Animal Liberationists Should Support #IdleNoMore

December 19th, 2012

Photo by Blaire Russell, taken on Blood Tribe, Standoff, Alberta

Most of these declarations start with “why” a certain movement should support or stand in solidarity – but I would like to leave less room than that. Animal liberationists should support #IdleNoMore, and all Onkwehonwe struggles and struggles of the oppressed, and should demand as much from each other. It is not, and should never be, an ask.

My own personal experiences, growing up on the Haldimand Tract in a poor working class family that bucked the norm and supported Haudenosaunee struggles, have made this issue close to me – however, there is no reason why animal liberationists throughout this continent and beyond cannot grasp the weight of the situation and align themselves politically in a way that supports Onkwehonwe folks, the environment, and other animal species “all my relations.” Throughout the world indigenous folks have been at the front lines confronting capitalism and struggling for an alternative. In Canada right now this is being played out to a pitch as Okwehonwe communities are fighting some of the most destructive practices known – the Tar Sands, intensive resource extraction, the destruction of waterways, sludge facilities, uranium processing and storing, and wanton development. Each struggle, detailed by Okwehonwe folks, presents the destruction of other animal habitat and life – Haudenosaunee Men’s Fire advocates opposing Sludge facilities in Dundalk, On and supporting a blockade as the sludge in the fields will have a disastrous effect on the local wildlife, Owkwehonwe folks opposing the Tar Sands detailing how above ground piping effectively blocks wildlife (they won’t jump over the pipes, or get caught and die trying/break legs), Owkwehonwe folks across Canada detailing and publicly exposing the effects of pollution on wildlife, as well as Haudenosaunee folks who have supported local campaigns like Marineland Animal Defense.

Although other animals and the environment are always present in these struggles – the same cannot be said for animal liberationists when it comes to showing solidarity. Our movement carries a rich history of Owkwehonwe animal liberationists – most notably Rod Coronado, the Yaqui Warrior active within the Earth and Animal Liberation movement for decades – however, as a movement we have largely been incapable of putting forward a politic that understands how these issues intersect and how solidarity should be shown. Too frequent our movement is only interested in other struggles when it means strengthening our own – convenient analogies plague us – and too frequently space is made for people and groups that are openly anti-human and oppressive (sexist, racist, homophobic, fat phobic, etc). As part of my own solidarity organizing I have been mocked by other advocates and also been pushed out of organizations who do not see what this “has to do with animals.” This is disgusting and wholly unacceptable – the lands in which we organize on are not our own. The treaties, that still live, demand that we respect them and that we hold others within our “row” to do the same. There should be no animal liberation campaign, organization, or group that organizes within this country without an explicit understanding of the Guswenta “Two Row Wampum” and without a declaration of support and solidarity with Onkwehonwe folks and their struggles.

Although Onkwehonwe communities have been fighting factory farms, pollution, sport hunting, habitat destruction and more for centuries – animal liberationists have largely failed to recognize shared struggle and join in solidarity. Too frequently the focus is put upon whether or not people are vegan, or whether or not people hunt other animal species. This has seen animal liberationists focus on domesticated farmed animals – while turning their back on large environmental struggles and wildlife. This needs to end. Even if Onkwehwe folks – many of whom practiced a form of biocentricism for centuries prior to contact – were intent on animal use, their claim to this land is just and the treaties which our ancestors signed are living, breathing documents. A response to oppression should be based upon nothing other than a recognition of justice. Their struggle, and their criminalization – demands a response of solidarity. Let #IdleNoMore be that call – and let the response be one of collective recognition that our organizing is intersectional, or it is bullshit. Power to the people.

I am heartened that many of the people in the animal liberation community – especially people who organize have been engaging with #IdleNoMore, sharing information, supporting the struggle and defending the tactics being used. I hope that grows and also that that translates into on the ground support.

Okwehonwe is a Mohawk word meaning “original people.” Haudenosaunee is the name of the “peoples of the longhouse.”

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269life: Our Own KONY2012

November 28th, 2012

The staged branding event that the group 269life held in October for “World Farm Animals Day” made some waves internationally as people were inspired by the level of dedication and commitment it would have taken to both set up and pull of that stunt.

