first quarter 2026 Impact Report
A powerful start for animals.
Thanks to you.
Dear Animal Advocate,
Look at everything you’ve already made possible, and we’ve only just begun 2026!
These milestones belong to you and the growing movement for animals.
There’s still much to do, but this strong start shows what’s possible when we act together. Thank you for building what comes next for animals.
With gratitude,
Sharon Núñez
President, Animal Equality
YOUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS*
5.5+ Million
ESTIMATED ANIMALS
IMPACTED
622,000+
VIEWS OF OUR VIDEOS
108,000+
VOLUNTEERS AROUND THE WORLD
141,000+
PEOPLE SIGNED OUR PETITIONS
312,000+
VISITS TO THE LOVE VEG WEBSITE
332,000+
LOVE VEG SUBSCRIBERS
48,000+
LOVE VEG RECIPE BOOK DOWNLOADS
*Global data from January-March 2026.
Highlights
After a year-long campaign, global supermarket conglomerate Ahold Delhaize committed to removing cages for hens and pigs across its US supply chain. While cage-free is certainly not cruelty-free, this move will spare 5-7 million animals from extreme confinement every year.
passionate choices.
Love Veg, Animal Equality’s plant‑based programme
Animal Equality inspired compassionate eating worldwide: from community cooking workshops in Mexico to festivals in Germany and student talks in India.
With new digital recipe books, including Legume Recipes and Ocean Flavours, we made plant-based cooking more accessible to thousands.
We also took a systemic approach by promoting a new bill in Colima, Mexico. If passed, this bill will create a more sustainable, plant-based food system.
Animal Equality is making plant-based choices easier and sparing animals from suffering in factory farms.
End Factory Farming
This quarter we advanced efforts to end extreme suffering for millions of animals.
We launched a major campaign to hold the European Commission accountable for failing to deliver promised animal protection reforms. Through large-scale protests and online mobilisation, we are demanding an end to cages and the killing of male chicks.
We also joined partner organisations in an historic hearing before the EU’s Court of Justice. This case examines the European Commission’s failure to ban cages following a citizens’ initiative called “End the Cage Age.”
In Mexico, we introduced a bill for the country’s first General Animal Protection Law, proposing protections for all animals (including those impacting farmed animals) and establishing the “pro-animal principle.”
In the UK, Animal Equality exposed millions of salmon deaths and weak oversight on Scottish farms, alongside new footage of lice-infested salmon. In Spain, we launched a pig farm investigation that was broadcast on national television.
End Cages for Hens and Pigs
Following Ahold Delhaize’s commitment, pressure is mounting on Marriott Hotels to honor its commitment against cages for hens. Protests are intensifying ahead of the World Cup, during which Marriott will serve as the official hotel.
Thanks to your efforts, companies like Cargill in Brazil and Ferrero in Mexico completed their transitions away from cages. Hotels in India are moving in the same direction.
Campaigns targeting Mercadona in Spain and Forno de Minas in Brazil are gaining traction. In Argentina, Animal Equality launched a new investigation that exposed the egg industry, prompting formal complaints against the farms.
This momentum is translating into policy progress. Following our proposal to the government, Spain excluded eggs from caged hens from food served in schools, hospitals, and other public institutions. In the US, we are defending key animal protection laws from threats in the Farm Bill.
End Force-Feeding for Foie Gras
In the UK, a foie gras import ban is at risk due to EU-UK trade deals. Supported by fellow organisations, we delivered 315,000 signatures from our petition to 10 Downing Street, highlighting overwhelming public support for a ban.
In Brazil, we are advancing a bill to end force-feeding for foie gras, ending this highly controversial and painful practice.
End Horse Slaughter
In Italy, three bills for horses are making their way through Parliament. If passed, they would ban horse slaughter and recognise them as companion animals, bringing the end of horse slaughter closer than ever.
Bringing Media Attention to Animals
5,500+
MEDIA MENTIONS
9.1+ Million
ESTIMATED VIEWS IN THE MEDIA
*Global data from January-March 2026.
The following news organisations have highlighted Animal Equality’s work for animals:
Animal Equality’s work has been highlighted by the following news organisations:
Our voice is reaching millions. In Italy, we drew attention to horse slaughter through coverage on Rai News 24, a major news program that reaches audiences across the country. In Spain, our investigation into pig farms was featured on the national television program Directo al grano, exposing factory farming to the public.
What’s next
Behind every milestone is an animal spared from suffering and a future that’s finally changing.
And the momentum is growing. In the months ahead, we will push for:
- New laws to better protect animals trapped in factory farms and slaughterhouses
- More companies moving away from cages
- New investigations exposing animal cruelty
- Greater public awareness worldwide
- More people and systems embracing compassionate plant-based eating
Donate to keep this progress moving forward.
I’ll continue to give as much as I can this year. I truly appreciate everything you do for these wonderful animals.
– Amy, donor from the US.
PRESERVE FAMILIES
A curious chick recognises his mother’s voice and imprints on her immediately after hatching. You can defend these family bonds by choosing plant-based alternatives to eggs.