Mr. Jones is the negligent, drunken owner of Manor Farm, and the farm animals bear the brunt of his cruelty. While Jones is on a drinking binge with his neighbors, the Pilkingtons, the animals meet in the barn to hear an oration delivered by the show pig, Old Major. He tells the animals that humans are the source of their misery, and teaches them an anthem that celebrates rebellion against human control. Jones, investigating the noise, accidentally shoots Old Major. The next day, two pigs-Snowball and Napoleon-tell the animals that they should act on Old Major’s call to action.