What came after became an increasingly odd and ill thought out campaign to encourage awareness of animal exploitation by means of misanthropy, cultural appropriation, anti-choice imagery and flat out racism.

Just like the slick delivery of KONY2012 – which played off of white guilt, conformity, and quick, shareable social media content – 269life also has that day after sobering effect where anyone willing to take beyond a moments reflection will understand that they are engaging in something offensive.

It will take some digging, piecing together interviews and promotional materials that don’t exist on their website – however, the picture becomes very clear after a short while. Not only are these activists intent on appropriating human suffering through analogy to futher their own aims (which is all too common and fucking disgusting in itself) – they actually flat out call for an end to animal rights activists supporting, engaging or organizing around the advancement of any human cause,

It’s unacceptable for anyone who consider themselves a non-speciesist vegan person to promote human rights. Can anyone imagine a partisan who fights at noon to liberate Jews from concentration camps held by Nazis, and at night to make conditions for the Nazis better? It’s a contradiction. We, as people who are committed to justice, cannot ignore that contradiction. We need to understand that theoretically, animals deserve rights just as humans deserve rights. Theoretically we are all equal in the moral status, but in reality, human rights come at the expense of animal rights. It’s a fact. As the socio-economic situation of people improves, more animals are abused and murdered. As more countries become free and developed, the more we’ll see industrialized animal agriculture. We mustn’t ignore this paradox. We need to comprehend that humans are the animals’ criminals. Theoretically, all humans deserve rights, but in reality, rapists’ rights come on the expense of women’s rights. We need to choose sides, the animals or the humans – we can’t choose both. Do we want to be on the victims’ side or on the criminals’ side? This is one reason why we should invest all our time in promoting animal rights, and not be active for people.Source

This grade school line of thinking flies in the face of so much of the organizing that happens within our movement, that we support and that we engage in and lacks any critical reflection on how the animal advocacy movement began and the long history of organizing across movements that has both bettered the lives of human beings and other animal species. I feel too ashamed to be forced to give examples.

So there you have it. A branding stunt, slick social media, and a lowest common denominator approach to calling everything a “holocaust” and “slavery” while wrapping your message in absurd images of fetuses and the continent of Africa. I think at this point it goes without saying that if I see you with one of these tattoo’s – we are going to have a talk.

There are endless ways to show solidarity with other species that are both lasting and sincere and that don’t require one to step on anyone else in the process. I repeat, there are endless ways to show solidarity with other species that are both lasting and sincere and that don’t require one to step on anyone else in the process. I wish this message just needed to be delivered to 269life and not the ENTIRE FUCKING MOVEMENT.

So, save your tattoo’s, send back your KONY packages – and let’s up the dialogue a bit please!

For those unconvinced – we strongly urge heading over to Because We Must to read Jennifer Cox’s – “On Analogies As Advocacy Tools: Some Thoughts On Appropriation”

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Canada Goose and the Normalisation of Fur

November 20th, 2012

Timely post on Canada Goose and the Fur industry by the Vegan Cupcake Fairy below. As we post this The Fur Bearer Defenders, who just opened up an office in Toronto and have been doing weekly vigils, rolled out the Subway ad above on Toronto Subways and this Friday we lead into Fur Free Friday with demonstrations worldwide and many locally.

#FURFREEONT – Fur Free Friday Events in Ontario – Fur Free Friday in Ottawa / Kingston – Fur Free Friday Demonstration / Buffalo – Fur FREE Friday protest @ Furs by Russell”s / Niagara - Fur Free Friday Demo – Outdoors Oriented / Kitchener-Waterloo – Fur-Free Friday Protest at Springbrook Fur Farm / Fur Free Friday: Oshawa Centre Demonstration / Oshawa – Fur Free Friday: Simcoe Furriers / FUR FREE FRIDAY in TORONTO! – F* the Fur District!

