brightside sanctuary farm

This page contains links to some of our favorite books that we found to be truly inspirational, highly recommended reading for anyone wanting to learn more. We have added links to the most inspirational films we know and to some of our favorite organisations and online stores, plus some links to Brightside undercover footage showing you what we see when we open the doors of factory farm sheds.

Books

Eating Animals – Jonathan Safran Foer

Foer travels into the darkest corners of our dining habits and raises the unspoken question behind every fish we eat, every chicken we fry and every burger we grill. Part memoir part investigative report this is the book that the Los Angeles Times said secures Foer “a place at the table with our greatest philosophers”.

 

Farm Sanctuary – Gene Baur

In Farm Sanctuary, Baur provides a thought provoking investigation of the ethical questions involved in production of beef, poultry, pork, milk and eggs- and what each of us can do to stop the mistreatment of farm animals and promote compassion.

 

From Dusk til Dawn – Keith Mann

Keith Mann has a hell of a big story to tell and no one could do it better… He has been as deep into the world of Animal Liberation as any one and this book is the most powerful insight into both the Animal Liberation Front and the Animal Liberation movement. Keith Mann takes you on the most incredible journey through the ups and downs of life as an activist on the front line of the greatest liberation struggle of our time.

 

In Your Face – Chris DeRose

From Actor to Animal Rights Activist. Chris DeRose takes you on a journey showing you why he is so committed to this cause. As the title implies DeRose shoves the facts straight at you and dares you to ignore them. He invites you to share his grief, his rage and his triumphs.

 

The PIG Who Sang to the MOON – Jeffrey Masson

This book is wonderful. It is about farm animals and what they think and feel. Best selling author Jeffrey Masson reveals that farm animals often despised and abused have complex emotions- among them love, loyalty, friendship, sadness, grief and sorrow. An entertaining and sobering account of how these characteristics have been ignored.

 

A Pig Called Francis Bacon – Stephen Measday

This novel is one of 4 Francis novels. Francis is no ordinary pig, he can read, write and talk. This wonderful book is the story of Francis and Lucy a girl who met him while on holidays at a farm. What is the future for Francis, will Lucy rescue him and will she ever manage to shut him up ? “Funny and touching… a worthy successor to Charlotte’s Web and Babe.” – Sydney Morning Herald.

 

SACRED COWS and GOLDEN GEESE – Drs. Ray and Jean Greek

This book bears an important message. It challenges the widely held belief that animal research is necessary. A comprehensive, compelling and troubling read this book is packed with valid data and information clearly showing vivisection is futile, cruel and deceptive.

 

The China Study – Dr T Colin Campbell.

The science is clear. The results are unmistakable. Change your diet and dramatically reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Respected nutrition and health researcher, Dr. T. Colin Campbell reveals the truth behind special interest groups, government entities and scientists that have taken Americans down a deadly path.

 

Charlotte’s Web – EB White

The most wonderful children’s novel and film. The story of how a little girl and a spider save a pig called Wilbur from the usual fate of pigs. This book is the best!!

 

Committed – Dan Matthews

An offbeat, globe trotting memoir that shows how the most ridiculed punching bag in school became an internationally renowned crusader for the most down trodden individuals of all -animals. “Hilarious! reads like James Bond on acid, with freaky costumes, police chases, jet set intrigue and a kick ass sense of justice.” – PINK

 

Kindred Spirits – Allen M Schoen

How the remarkable bond between humans and animals can change the way we live- Treating animals just as any healer would treat human beings, Allen Schoen is one of America’s most celebrated vets. Schoen reveals the power of his remarkable methods, explores how alternative healing is revolutionizing his profession and shares beautiful stories of animals and their caretakers enriching each others lives.

 

Movies

Earthlings

“The most powerful and informative movie about society’s treatment of animals. A must see film for anyone who cares to know” – Woody Harrelson. Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, Earthlings is a feature length film about man’s absolute economic dependence on animals raised for pets, food, clothing, entertainment and scientific research.

 

Peaceable Kingdom

A riveting story of transformation and healing, PEACEABLE KINGDOM: THE JOURNEY HOME explores the awakening conscience of several people who grew up in traditional farming culture and who have now come to question the basic assumptions of their way of life. This film is incredible… a MUST see.

