About 300 people participated in Toronto’s first ever March to Close All Slaughterhouses on Saturday, June 15, 2013. The Toronto march was part of a global effort. Similar events were held simultaneously in Australia, Brazil, France, Turkey, the United Kingdoma nd the United States – all making the same demand: that slaughterhouses be shut down. We want the abolition of slavery of all animals and the abolition of all the practices that exploit, torture and murder them. Close to 300 lively people proved that this demand, which may seem unrealistic, is no more outrageous than past demands to end slavery or accord equal rights to women although these goals appeared just as unrealistic in the 19th century, before campaigns for these social changes started gaining ground. During the march, people along the busy downtown march route could watch graphic video footage and see participants holding placards featuring shocking photographs showing what takes place behind closed slaughterhouse doors. The public witnessed protestors dressed in red (to symbolize the blood of slaughterhouse victims) falling to the ground to mimic the deaths of animals and heard recordings of the dying screams of animals having their throats slit. The public had never, ever, seen that kind of march before in Toronto. Many were truly surprised, taking pictures as they were probably trying to make sense of what was going on! Some people even applauded and were very supportive as the protestors passed by chanting slogans and handing out leaflets explaining the demand behind the march. The march ended at Quality Meat Packers, a pig slaughterhouse where a memorial was erected in memory of the trillions of animals around the world killed by the meat industry. People brought personalized notes, flowers and other items to create the memorial outside the slaughterhouse before dispersing quietly. On June 15, 2013, the Meat Abolition movement was finally born in Toronto, Canada! We are determined to spread the word, as well as share with you more events and initiatives we cannot wait to organize in the future.