Canada Goose is a big problem here in Toronto, in terms of promoting fur as an acceptable commodity, although they are responsible for only a fraction of the number of animals killed annually in Canada. All of their winter coats come with a coyote-fur-trimmed hood, and the coats are extremely popular. Everywhere you look you see people wearing them and as fur is normalised here, in much the same way leather and wool is worldwide, a lot of people have never stopped to think about how bloody and cruel the industry is. I don’t approve of any exploitation, of course, but the fur industry really sickens me. In Canada over 100,000 coyotes are trapped in cruel snare, leg-hold and Conibear traps, only to be killed (sometimes being clubbed to death) when the trappers return to collect the animals.

As important as it is to educate individuals on the fur industry, it is also important to communicate with the companies themselves to let them know that we will boycott and, in turn, encourage every single other person we meet to boycott their company until they agree to stop selling fur. This will come as no surprise to Canada Goose as the company itself acknowledges people disapprove of what they are selling, going so far as to state within their ‘fur policy’ that they “recognize there are some who oppose the use of animal fur under any circumstances.”

Yes, there are, and it isn’t hard to see why: the fur-bearing animals CAN NOT live without their fur but we, as human beings, can. It is immoral and unethical to kill another being simply to wear coats, gloves, hats, and boots made exclusively using, or trimmed with, fur. I don’t know if it’s innocent ignorance or sheer stupidity* but the company also stated within their policy:

“Canada Goose is deeply committed to the preservation of our global environment and the humane treatment of animals. As an authentically Canadian company, the environment and ethical treatment of animals are central to our values.”

[*I know that it is neither.]

I dislike both sentences but I think it is the word ‘humane’ we need to focus on. There are many dictionary definitions, although they all state something of a similar nature: that to be humane is to show compassion, mercy, sympathy and tenderness towards humans and (non-human) animals. So when companies such as Canada Goose say that they are “deeply committed to the humane treatment of animals” they are lying. It is NOT humane to trap wild coyotes. It is NOT humane to cause them so much confusion, distress and pain that they break teeth and bones trying to escape. It is NOT humane that they are electrocuted, gassed, injected with a lethal poison or have their necks broken. It is NOT humane that they are skinned, sometimes whilst still alive, to produce a material out of which to make clothing.

In fact, the UK government banned fur farming through the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Act of 2000 on moral grounds, for those reasons; acknowledging that there is no humane way to produce fur. Since then Austria and Croatia have followed suit. So, for Canada Goose to say that the ethical treatment of animals is central to their values is laughable. Actual countries have stood up to the industry to disprove this; and grassroots activists continue to do so.

I am not a single issue activist and I don’t believe that centering any campaign around one company is the best way to push for change (nor do I believe it’s the best use of energy, resources or time) but I do believe in incremental success. I believe in the butterfly effect; I believe that one person can make a difference; and on a larger scale, one company can encourage shifts within industries. Last year, for example, Chanel and Prada agreed to stop using real fur – two companies in the ‘luxury’ market that had always believed fur was the ultimate luxurious material for a garment. Other companies will undoubtedly take note of this. If Canada Goose were to withdraw from the fur industry it would be a monumental achievement here.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, along with naming and shaming, it is important to communicate with the companies in question to let them know we will boycott them until they agree to stop selling fur. In this instance, consumer power can be used to the advantage of the movement. But not only should people stop shopping in any store that sells fur, they should also tell the manager and supplier why. For those interested, I would encourage you to contact those companies who are complicit in the fur trade to let them know what you think of their involvement in one of the cruelest and exploitative industries. In addition to Canada Goose, other companies to avoid include: Arctic North; Bang; Blink; G4; Simonton; Jessica; Kaporal; Look 21; Mackage; Marc New York; Mallia; Michael Kors; Moncler; Moose Knuckles; Nuage; Nobis; Numero; Outdoor Survival Canada; Pajar; PJs (Parajumpers); Point Zero and YDE. – Vegan Cupcake Fairy

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The Vegan Police #51

November 11th, 2012

Marineland Animal Defense – Follow the Money Marineland Candle Lit March – Nov 2012

INTERNATIONAL VEGAN DAY / CHUMBAWAMBA / OI POLLOI / MAGRUDERGRIND / MARINELAND ANIMAL DEFENSE / GORILLA BISCUITS / LONG ISLAND FOOD NOT BOMBS / AETA / ROLLING JUBILEE / OPEN THE CAGES EAST COAST TOUR / ANIMAL LIBERATION FORUM 2012

LISTEN HERE

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International Vegan Day 2012 Revisited

November 11th, 2012

November 1st – International Vegan Day – is largely celebrated in the animal advocacy movement and as consumer trends shift and brands (and the IDF) get on board it is quickly turning into a capitalist orgy devoid of critical reflection. This year we tried our best to push a different focus and the posts below are a compilation of our posts on and about “International Vegan Day.”

