Former slaughterhouse worker quits job to advocate for animal rights

Justin Reineke had worked in animal agriculture from an early age. Growing up in a farming community, the lack of opportunity and social pressures meant that slaughterhouse work was common.

He had been in the pork production business for years but grew increasingly concerned by the cruel treatment of animals, which is industry standard. The method of ‘thumping’, killing piglets by smashing them into the ground, was used regularly on the Manitoba pig farm he worked at. The incessant violence urged Justin to quit his job, become vegan, and even adopt his own pig.

Justin describes how, within their first two days of life, these intelligent animals have their tails amputated, their teeth clipped, and are castrated. This is all done by workers without veterinary training and there is no pain relief for the piglets. Mothers and babies are separated, and piglets suffer deformities and disease by being ‘fattened up’ much quicker than nature intended. Justin knew that he couldn’t continue being part of this and turned his back on the business. He claims that he is haunted by what he has seen at slaughterhouses and is still coming to terms with his involvement.

The ex-hog worker has now switched to a vegan lifestyle and advocates for better treatment of animals. His adopted pig Bubba has taught him just how curious and intelligent these animals are, and how much they thrive outside of factory farms.

Justin states “It’s fun to see them in a happy environment after seeing them in such a sad environment,”. He hopes that in sharing his experiences he can educate the public on the cruel methods which are used in the meat industry.

| Article by Martha Moody- United Kingdom