You may have read my last blog post about my first slaughterhouse vigil with Manchester Pig Save last month. Well today I attended my second. I was fortunate to go with a friend this time. I haven’t seen her for ages so as picked her up and as we caught up the whole way there, I kept forgetting where I was going.
I was greeted really warmly by the group of activists already there and very soon a truck pulled in.
I felt much more emotionally prepared this time. However, when that first truck pulled up and I saw the young pigs all crammed in looking really frightened it was utterly heartbreaking.
Several trucks arrived while I was there. The drivers are agreeable to stopping the trucks at the the gate for a couple of minutes. In that short time we can bear witness by documenting through picture and video. As the truck stops we move towards it. I stroked little ears, let wet snouts sniff my hand, rubbed backs through the bars. I listened to the other activists talking to the pigs, attempting words and sounds of comfort. The truck driver beeps his horn. We step back. They drive into the slaughterhouse and the gate closes. It feels like you’ve done nothing.
But I remembered that I was there to bear witness to an injustice that not only affects the lives of animals but also of the wellbeing of our planet and humans too. And I thought about how I wasn’t here doing it alone – there was a group of us – and groups all over the world doing the same thing – and many many more who support it.
I thought I would come away from these vigils feeling utterly depleted and devastated. But I don’t. I know if I allow my mind to dwell on the fear those little pigs must be feeling then I will go down a rabbit hole of sadness. And I know my mind will remind me of their faces, their sounds – their sweet noses at the bars over the next few days. But more so I am choosing to take with me the knowing that there are many of us all over the world doing what we can to make the planet a more compassionate place for all of us to live. And that any action, no matter how small, creates ripples that flow outwards. Non of us are insignificant, and our choices big and small can have immense effects on someone elses life.
As our time there came to an end, I thanked the security guard for his patience giving us the time with the pigs in the many trucks that came by. I said goodbye to the others and we headed back home. On the way back we got a coffee as we were so cold. We were made delicious vegan coffees in a non vegan cafe and we chatted with the baristas and thanked them for making them for us and for having some great options. There is a lot to be rightfully angry and sad about, but gratefulness and compassionate action are the antidote.
If you would ever like to join us – vegan or non vegan – you are very welcome to get in touch with me.
Thanks for reading and below are some images I took in the trucks.
Marie x
Edited to add – This slaughterhouse has since been closed down. I’m not sure of the reasons but I choose to be hopeful that demand for eating animals is reducing. Their little faces will forever remain in my memory and I’ll always remember the faces of the young pigs who lost their lives here and of the other activists who tried to help them.