Today is world vegan day. We are going to post some videos throughout the day that we hope people check out. Veganism, as an ethical practice, is a tool in a larger struggle to liberate other animal species from human society and the planet
from human destruction. It is, and never will be, an end unto itself.

Video #1 is high quality and a great look into the trajectory of the Jonathan Paul – one of the greatest and most active animal liberationists alive. If it doesn’t inspire you – check your pulse because you are probably dead.

RESCUED: Animal Liberation (featuring Jonathan Paul) from Dog Park on Vimeo.

World Vegan Day Video #2

Great video of a speech Mirha-Soleil Ross gave way back in 2000 about an interview she did with Rod on Animal Voices and how it inspired her. In 2012, Mirha-Soleil is a secret handshake for animal liberationists who don’t fucking suck (i.e. animal liberationists with a broad critique and understanding of power, domination and oppression – especially queer theory and queer liberation). There is a larger history of Mirha’s parter Mark Karbusicky, her critiques of many movement talking heads – but I want to start with people really paying attention to and getting into this video. I am watching this in public and trying really hard not to cry. Remember this video next time someone markets some “real” and “authentic” AR bullshit line to gain access and privilege into the social norm. Remember this video every single time people in this movement play off of the hate of people who do not conform, those who do not perform their gender to standard, in order to prioritize themselves (they aren’t actually helping other animals). So much to destroy.

World Vegan Day #3

Below is a shot doc that was loving made to remember Jill Phipps – an animal liberationist in the UK who was killed when a driver ran her over at a demonstration against calf export in 1995. The Phipps family is one of the most storied animal liberation families and Jill’s life – and tragic murder – should be an inspiration and cause for reflection for all. Another video I can’t watch without crying.

U spomen Jill Phipps | Jill’s Film from Stop specizmu | Stop speciesism on Vimeo.

World Vegan Day Video Post #4

Would be doing a huge disservice if I didn’t include Breaking Free Video Magazine #1 and #2 in my alternative World Vegan Day collection. Two of the greatest grassroots animal liberation documents ever. Period.

https://vimeo.com/31275919

https://vimeo.com/33888095

This is a great illustration of why International Vegan Day is largely bullshit. The Israel Defense Forces put this image up today in celebration – garnering 1,394 likes. The same IDF who bulldoze homes, enforce apartheid and destroy Palestine and the Palestinian people. Fuck. That.

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Marineland Animal Defense #ACT07 Demo Revisited

November 7th, 2012

It’s a month ago now since one of the biggest animal rights demonstrations Canada has ever seen. What am I talking about? The closing day demonstration at Marineland, Niagara Falls ON. People flocked from all over Ontario, as well as Quebec, and parts of the United States; and it was most definitely the day to be there.

All over the world there are countless aquariums, circuses, sea life centres, zoos and other amusement parks that hold animals in captivity; Marineland is no different. Marineland has been open for 51 years now, housing dolphins, sea lions, seals, walruses, (beluga and orca) whales, as well as bears and deer and other land animals. The marine mammals are trained to perform for audiences several times a day, whilst the bears and deer are housed in barren pens only to be stared at and taunted by strangers. What all of these animals have in common, of course, is the unnatural environment they are forced to live in. In deep oceans and remote forests they would typically live far away from any human attention, contact and interaction, but in the park they can’t escape it.

