As the world sweltered through the hottest July on record, the fight for justice—in every form—pressed forward with renewed urgency. From legislative breakthroughs in Europe to disturbing instances of state violence in the U.S., this month revealed both the cracks in our current systems and the courage of those working to mend them. Here’s what defined the pulse of July.
Switzerland and Denmark Lead the Way on Transparency and Transition
Switzerland became the first country in the world to mandate labels that reflect the level of suffering endured by animals used in food production. Beginning in 2026, Swiss consumers will see packaging that classifies products based on animal welfare metrics—an unprecedented step that challenges the sanitized narrative of industrial exploitation.
Meanwhile, Denmark passed a historic agreement committing over 1.1 billion Danish kroner to accelerate its national shift to plant-based agriculture. The funding includes support for farmers transitioning away from animal exploitation and a new “Plant Fund” aimed at boosting domestic innovation in vegan alternatives. While not abolitionist in scope, both measures show a rising tide of public and political momentum toward food system transformation.
U.S. Police Brutality Caught on Tape—Again
In Jacksonville, Florida, a disturbing video went viral showing police officers violently subduing a peaceful animal rights protester in front of young children. One officer appeared to kneel on the protester’s neck while others forced her arms behind her back, ignoring bystanders’ pleas. The incident, currently under investigation, has reignited national outrage around police violence and the criminalization of protest—especially when the protest centers on compassion and nonviolence.
Climate Crisis Escalates—and So Does the Global Response
July 2025 marked yet another record-breaking month for extreme weather. Wildfires tore through southern Europe, including parts of Italy and Greece. Massive flooding displaced tens of thousands across India and Bangladesh. Scientists warn that the planet is now visibly entering multiple overlapping climate feedback loops—including ice melt, deforestation, and methane release—that are accelerating ecosystem collapse.
At the UN climate summit earlier this month, a bloc of over 40 Global South nations issued a forceful demand for binding climate reparations. “We will not pay for your pollution with our lives,” their joint statement read. The call highlighted long-standing injustices: while wealthy nations continue to profit from industrial expansion, it is often the poorest—particularly communities of color—who suffer the most devastating consequences.
Grassroots Resistance Gains Traction
Within the U.S., decentralized activist networks are mobilizing for what could become one of the largest general strikes in modern history. Leaked internal messages, now circulating on social media, reveal strategic planning, coalition-building, and a firm commitment to anti-capitalist, abolitionist values. Organizers emphasize horizontal decision-making, intersectional justice, and an ethic of care—rejecting traditional hierarchies in favor of radical solidarity.
The Humane Party’s long-standing advocacy for structural change and ethical leadership continues to resonate in this climate. As calls for accountability and nonviolent resistance grow louder, the movement’s emphasis on abolition—not reform—offers a vision rooted in compassion and coherence.
Ethical Media and Education Rising
UnchainedTV announced a new investigative series set to expose the truth behind so-called “humane-washing” in animal agriculture. Season one will focus on the myths of backyard eggs and small-scale slaughterhouses, combining undercover footage with expert analysis to debunk the notion that scale negates suffering.
At the same time, preparations for Abolition Day (December 6) are already underway across the country. Humane Party volunteers and partner organizations are planning educational events, community dialogues, and visibility actions. This year’s focus: highlighting the intersections between faunacide and racial injustice—two violences born from the same paradigm of domination.
Closing Note
July didn’t just raise temperatures. It raised questions—about the systems we uphold, the voices we silence, and the futures we still have time to shape. Across continents and causes, people are pushing back against cruelty, against complacency, against the machinery of profit and pain. Some are marching. Some are cooking. Some are writing. All are resisting.
Thank you for being part of that resistance.
The Humane Herald 