Farmer John slaughterhouse in LA has been the site of many vigils by protestors including Joaquin Phoenix. He described attending these events as a 'privilege'
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Joaquin Phoenix has described the closure of an LA slaughterhouse as the ‘end of a chapter’ – but says activists still have much advocacy to do.
The Oscar-winning actor and passionate vegan celebrity has regularly joined vigils with local animal activists from Los Angeles Animal Save and Animal Alliance Network, outside the facility.
They have protested against pig farming outside Farmer John for years, ‘bearing witness’ to the animals passing through the gates on their way to slaughter.
He once joined one of the events while dressed in a tuxedo, after leaving the SAG awards where he was honoured with the Best Actor statuette for Joker, and travelling straight to the slaughterhouse.
Now, as the facility prepares to wind down, five consecutive nights of events will be held outside its gates from Sunday 29th Jan through to Thursday 2nd Feb, concluding with a 12-hour vigil, until the last pig arrives.
The events will be attended by a number of speakers and prolific vegans including musician Moby on Monday 30th Jan and journalist Jane Velez-Mitchell among others.
Farmer John slaughterhouse closure
In a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Joaquin Phoenix, speaking from the set of Joker: Folie Á Deux, said: “The closure of the Farmer John slaughterhouse is only the end of a chapter in a book that is still being written, a book in which we continue to advocate for the liberation of all animals who suffer in these oppressive systems.
“I am thankful to L.A. Animal Save and everyone in this community who has shown these animals the only kindness and respect they have ever known.
“You have taken the pain of bearing witness, and turned it into effective, peaceful, diplomatic advocacy for animals.
“Although it saddens me that I can’t be there at this time, it’s been my privilege to stand alongside these activists, and it’s our duty to continue this fight.”
Are you inspired by well-known animal advocates? Check out these productive ways to take activism beyond your vegan diet
Featured photo © Robert Sud