In recent times, ex-employees of Marineland have actually spoken out against the cruel, ongoing and persistent abuse and neglect of the animals, which prompted an investigation by the Toronto Star newspaper titled ‘Inside Marineland.’ In direct response to this investigation and subsequent report, in a statement issued by Marineland on August 15th, the park can be quoted as saying:

“Our animals receive loving care from our trainers and our veterinary staff and enjoy well-maintained facilities, high quality diets and exemplary veterinary care. As a testament to the quality of our care, our animals live much longer than they would in the wild.”

Well, Mr. John Holer (owner of Marineland), it is the staff themselves who are speaking out about the appalling conditions and lack of care. In fact, 15 have now spoken out since August. The conditions are deplorable; the care non-existent and the lives lived by these mammals both degrading and unpleasant. No animal, be them human or non-human, has a happy existence in captivity, nor do they EVER live longer than they would do in ‘the wild’.

What I do not advocate for is improved legislation or living conditions. I do not believe in animal welfare. I believe in animal liberation. I believe in total liberation. I want the animals to be free. Yes, it’s true that whereas you must have a license to have a cat or dog in Canada, you don’t need one to have a dolphin or whale. Well, you shouldn’t need to have a license to have a dolphin or whale, because you SHOULDN’T HAVE A DOLPHIN OR WHALE. Similarly there is no point campaigning for bigger tanks, cleaner water, more stimulation etc. The fact remains that human beings shouldn’t control non-human animals in the first place. I am sure you can tell that I’m a rather angry and militant vegan. Well, yes, and I’m proud to be one too.

In Niagara Falls and the surrounding area, animal rights activists have stepped it up a gear. Grassroots activists from groups such as Marineland Animal Defense and the Niagara Animal Defense League are regularly campaigning and demonstrating throughout the summer season to encourage would-be visitors to turn away; raise public awareness of the cruel lives that animals in captivity have; and, ultimately, shut down Marineland. It was a momentous day. Approximately 800 activists from far and wide turned up to the demonstration, which typically gets 20-80 people in attendance. The official demonstration was scheduled to take place between 12.00 and 2.00pm, but I was informed that as early as 9.00am – before the park even opened – activists were outside. When we arrived from Toronto at 11.00am there were already approximately 200 people with their placards and creative home-made signs drumming up support from motorists driving past. It didn’t take long for the crowd to double in size, and by the time the protest officially started at 12.00pm everything was in full swing.

As the number of people swelled (to a peak of 800), the demonstration got louder and louder; stronger and stronger, until shortly after 1.00pm a group of 100-200 protesters got INTO Marineland. There were only two police officers on duty at that point and they were unable to control the situation. The protesters gained access to the amusement park; shut down the stadium show which was in progress; re-filled the stadium with banners, placards and a lot of shouting; and sent John Holer out of the park. Dozens more police vehicles turned up, along with an ambulance and a fire engine (for what reason we’re still not sure), but in their own time the protesters returned to the designated protest zone by the side of the road and the demonstration continued until about 3.00pm.

It was an incredibly successful day, sending a loud and clear message: the campaign won’t stop until Marineland is shut down.

If you stay silent you stand on the side of the oppressor. We will not stay silent. – Vegan Cupcake Fairy

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My Time At Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres

October 30th, 2012



There were tearful goodbyes on October 3 as I left Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres in Acton, California, after spending the past two months calling it home. As sad as it was to say goodbye, it never really hit me until I was on the airplane back home to a life that I once saw as normal and routine.

My life was pretty close to perfect. Great friends. Amazing family. Comfy job. On July 31 I left it all behind.

From Los Angeles, I made a two hour commute on public transit to arrive at Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres.

As I stepped foot on the sanctuary, I was filled with a mess of different emotions. A lot of; I am actually here! … I am away from home for two months … What did I do? … This is too long! and I am so excited!

I knew that taking on this experience was going to be a challenge both physically and mentally. Physically because of the work and the heat and mentally because I am away from all of the comforts of my life. However, I was restless and stuck in a routine back home and wanted to take a step outside of that.

For this reason, this was not only a sanctuary to the animals who would have otherwise ended up exploited and slaughtered, but it also became one for me. Now, the inevitable fate of these animals in the industry is one that I am not faced with. In my twenty-three years, I have not faced anything that is close to comparable, but I was looking for an escape and I found it here.

