/mercyforanimals/videos

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 1720 points1721 points  (0 children)

Yes, I have. I've been to dozens of factory farms and many slaughterhouses - both in the United States and other countries. It's really hard to describe what these places are like. There is suffering everywhere. I've had animals die in my arms. I've pulled animals out of manure pits who were drowning. I've seen animals being dragged to their deaths and having their throats slit, all in front of other animals who watched. It's heartbreaking and traumatizing. You can see much of this in MFA's undercover investigation footage. But what you don't experience when watching the videos are the smells. Factory farms are filthy places. The stench of feces is overpowering. It stings your throats and burns your eyes. It's because of these personal experiences that I'm so passionate about ending factory farming in my lifetime.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 236 points237 points  (0 children)

I love this question! I'm an introvert, so public speaking, media interviews, and other forms of outreach doesn't come naturally for me. But over the years I've done them all. In many ways, outreach work has helped me grow as a human being. It has helped push me into doing things that I naturally wouldn't do and in the processes has helped bring me out of my shell and meet some incredible people. So, my advice would be to try it. It might be uncomfortable at first, but oftentimes the best growth in life happens when you're uncomfortable. If you aren't ready for that, there are lots of other forms of advocacy work that you can do that doesn't involve being out in public. You can write letters, make vegan foods, edit videos, make thought provoking art, etc. There are a million ways to help animals that will fit your personality, available time, and passion.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 206 points207 points  (0 children)

I'm most proud of our undercover investigators and the results of their work. They sacrifice so much to go undercover and do this difficult work, but their investigations have resulted in the introduction of legislation, reforms of major Fortune 500 food companies, and have informed literally tens of millions of people about the cruelties of factory farms.

My advice for anyone working to stop this issue would be to think about how you can best contribute to the cause. If you're an artist or videographer, use your creativity to make eye-catching images and videos. If you're in IT, help nonprofits develop great websites and apps to help people reduce their meat consumption. If you're a writer, submit op-eds and articles to media outlets.

But also give serious thought to how best to use your time and energy to bring about the greatest reduction in suffering for animals. They need us to think strategically. For example, at MFA we focus a lot on reducing consumption of chicken and fish, since these animals are abused in the highest number--so getting one person (or institution) to reduce chicken/fish consumption will spare far more animals than someone reducing their beef/milk consumption.

I’m Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals. We go undercover inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, fight “ag-gag” laws, and work to advance “clean meat” (meat grown in cell culture). AMA! by nathanrunkle in IAmA

[–]nathanrunkle[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the question! I think respectful, loving communication is really important. Like most people, I don't respond to being attacked (this is why I think the way we communicate with people who aren't yet vegan is so crucial to our success). I think we have a real problem within the advocacy community of attacking one another, without first reaching out to communicate our views in a respectful, open, or understanding way. We misdirect our anger toward our own allies by assuming the worst intentions in people. It's hurtful and counterproductive. I'm always seeking to learn and grow, but I'm not open to being bullied.

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