Compassion Over Killing (the internship)
Birthday Cupcakes
Hens and hogs and cows – oh my! Since mid-June, I’ve had the extraordinary experience of working as a legal intern at Compassion Over Killing, a D.C.-based organization whose mission is to end cruelty to animals in agriculture. The sheer numbers are staggering: more than a million animals are killed for consumption every hour, animals that can and do feel pain. There are few laws in place to protect any animals, and in most states farm animals are exempt from even those protections. But the good news is that this is changing: people are becoming more aware of the suffering that factory farming causes and, as a result, consumers and laws are changing their ways. What an inspiration to be part of a team spending their days trying to help all these animals who cannot defend themselves, to witness their dedication on a daily basis and the intelligence and creativity they bring to their jobs.
Some highlights of my time with CoK:
- All the firsts, as a 1L/Rising 2L: first real-world memo; first visit to a prosecutor’s office; first meetings on Capitol Hill; first phone calls to federal agencies, etc.
- Discussing HR 5566, the bill to stop the production and distribution of animal crush videos, at the offices of Congresswoman Giffords and Senators McCain and Kyl, just days before the House voted on it — and approved it by a landslide!
- Vegan cupcakes from Sticky Fingers Bakery on my milestone birthday
- A beautiful drive along the Maryland coast with Cheryl, on the way to meet with the state’s attorney. When she pointed out a battery-cage facility, I said a little prayer for the caged hens inside.
- Serving up non-dairy Caesar salad at City Hall with CoK’s outreach volunteers
- The Animal Rights Conference in Alexandria, VA and tabling for CoK
- HSUS’s Taking Action for Animals conference weekend
- Visiting Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary for rescued farm animals
- Working and learning each day with legal interns, Lisa, Rory and Mel. It was great getting to you know you guys! Lots of laughs in between navigating the swampy roads of Westlaw…
Legal Interns
My eternal gratitude to Cheryl, Erica (Wonder Woman!), Christina, Francesca, Max, Frank, Lisa, Rory, Mel, Lauren, Doba, Boru, Hermione, and all the volunteers who came into the office each week. A special shout-out to fourteen year-old Katya, a young fiery spirit who I know will do wonders on behalf of the animals — you’re awesome!
Although, as a general rule, I don’t dwell on negative images and stories related to animal abuses, it’s impossible to completely avoid them; sometimes, the suffering seems so much, and what needs to be done so much… it’s overwhelming. In those moments that I know we all have, I will picture my CoK friends at the office, making the phone calls, searching through piles of documents, handing out veggie hot dogs on a corner, leafleting on the streets of DC… all the stuff of a routine day at CoK. And I’ll be reminded that there are so many, many people who care about these animals, who have compassion, and who — together — are a brilliant force at work in the universe each day.
Erica and Mel
Thank you for the privilege of being part of your team, for providing me with a learning ground, for sharing your journeys with me, and for becoming an integral part of my own journey. Six weeks, in a way, lasts forever.
(Special thanks to Josh Balk, for suggesting that I call Cheryl in the first place!)
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What a great post! I’m sure your smiling face will be missed at the COK offices, as much as I will miss seeing you at various events. You better come around often!