Since 2008 I have been vegan, but have never interacted with a farm animal. Everyday I choose to live my life void of any product or by-product that originates from these beings, but I had no personal connection to a turkey, cow or pig and I hit a point where I needed that.

In Acton, I was able to befriend both human and non-human animals. I learned a lot about taking care of the animals, their behaviour and a lot about myself. I wish to share with you, all that I am able to translate into words.

I began my internship with Tanya who had arrived the same day I did. We had joined an intern who had been there for most of the summer and was leaving in just over a weeks time.

Our first day of work began on August 1. Tanya and I were briefly trained on our work, met the majority of the employees and began to meet the animals.

For most of August we were the only interns. The workload was heavy, but incredibly fulfilling. I never knew I would fall in love with the cleaning work as much as I did. Since we were the only interns, for the month of August, we strictly worked cleaning shifts from eight in the morning to five in the evening.

We had a binder that specified the daily jobs that needed to be done. Basically, it would specify whether a barn was to be picked or totalled and also any other jobs that needed to get done, like scrubbing the pig food troughs, clearing out the cow’s food troughs, collecting eggs in the courtyard and shredding hay.

Barns were either picked or totalled. Basically we raked garbage bins full of soiled straw or poo, lugged the full bins to the tractor and dumped them into the back of the tractor. And repeated this until the barn was clean or completely emptied. Then we refilled it with new straw!

At first, it was exhausting. I’d say the first two weeks were the roughest. My body was not used to this type of work. I found myself exhausted daily and it was not long until my body became a host to many bruises and cuts – this remained consistent throughout the internship.

Once the two weeks passed – and they flew by – the work became as close to effortless as physical labour can be. I began to grasp the expectations and in no time had the daily jobs memorised.

It became even easier when we were joined by two more shelter interns for the month of September. With more interns we were also able to work different shifts. We got the opportunity to shadow the caregivers during their AM and PM shifts and also shadow the health checks that took place once a week.

The entire internship was an incredible experience. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to intern there. I met amazing people and animals alike. I wish so badly that the people in my life were able to take my place to experience what I was able to. I question if such an experience would change anyone’s perspectives.

This shelter is the home of many rescued farm animals who otherwise would be a victim to a lifestyle, that sadly I once supported and many around me still do. This experience opened my mind further than I ever thought possible about being vegan and about these animals.

I spent as much time as possible with the animals, either staying after my shift or hanging out on the farm on my days off. I knew that the end of my internship would approach fast and I wanted to take it in as much as possible. I loved to sit and observe them.

When the cattle would sit in their pasture, it was easy to take a seat beside them, and study them. They are very calm. I’d often just sit and look into their eyes, speak to them and groom them. What was the most incredible was to see how big they could grow. Since many cattle are slaughtered at young ages, they die before fully growing, some of the cattle here had to have been over 2,000 pounds.

Comparable to a dog, you can go up to a sleeping pig and rub their bellies. They turn further on to their back to expose their stomachs more – just so you can get the entire area. They were so calm while they slept, you could nap with them. It was an amazing feeling to rest my head on their body while they slept, while focusing on their breathing and mine.

It’s not likely to sit in the courtyard or the barns of the chickens and be ignored. They are so curious. Some will crawl into your lap, others will give you curious pecks. They are incredibly social too and always communicating to you or to one another.

I would often sit on top of the bales of straw that were placed near the goat and sheep barn and watch whoever was around.

The goats liked to be on the hill by their barn. They would either be sitting together or foraging for leaves on the plants. Some were more social than others, but I had the opportunity to be approached by almost all of them while spending a large amount of my time sitting patiently observing their actions.

The sheep stay in the barn most of the time. They lay down, rest and stay together. Some are more social than others and the ones who are social, will approach you willingly, most likely expecting you to pet or scratch them, and you obviously would give them some love – who wouldn’t?

My experience quickly turned into much more than taking a break from a routine. I made many friends, shared experiences and was influenced by the people and animals I met. My life, perspective and future plans have changed completely due to this experience.

