Interview with Leah Garcés, President of Mercy For Animals
Leah Garcés is the president of Mercy For Animals. She has partnered with some of the world’s largest food companies on her mission to end factory farming. Leah has nearly 20 years of leadership experience in the animal protection movement.
What are you excited about in terms of Mercy for Animals at the moment?
We always have exciting projects and initiatives in the works at MFA, but right now I’m putting the finishing touches on my forthcoming book, which is due to be published in Fall of 2024.
This book builds on my experience working with unlikely allies and features The Transfarmation Project, a program I founded to help farmers transition their industrial animal agriculture operations to plant-focused farms raising crops for human consumption. This program was born of the acknowledgement that, if we truly want to create change for animals, we can’t focus only on what is wrong; we need to replace this broken system with something that’s better for animals, humans, and the planet.
My book explores the “how” and “why” of transitioning to a just and sustainable food system through the stories of farmers, animals, and the communities devastated by factory farming.
What do you think the future holds for the animal protection movement?
There has never been a more exciting time to do the work we do - our issue is on the world stage. Just in the past year, animal welfare policy has made history; last year, we saw the passage of the first resolution on animal welfare at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and we are currently awaiting a historic US Supreme Court decision on Proposition 12 animal welfare legislation.
“I see our movement diversifying, joining forces with unlikely allies”
With plant-based food brands growing and gaining widespread adoption, and others introducing truly groundbreaking innovations like cell-based meat, we have everything to look forward to. I envision a future where industrial animal agriculture is recognized as a problem of critical importance on the level of smoking and climate change. I see our movement diversifying, joining forces with unlikely allies, and expanding globally into historically underserved areas that house high densities of farmed animals, places where we stand to make record-breaking impact.
The earth’s rising temperatures, dwindling resources, and growing population will necessitate a dramatic overhaul of our food system sooner rather than later; through programs like The Transfarmation Project, we are laying the groundwork now for the plant-based future that can save the world.
Could you share a few words of advice for people wanting to get into animal advocacy?
We need you!
The movement is constantly evolving and, in order to reach a tipping point, we need diverse perspectives and skill sets attacking the problem from all angles. It’s okay not to be sure where you belong at first; if this cause speaks to you, you have a place here.
“Show up, be curious, and trust the process.”
Show up, be curious, and trust the process. Early in my career, I followed my passion to the UK to pursue a (then, uncommon) degree in Environment and Development, found a community of like-minded advocates, and the rest was history. Seek out mentors and organizations that inspire you and get involved to whatever extent is within your means.
Who inspires you in the animal advocacy space?
One of my favorite parts of the job is meeting our new team members and volunteers. It never fails to lift my spirits and revitalize my optimism. They show up with huge new energy and a determination to make the world a better place. They remind me why I came to this space and how lucky I am to do something I truly believe in.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by my family and the duty I feel to make the world a better place for my kids. I’m inspired by my hardworking team at MFA and opportunities to recharge my batteries with animals afforded the dignity to live out their lives in peace. This is difficult work - it can be, at times, emotionally draining, and it never feels done. It’s necessary to pause and reconnect with the joy at the center of your mission.
My late companion chicken, Henrietta, a rescue from a factory farm, brought my family closer during the darkest times of the pandemic; seeing her live her best life was an affirmation and a reminder of my purpose - the vision of a future where all animals have the chance that Henrietta had, a world where animals are respected, protected, and free.