Farnborough Animal Action Marks the End of an Era and holds Last Gathering as Abattoir Shuts Its Doors
On 30th January 2025, Farnborough Animal Action held a public vigil outside Newman’s Abattoir in Farnborough to mark its permanent closure. This final gathering reflected on nearly a decade of activism, bearing witness to the lives lost within its walls and renewing
the call for an end to animal exploitation.
For nine years, activists stood outside Newman’s, holding vigils to document bearing witness to the countless animals driven to their deaths. Now, as the slaughterhouse locks its doors for good,
campaigners gathered one last time.
To reflect, to remember, and to renew their fight against animal exploitation. offer comfort to the animals in their final moments and challenge animal exploitation. Now, as the gates closed for good, the campaigners gathered one last time to honour the countless victims who passed through them.
A Bittersweet Victory
The closure of Newman’s represents a significant milestone for animal rights activists, but it comes with mixed emotions. While no more animals will be killed on this site, the reality remains that they will now be transported to other slaughterhouses, often over longer distances, adding to their stress and suffering.
"Today is a day we’ve fought for, but it’s bittersweet," one activist shared. "Yes, this place will kill no more, but the violence continues elsewhere. Unless people stop the demand, the animals will continue to suffer."
Flowers were laid at the gates in a moment of remembrance for the animals who had perished there. Activists recalled some of the most harrowing sights they had witnessed over the years, including a cow brought in with her throat already slit, left to bleed out on the floor of the trailer, killed by a farmer before transport.
“These places are hidden from public view for a reason,” another campaigner said. “People don't want to see what happens behind these walls, but we have witnessed it. We have seen the fear in their eyes, heard their cries, and felt their suffering. And we will never forget them.”
Conversations with Slaughterhouse Workers
As the slaughterhouse workers began clearing equipment and closing down operations, some activists took the opportunity to speak with them about what comes next and ask about their future.
One worker shared that he planned to take time off to recharge and focus on his mental health before looking for new employment.
"As someone who has been in this industry, I know firsthand the damage and trauma that builds up over the years. It’s a brutal job—physically and mentally. I encouraged him to take care of himself because I know how much this kind of work can weigh on a person’s well-being." - Doug Maw, vegan
Not all staff were willing to engage—management declined to comment and ignored activists’ attempts at conversation.
Before leaving, a letter addressed to the slaughterhouse workers, offering them contact details should they ever wish to talk about their experiences.
"So many workers in this industry struggle with the psychological impact of their job, but they rarely have the space to talk about it," - "If even one person feels they can reach out, that’s something."
The End of an Era – But Not the End of the Fight
Newman’s was one of the last independent multi-species abattoirs in the Southeast, and its closure is part of a wider trend of small slaughterhouses shutting down due to rising costs, regulatory pressures, declining profitability, and declining demand. However, for the farmers who relied on it, its closure presents a logistical and financial challenge. With fewer options available, they will now need to transport animals much further for slaughter, increasing costs and journey times.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has previously warned that the decline of local abattoirs threatens small-scale farming operations and may force some farmers to reduce livestock numbers or cease operations altogether.
But for Farnborough Animal Action, this moment is a symbol of progress—proof that persistent activism and public awareness can bring about change.
“We’ve been out here for years, in the heat, in the rain, in the cold,” “This is the end of our work at this location, but our fight for the animals is far from over.”
A Call for Change
As the vigil ended, activists reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for a world free from animal exploitation. They urged the public to reflect on their choices, highlighting that as long as there is demand for animal products, the abuse will continue elsewhere.
"Every time we eat, we make a choice," an activist stated. "We can choose compassion. We can choose not to be part of this system of suffering. The power to stop this doesn’t lie with politicians or corporations—it lies with us, in our everyday decisions."
Farnborough Animal Action thanked everyone who had ever attended a vigil, expressing gratitude for the support and dedication of fellow activists.
“This has been an honour—to stand shoulder to shoulder with you all in the fight for the animals,” one campaigner wrote in a tribute. “We may not have ended slaughter, but we have made a difference, and we will keep going.”
Remembering the Animals
As the crowd dispersed, many left with heavy hearts, remembering the animals they had
witnessed over the years.
“To every animal that was driven through these gates—you are forever etched into our hearts,” one activist posted. “We will never forget you.”
Though the chapter at Newman’s has come to a close, the message from Farnborough Animal Action is clear: the fight for animal liberation continues, and we will continue elsewhere.
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