10 great videos to help non-vegans make the connection

Elena Orde chooses her top ten videos that are guaranteed to make non-vegans think twice about their next meal.

I don’t know about you, but part of me thinks that the general public is switching off to animal rights promoters using shock tactics. After all, associating veganism with upsetting and negative images does not always pay off. Sometimes people can interpret these messages as a personal accusation, resulting in defensiveness.

I agree that it’s of vital importance that footage is out there displaying the truth about how animal products are made. However, there’s definitely room for our message to be conveyed in a more inspiring, more positive way.

The solution? An avalanche of uplifting, heart-warming, feel-good awesomeness! Let’s show everyone how amazing it feels to choose a compassionate lifestyle.

Brace yourself – these are my top ten clips to show any to vegan-sceptic. Alternatively, watch them together with your vegan buddies for a communal warm fuzzy feeling. I challenge you not to cry at least once.

1) Three year old kid explains why he doesn't want to eat meat

Can't see the video? Watch the video here.

 
A young boy, confused why anyone would think to eat an animal, explains the vegan message with beautiful simplicity. Hold out until the end for the best bit.

2) Ex-dairy cow bonding with calf separated from mother at birth

Watch the video here.

 
Many people don’t realise that dairy cows are separated from their young soon after birth. In this video, an ex-dairy cow meets an orphaned calf. Both are now allowed to experience the care and affection they have been deprived of by the industry. 

3) Spring pasture release 2014

Watch the video here.

 
Farm sanctuaries do wonderful work. Take a look at this clip, where rescued animals enjoy their first taste of spring. One commenter says it all: “This is what ALL animals deserve – freedom, love, life.”

4)  Happy cows

Watch the video here.

 
Did the last video not bring a tear to your eye? Then this one of cows literally jumping for joy may well do, exemplifying their clear “lust for life”. 

5) Rescued hens from egg farm free for first time

Watch the video here.

 
These rescued hens can exhibit their natural behaviours for the first time, leaving a caged existence for the simple joys of being able to stretch, peck and explore. 

6) Second chances

Watch the video here.

The Dodo is an amazing site which raises awareness of animal rights issues. This is my favourite compilation of theirs, featuring a cast of animals who were given a second chance at a happy life – because all animals deserve to live without fear. 

7) Adorable Irish girl explains why she doesn't want to eat meat

Watch the video here.

 
Because you can never have too many clips of children making the connection. The most striking line: “I don’t want them to cut up the animal-people”.

8) The Gentle Barn: Karma's reunion

Watch the video here.

 
A grieving mother is reunited with her baby, whom she thought lost. The results are tear-wrenching – especially when you pair the reunion with this video of a mother running after the trailer towing her baby away. 

9) Beagle freedom project

Watch the video here.

 
All animals are individuals – something which this organisation recognises. These ex-lab beagles’ numbers are replaced with names, and they are allowed to explore and play for the first time.

10) Happiest video EVER!

Watch the video here.

 
And to top it all off, just a plain adorable video of baby animals playing and generally having a whale of a time at Edgar’s Mission farm sanctuary. This wonderful organisation asks the question: "If we can live happy and healthy lives without harming others, why wouldn’t we?"

Different messages resonate with different people. Every time someone realises that animals can experience complex and profound emotions and decides to do something about it, we are one step closer to making a more vegan world.

I tag you – pick a non-vegan friend who loves animals, and share this message!

By Elena Orde

Like these videos? You might also like The Vegan Society's documentary film 'Making the Connection'.