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10 Billion Lives Tour stop at UF exposes mistreatment of farm animals

Animal Rights Truck

Meet your meat.

Farm Animal Rights and the 10 Billion Lives Tour truck have been traveling across the country for the past six months with that message.

The group stopped on campus Thursday at the University of Florida to share a video of what it claims to be the mistreatment of farm animals.

The USDA reported that the U.S. is responsible for killing 10 billion land animals for food consumption every year. The statistic is the namesake for the tour, and Jeni Haines, its coordinator, said she hopes the video will not only bring awareness to those who view it, but also influence them to make changes to their diets.

"The goal is to help consumers make more informed choices about their food," she said.

Students were paid one dollar to watch the video, and their reactions varied. Some wanted to find a way to help the tour's cause, but UF student Anthony Roy Jr. said the campaign won't stop him from eliminating meat from his diet.

"I wouldn't be opposed to trying it, but I don't think it would stick," he said.

Roy agreed that there should be less brutal methods of killing animals for food consumption.

"It'll be in the back of my mind," he said.

The next stop on the 10 Billion Lives Tour is Huntsville, Ala. The tour continues through December.

George Pappas edited this story online.

Talia is a reporter for WUFT News who may be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news @wuft.org