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Brave New Life Project supports people who are interested in transitioning out of animal agriculture by offering free employment support and community connection assistance. We connect people employed by slaughterhouse and factory farms to support programs that can offer access to education/career training, government assistance if needed, and mental health support, to help stabilize their lives and advance their careers.
The Hidden Dangers of Slaughterhouse Work
Slaughterhouse workers often face unique risks related to the nature of this taxing job, including:
Exposure to harmful chemicals: Cleaning agents and other substances used in slaughterhouses can be toxic and lead to respiratory irritation or skin conditions.
Mental health challenges: The nature of the work can be mentally taxing and lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Injuries from machinery: Heavy machinery used in processing can malfunction or be mishandled by stressed and exhausted workers, leading to severe injuries.
Pro Animal Future: Driving Community Change in Denver
Pro Animal Future is a Denver-based nonprofit making remarkable strides in its community, driving meaningful change for the environment, animals, and everyone involved. Unlike many organizations that simply call for others to address issues, Pro Animal Future is taking proactive steps to empower local communities and enact policy changes with the potential for a significant impact.
The sense of individual hopelessness can be paralyzing, making it difficult to engage with challenging issues. However, when solutions are proposed alongside the problems, people are more likely to participate in discussions and work towards concrete resolutions. The phrase "power to the people" is often mentioned, but Pro Animal Future is truly harnessing this power, providing a dynamic platform for voters to engage, expand their influence, and create the world they want to see. By empowering individuals to take action, the organization is transforming the concept of collective power into tangible results for Denver communities, countless wildlife species, and farmed animals.
Dispelling Myths: The Truth About Slaughterhouse Jobs
Many people think banning slaughterhouses means fewer jobs, but slaughterhouses threaten the communities where they are located as well as the people who work for them. As you may know, Superior Farms slaughterhouse in Denver has been violating the Clean Water Act for several years, but statistically slaughterhouses are one of the most dangerous places to work. Two of the most common health issues are the loss of fingers and chronic pain.
Workers must often handle sharp knives and automated machinery to process meat. Animals are killed and processed at such high speeds that accidents are inevitable. A minor slip can easily result in deep cuts or amputation, even with safety measures such as PPE in place. Sadly, according to OSHA records, a worker at the Denver slaughterhouse lost their finger while operating a vertical band saw in 2019.
Chronic pain is another major concern among slaughterhouse workers. The repetitive motions required to perform tasks—such as cutting, lifting, and packaging meat—can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Workers may experience pain in their wrists, shoulders, back, and other parts of the body. Over time, this can develop into conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic lower back pain, which can significantly impact their quality of life.
In the same way that opening a wound to clean out an infection can be painful and difficult, we may need to experience some pain in order to heal and reconstruct our society. However, shutting down the Denver slaughterhouse will give people an opportunity to find less dangerous and more fulfilling work, especially if they are offered support through this transition.
Creating a Safer, More Sustainable Future for Denver
Community changes that prioritize safety, environmental responsibility, and community support—such as the 2024 Denver Slaughterhouse Ban—can greatly benefit slaughterhouse workers and the community as a whole. When the Denver Slaughterhouse Ban (Ordinance 309) takes effect Brave New Life Project would like to help workers transition to new careers by providing free employment services and connection to resources such as mental health supports, governmental assistance, or educational opportunities, to help workers break free from the cycle of dangerous and undesirable employment.
Through their dedication and innovative approach, Pro Animal Future and Brave New Life Project are working together to inspire their community to take action and create a better world for all living beings. By voting yes on the slaughterhouse measure, the City of Denver will be transitioning to a more sustainable future and we are excited to see what the future holds.
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