Ellie Ponders
When a small Bulgarian animal protection group discovered widespread violations at an egg facility, they didn’t just document the problem—they orchestrated its closure. Here’s how strategic advocacy can transform an entire industry.
Sometimes the most powerful changes start with a simple ultimatum.
On June 11, animal protection group Невидими животни - Nevidimi Zhivotni (which translates to “Invisible Animals” in English) approached the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency with evidence of severe violations at one of the country’s largest egg facilities. Their message was clear: We’re releasing this footage in seven days. You have until then to act.
The agency didn’t need seven days.
Soon after receiving Nevidimi Zhivotni’s evidence, inspectors descended on the facility. What they found confirmed the advocates’ worst fears: widespread violations of animal welfare and biosecurity requirements so severe that immediate closure was the only option. A facility that had 46,000 hens confined at any given time since 2008 was ordered to cease operations—effective immediately.
This victory is remarkable not just for its speed, but for what it represents. Nevidimi Zhivotni, founded just three years ago and a member of the global Open Wing Alliance, has proven that even young organizations can deliver devastating blows to entrenched systems of cruelty.
“This is a huge step forward towards justice for all 46,000+ hens in this horrific place,” Nevidimi Zhivotni announced. “Thank you for using your voice, for standing up for the truth, for sharing, insisting, and fighting for these innocent animals! Without you this wouldn't have happened!”
The organization’s strategic approach catalyzed an unprecedented response. They didn’t just document violations—they built a coalition of support that included European Parliament member Emil Radev and National Assembly representatives Tsvetan Predov, Gabriel Valkov, and Kristina Petkova. When authorities acted, they had the full weight of public and political pressure behind them.
This is the power of the Open Wing Alliance model: local groups with deep understanding of their communities, backed by global expertise and resources. Since its founding, Nevidimi Zhivotni has mobilized significant public support for European Citizens’ Initiatives to end animal testing and fur farming. Now, they’re proving that the cage-free movement is unstoppable.
The facility’s violations were so fundamental to its infrastructure that resuming operations would require massive investments. In other words, this closure might be permanent—a testament to how effective advocacy can make cruel confinement economically unviable.
While celebrating this victory, Nevidimi Zhivotni isn’t resting. They’re exploring every legal avenue to help any birds currently confined in the facility. Each hen is a living being who deserves a chance at a better life. They are also monitoring potential actions by the prosecutor’s office.
This is how change happens in 2025: Strategic local advocacy, amplified by global solidarity, delivering victories that once seemed impossible. When Nevidimi Zhivotni launched in 2022, few could have predicted they’d help shut down one of Bulgaria’s largest egg facilities within two years. Now, they’re showing the world what’s possible when determined advocates refuse to accept cruelty as the status quo.
Ready to support this vital work? Join us. Together with groups like Nevidimi Zhivotni, we're dismantling the infrastructure of cruelty—one facility at a time.
