Denver Baby Animal Save: The Catalyst for Change
In June 2017, Sarah, a dear friend, and I headed north to bear witness in Denver. The smell of the industrialized neighborhood pierced our nostrils – the stench was unforgettable. As we drove up Emerson Street off Washington Street towards the back of the building, we encountered Superior Farms lamb slaughterhouse. The parking lot was nearly empty, and we slowly approached, uncertain of what to expect.
The Colorado summer heat slapped my body as I got out of the car, and after looking around, we both headed along the pavement toward the main gate, only a few dozen yards away. And there they were behind the chain-linked fence, held together by a lock which was not clasped shut, and which almost fell on numerous occasions. Behind the fence were hundreds of lambs who I expected, but wasn’t prepared to meet. The image of those
Ceremonies became a regular occurrence at the vigils.
Photo Credit: Kimito Sakata
lambs, matted with feces and urine, their eyes full of fear, is seared into my memory. The smell pierced the air and stung my nostrils once again, but, for the first time, I realized to the fullest extent just who exactly I was fighting for. It was at that moment that I fully realized the impact I could have by bearing witness, and eventually, transforming my grief into political action as an organizer for Pro-Animal Future. Bearing witness to the suffering of animals profoundly affects our attitudes and actions and is a life-changing experience. Standing there, facing the lambs behind the fence, I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness and determination.