VOICES: Mike Francis reviews the scientific research conducted into the biology of slaughter to put paid to the misguided belief that there can ever be such a thing as the humane killing of farmed animals.

Scientists are trying to determine whether labelling can trick conscientious consumers into buying the dead body parts of chickens fed with algae and insects in a bid to make farming them more sustainable. But is it yet another quick fix to get around the real issues? Claire Hamlett reports.

To mark the release of our Veganuary 2022 video, here is our list of the five best books, films and documentaries to help humans shift their perspective to some of those who we exploit by not going plant-based. Do you know someone taking the Veganuary challenge? Send them our essential viewing and reading to help them make the ethical connection.

The results of two government-commissioned studies into the number of dead badgers infected with bovine TB (bTB) have finally been released, confirming that badgers are being scapegoated for the spread of the disease.

The regret the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has expressed at the resignation of former Conservative MP Owen Paterson may go against public opinion but is no surprise at all, writes Claire Hamlett.

Why do supermarkets spend so much money on their marketing campaigns? Why does not a single supermarket advert show the daily life of a chicken on an intensive farm, where 95 per cent of all their chickens come from?

When a calf is taken from their mother, who steps in to care for them? Former dairy farmer Jackie Norman shares her harrowing story of the heartbreak and misery of calving season in New Zealand.

STORIES: What makes someone go from a life of farming and commercial fishing to being a staunch vegan with a PETA membership? Phil Hatfield shares his story.

Matilda and her nine piglets have been saved from the slaughterhouse and are now a step closer to their forever home thanks to the work of animal rescuers, a grassroots pressure campaign and the huge outpouring of public support.

Nettverk For Dyrs Frihet (Network for Animal Freedom) has released the findings of its groundbreaking six-year investigation into dozens of Norweigian pig farms. With places selected at random, the report has sent shockwaves across the country as people are faced with the stark reality of standard pig farming.

The use on UK pig farms of a class of antibiotics - said to be “critically important” for human health by the World Health Organisation - has more than doubled, according to industry data obtained by the Guardian.

Producers of broiler chicken products have no reason to be concerned about the forthcoming launch of Beyond Meat’s plant-based poultry range, the chairman of the Russian National Meat Association said in comforting tones, ignoring forecasts from Deloitte of a 10 per cent growth in the plant-based food sector per year in Russia.