Toronto Cow Save holds regular vigils for the cows to bear witness to, to speak up for, and to bring awareness to the hundreds of lives who are needlessly and violently stolen daily at Toronto slaughterhouses.Join us! Bring a friend. Be their voice. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Please read our safety guidelines below prior to arriving. Placards, leaflets, and support are provided.
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? PARKING
Please park in the parking lot of the Stock Yards Village shopping complex, a 1 minute walk from the vigil site. There is no parking at the vigil and tickets are being issued.
? COVID
To reduce the spread of COVID we recommend that attendees do their best to follow Toronto safety measures.
? Bill 156
A section of Bill 156 has taken effect prohibiting us to interfere or stop trucks. We do not forcefully stop trucks at these vigils and don't normally "interfere" but we do ask drivers to give us a few minutes with the cows prior to backing in. Some do, some don't. With a peaceful presence, we hope they will continue to do so. Please come with peace to change the violent, dark energy of this area of Toronto.
? SUBSTANCE USE
Please do not arrive impaired or consume drugs or alcohol during vigils. For safety reasons as well as respect for the animals we must be fully aware and conscious to speak for them.
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Keeping Toronto Cow Save vigils peaceful.
☮️ Peace:
The purpose of Toronto Cow Save vigils is to bear witness, to see the reality, to connect, to document, then to share with others. To bring peace to a violent space. Disruptions should take place at a different time.
? Truck Drivers:
Many drivers are now voluntarily giving us time to bear witness. This is due to building a place of understanding over a long period of time. Though we know what they do for a living is wrong, we remain respectful to the drivers for giving us this time to expose to the world the reality of farmed animals. We are not there to attack individuals, but a whole system.
Slaughterhouse Workers:
Some workers may try to taunt (though rarely anymore). Offer a wave or peace sign instead of engaging in a negativity. Break the cycle of violence.
Please do not put cameras in the faces of workers or drivers without their permission.
Bearing witness on the sidewalk side of the truck:
?? Stress for animals:
When the cows are surrounded, they may panic. Most have not had positive human interactions in their short lives and may see us as danger. Let's not cause any added stress to these beings than they already have.
? Your safety:
Glen Scarlett Road is extremely busy with transport trucks and other large vehicles. When bearing witness, we are often not actively paying attention to our surroundings and tragedy could happen.
?♂️Keep arms and hands out of the truck:
Avoid the temptation to reach inside for the following reasons:
The truck may suddenly move, trapping/taking you with it.
Cows are extremely large and heavy beings. Though they may not intend to hurt, a simple movement can crush or break bones. Instead, offer your hand just at the opening of the truck. Some cows will choose to come to you and sniff/lick your hand.
Fear. Many of these beings have not known kind human hands in the past so human hand/arm may cause them stress.
Moving away from the truck:
The driver will often beep his horn when it's time to back away or we will let you know. At that time we must (very, very sadly) move away from the truck, for your safety and allow the driver space to back up. Not giving them the safe space may, sadly, end our ability to bear witness. Until we create a mass movement to free our friends, this is what we must do to help them.
Thank you for your understanding and for coming to bear witness and to be their voice. Please bring a friend. They desperately need you there.
Event Venue
St. Helen's Meat Packers Limited, 55 Glen Scarlett Rd, Toronto, ON, Canada