The Old Major said that the nature of their lives (animal lives) is miserable, laborious and short. Animals were born, given as much food as would keep the breath in their bodies. And those of them who were capable were forced to work to the last of their strength. The very instant their usefulness had come to an end, the animals were slaughtered. No animal in England knew the meaning of happiness or leisure after it was a year old; no animal was free. The life of an animal in England was one of misery.