What would you do if you lived near an egg farm where you knew chickens were living in disgusting conditions, but you knew nobody would believe it if you tried to tell them? If you’re 19-year-old Nathan Runkle, you take the videotape footage to prove it! Nathan has not once, but three times led scouting missions into farms near his home in St. Paris, Ohio, to document the cruelty. When he’s seen birds in trouble, he’s taken them to the vet. He and the group he founded at age 15, Mercy for Animals, have taken their findings to TV stations and newspapers, so that everyone can know what goes on in those giant, windowless warehouses.
When he’s not investigating farms, Nathan is protesting outside circuses and laboratories, rescuing sick cows slated for slaughter, and even jumping up on the counters at fast-food restaurants to make statements to the diners about how their meals got there!
We convinced Nathan to slow down long enough to tell us more about his exploits and give us some pointers on what regular mortals can do to help animals.
When did you become a vegetarian?
When I was 11, I came across an animal rights information booth at a local mall. I remember reading how calves were ripped from their mothers and chained by their necks in tiny crates and how piglets had their testicles ripped out without painkillers. That was the first time I made the connections between my beloved dog Sadie, and the nameless pig I was eating.
I became a vegetarian on the spot.
What gave you the idea to go into chicken farms and document the conditions there?
I feel video footage from factory farms is one of the most powerful tools. When people are faced with the horrors of factory farming, most are appalled and do not want to support it.
What goes into planning these visits?
Before we ever enter a factory farm, we send letters requesting tours. Our requests have never been granted. Armed with video cameras, we enter at night through unlocked doors and document the abuse. We help trapped hens, offer water to dehydrated birds, and remove dead bodies from crammed cages to give birds more space. Animals in need of veterinary care are given treatment before being moved to a sanctuary. Then we hold a news conference to release our findings to the public.
Aren’t you scared you’ll get caught?
Sure, but I’m more worried about the suffering of animals going unseen.
Do you feel that your chicken farm “raids” are making a difference?
Absolutely. Aside from rescuing over 30 animals, we have been able to reach countless consumers with the rotten truth behind egg production. We have received letters, e-mails, and calls from people all over the world telling us that our investigations have opened their eyes and they were adopting a vegan diet.
What would you encourage other kids to do to get active for animals?
There are so many things everyone can do. Get active with a local animal rights group. If there isn’t one, start it! Table, leaflet, protest, write letters, show videos, talk to people; anything you can do to be a voice for the voiceless.
