The concept was simple: a (committed but nonetheless fearful-of-the-cold) team of staff and volunteers would protest outside 24 McDonald’s stores within 24 hours. We would move across London to make as wide an impact as possible, and hopefully raise much-needed funds for The Humane League UK.
But how did I even end up in a position where I was stood outside McDonald’s holding an “Animals Deserve Better” placard and wrapped in about a hundred warm layers? Allow me to backtrack.
I’m a relative newbie to the wonderful team at The Humane League UK, though I’ve always wanted to speak up for those who can't. As a teenager, this desire led me to study Law, thinking I could advocate for those victimised by our justice system.
But one day I had my ‘light bulb’ moment. I was crying over a chick who I thought was going to die, and when I later asked my mum what dinner was, she candidly replied, “your favourite, chicken fajitas...” I realised I had to start acting in accordance with my values - even if that meant changing my diet. Pursuing a path in animal welfare became my focus, and, three years on, I was lucky enough to be welcomed into The Humane League UK team.
I consider this line of work both a blessing and a necessity. I don’t want to look back on my life and feel like I didn’t do everything I could to help the animals. And, though we face some daunting challenges (I mean, we go up against corporations like McDonald’s!), it’s rewarding every day actively working to make a difference. And, trying to end the abuse of animals farmed for food doesn’t feel so formidable when you’re constantly inspired by driven, empowering colleagues. The supportive team morale felt during the 24-hour protest was testament to this.
As Social Media Coordinator, I love speaking with our followers who are as committed to helping animals as we are, and it’s equally rewarding explaining our mission to people new to animal welfare. This was something I was able to put into practice (real-life, face-to-face interaction, and not just through a screen!) during the protest; I felt the most energised and distracted from the cold when talking about broiler (a.k.a. meat) chicken welfare to new people, and asking for petition signups.
But, my personal testament to why I love animal advocacy may not be sufficient to convince you that our 24-hour McDonald’s protest - and our work in general - is so important.
The Humane League UK exists #ForTheAnimals (I’m a social media person, I had to get the hashtag in there!). But, as a society, we often forget that animals raised for food are sentient, intelligent individuals with personalities and feelings. The billions of animals raised for slaughter can be just as loving as our pet dogs and cats. When you think about this, the system of how we raise these animals becomes so obviously wrong.
And major corporations share much of the blame for this. Behind the facade of ‘Happy Meals’ and smiling clowns, people deserve to know the truth behind the food they’re sold.
With this in mind, what excuse did we have to not spend our Saturday taking part in this event? The day might have been long (though coffee and snacks helped), but there was nothing about it that didn’t leave each of us energised, humbled, and inspired. We were able to speak to so many of you, to share our passion for our mission, and to pass on SO MANY petition signatures to managers at the 24 McDonald’s stores we visited.
And, though protest day has now come and gone, it’s never too late to support our work and actions like these. Any donation you can give could help us achieve our mission #ForTheAnimals even sooner.
Lauren Wills
