Tilda is a cow in Switzerland who went on the run, and ended up in a sanctuary, after making a dramatic bid from the truck carrying her to be slaughtered. Swiss animal welfare artist Chantal Kaufmann made images from the photos that passers-by took. Tilda now lives in a sanctuary (that’s her below, the artist paying a visit).
What was strange (showing that underneath, even people about to kill her are kind) was that the slaughterhouse manager was happy about the escape. And helped to transport Tilda to her new home.
Matilda (the escapee pregnant pig)
When Pigs Escape is a non-profit documentary (contact them to host a free screening) that follows the lives of Matilda, a pregnant pig who escaped an abattoir by digging under a fence, in a temporary outdoor enclosure. This happened at the same time as 40 cows escaped in the US, though only two were saved.
The pig put in Matilda’s nose (to stop her digging) is now removed. She now lives happily in a farm sanctuary with her piglets!
How ‘Transfarmation’ Helps Barnyard Friends
The Swiss Transfarmation movement helps any farmers with expert help, to transition over from livestock farming (animals live out their lives in peace) to more profitable ‘crops’ like oats (for the oat milk industry, where most oats are still imported).
If you have questions about farming without ‘farm’ animals, contact us. We are happy to advise, with no obligation. The goal is for you to be true to your self.
Read stories of farmers who gave up farming animals These include a couple of beef farmers who now run an organic permaculture farm and vegan cooking school. And two couples in Switzerland (one grows oats and the other chickpeas to make local hummus!)
Does ‘Humane Slaughter’ Exist?
Certified free-range animals live good lives, but of course butchering any animal is not humane, as a terrified animal’s natural instinct is to live. And most have no doubt what is to happen, especially when seeing fellow creatures slaughtered before them.
One farmer (who grew up in India) drove his sheep to abattoirs for years. One day a few years back, he could not do it anymore. About to make £9,000 from selling lambs for meat, he instead drove 200 miles to an animal sanctuary, and rehomed them. He lost money, and found his inner peace! Staff at the sanctuary send him pictures!
There have been incidents in the past, when pigs in lorry accidents have not been put to sleep by vets. Instead, they have been put back on the lorry (injured and traumatised) and sent to abattoirs, often at the request of supermarkets to ensure profits. And this was a ‘high-end better welfare’ supermarket.
Meet a Middle Eastern (vegan) Prince!
Religious slaughter is controversial in England, where animals are killed without stunning, in line with religious slaughter for Islamic and Jewish religions. Compassion in World Farming asks people of faith to read the science, on how animals suffer. It’s perfectly possible for both faiths to be vegan, so no ritual slaughter is needed.
One Arab Vegan is a popular recipe blog (founded by a Muslim). And Prince Khaled bin alwaleed (above) is so passionate about the lifestyle, he invests heavily in vegan brands.
Compassion in World Farming says that many ‘Halal’ meats are from stunned animals (so not compliant). While some supermarkets sell Halal meat without labelling it properly. So people buy it, not realising that it comes from animals that were not stunned.
Israel is one of the most vegan-friendly countries on earth. And the Middle East Vegan Society now certifies foods using its own V label.