 

An Eternal Treblinka

The Brightside Mini Documentary directed by film maker Gary Rhodes that has touched so many hearts.
This incredible 15 minute (version) film will change the way you think. The film gives a glimpse into the lives of factory farmed animals and introduces some of Brightside’s many rescued residents.

 

The Witness

In award-winning documentary THE WITNESS, Eddie Lama explains how he feared and avoided animals for most of his life, until the love of a kitten opened his heart, inspiring him to rescue abandoned animals and bring his message of compassion to the streets of New York. With humor and sincerity, Eddie tells the story of his remarkable change in consciousness. This is an awesome film.

 

Brightside Farm Sanctuary – Resident Animal Stories

Watch our inspiring 12 minute Brightside Farm Sanctuary film. Meet some of our beautiful animal residents and find out about the work we do at and why we do it.

 

Links

Animals Australia

AA is Australia’s second largest and the most dynamic national animal protection organisation.
AA has an unprecedented track record in investigating and exposing animal cruelty. Their website is packed with information. Become informed and visit their website today!!

 

Voiceless

Voiceless is led by father-daughter team Brian and Ondine Sherman, supported by patrons Michael Kirby, J. M. Coetzee and Jane Goodall. Established in 2004, Voiceless is a community of informed and passionate animal advocates working together to make a difference.

 

Unleashed

Unleashed Check out the forum at Unleashed.org.au find out how you can help animals and join the thousands of students in Australia who want to make a difference!

 

Choose Cruelty Free

Choose Cruelty Free has all the info you need to shop cruelty free. Most products are tested on animals in laboratories using shocking experiments.Many animals are used including dogs, cats, monkeys, mice, rats, rabbits, sheep, pigs. One animal dies in a laboratory in the USA every second, in Japan every two seconds and in the UK every twelve seconds – BUAV.

 

Vegan Wares

For the best looking and most beautifully made shoes, belts and wallets check out this store. If you are in Melbourne its well worth a visit. All made from high tech synthetic micro fibre material which is fully breathable, durable, light weight, supple and easy to maintain.

 

The Cruelty Free Shop.

The one stop shop for people who care about animals has been voted the number one vegan business two years running. We are grateful to The Cruelty Free Shop for kindly running two fundraising efforts for Brightside that have been very successful and have helped us out enormously! Check out this great website for all your needs!!

 

Horse Racing Kills

Australia has a thriving racing industry with a shocking secret of sadness, exploitation and suffering. We kill tens of thousands of race horses and greyhounds every year in the name of gambling. Young, beautiful, healthy horses and dogs that just weren’t fast enough or have finished racing and are no longer money earners. Most of these graceful horses end up as pet meat, many are fed to greyhounds.

 

Henry – A Brightside Rescue Story

A You Tube 3 minute mini film about a special bond between 2 Brightside residents; Henry the pig and Raffy the dog who was born blind. A heart warming story loved by children and adults.

 

Dismantle the secret puppy factory supply chain – an Animals Australia campaign

Can pet shops be trusted to answer the simple question, “do you support puppy factories?” A new investigation exposes cruelty, deception, and secret ties between pet shops, web shops, and the puppy factory trade.

 

Other

Brightside undercover pig farm investigation (footage and magistrate comments.)

Garry Olivers Pig Farm, Tasmania
Footage from an investigation into one of Tasmania’s largest piggeries and suppliers to Woolworths, conducted by Diana Simpson and Brightside founder Emma Haswell who uncovered horrific cruelty to pigs. The RSPCA refused to attend so Emma called the police which resulted in a successful aggravated cruelty conviction and the eventual closure of the pig farm. Woolworths continued to use them as a supplier until they closed down.

 

Brightside Battery Hen Farm Investigation.

Shed 1 Pitts Poultry Farm Oyster Cove, Tasmania.
This farm was investigated and reported by us for 2 years. The Department spokesperson for Bio security said on ABC Radio that the farm had one of the highest animal welfare standards of and battery hen farm in Australia.

 

Brightside Battery Hen Farm Investigation.

Shed 2 Pitts Poultry Farm, Oyster Cove Tasmania.
This farm was investigated and reported by us for 2 years. The Department spokesperson for Bio security said on ABC Radio that the farm had one of the highest animal welfare standards of and battery hen farm in Australia.

 

60 Minutes. The Hidden Truth.

Brightside was involved in the 60 Minutes hard hitting story exposing the Australian pig industry’s dirty secret.