Since going vegan, I have always looked at these animals as no different than a dog or cat. Being here has further rooted how I feel. Their physical appearance is different, their nutritional requirements and day to day needs may be different. However, dogs do not look like cats, require the same nourishment or the daily needs of a cat, but we put them in the same category. These animals equally want to receive love and they have love to give. They are aware of you as much as you are aware of them and they develop attachments,habits and routine just like any of us.

I gained a lot of insight that influenced and solidified my lifestyle and belief system regarding veganism. Whether you have been vegan for many years, are still new to it or teetering on the edge, I urge you to visit a farm animal sanctuary. I’ve learned it to be necessary.

If you live close to Farm Sanctuary’s Animal’s Acres visit them on a tour day or take part in the monthly Volunteer Work Parties. Also, visit the other farm animal sanctuaries in your area. If you call southern Ontario home reach out to Snooter’s Farm Animal Sanctuary, Wishing Well Sanctuary and Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary.

Check local farm animal sanctuaries’ websites for where they need the most help or contact them and ask. Some may need financial donations or maybe blankets, towels and other accessories. Where possible, reach out and volunteer your labour! These places will need the support and it is easy to get caught up with life, but there is no better place to get inspiration for your lifestyle and activism then the root of it all – from the animals.

Being back at home has created many opposing emotions. It is amazing to see familiar faces – and sadly to say make some money. Most importantly, it is great to share my experiences. I miss everyone so much and aim to visit again in the near future!

What I thought would be a good experience, that I’d be ready to leave after two months, turned into an amazing experience, that was over too soon. I know I will treasure it for the rest of my life. I found a passion within myself and have seen, felt and been apart of some of the most beautiful moments of my life.

I did not anticipate any of it, but I am thankful for all of it and cannot express what a positive change it has created.

Click here to meet some of the animals I became friends with during my time at Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres


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The Vegan Police #50

September 27th, 2012

Joaquin – abandoned baby piglet being nursed back to health at Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary.

Propagandhi / Black Kites / Hydrogen Man Records / Abandon / Run With the Hunted / Garbageface / Marineland Animal Defense / Maximum Tolerated Dose / Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary and tons of SHOUT OUTS!

LISTEN HERE

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The Vegan Police #49

August 8th, 2012

Green Hill / Unrest / ACAB / Shallow Breath / Propagandhi / Coalition for Circus Animal Freedom / Shout Outs / Sparrow Media / Conflict Gypsy / Marineland Animal Defense / Niagara ADL / Prisoner & Legal Support / Open the Cages Tour / Ted Leo / Oi Polloi

LISTEN HERE

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We Will Be Here Forever …… Or Maybe Not.

July 13th, 2012

Hey all, (yes this will be addressed like an open letter)

This platform, or whatever the fuck it is, is coming up on it’s four year anniversary in October of this year. This is cause for celebration, but also reflection. If we are being honest, it’s a been a long ass time since serious effort has been put into this project. We haven’t done a podcast in probably a year, we’ve only posted about twelve times this year and we’ve basically now been reduced to being the pinnacle of animal liberation link passing on twitter/facebook.

The problem can be found even in the writing above – although I say “we” a lot this hasn’t been a collaborative project for years. It arguably wasn’t ever a collaborative project. I still believe in this project, however, as the amount of organizing I was doing on the ground grew this project was one of the first things to get pushed back. That’s just how it is.

Throughout the years I’ve put out the call for writers and some really great people stepped up, Rasha Taha, Cro Meg Cath, Tara Pelette and Rain Willow all come to mind, however, we never really opened the project up more than that and as a result never brought in sustained collaboration. We are at a point now where if that doesn’t change, I am most likely going to let the spam comments add into the thousands and just scrap it. The costs associated with the site and hosting the shows isn’t a lot, but over time and considering we aren’t really using those services, it adds up. (As I write this I had to get my libsyn password reset because it’s been so long since I logged in that I don’t even remember it). I would much rather direct those funds to monthly giving campaigns (shamless plug = Niagara ADL).

Saying this though is really tough. We have kept decent traffic to the site even without regular updates, we’ve had podcasts downloaded over 18,000 times, we’ve got an established and decent size social media reach (3,100+ facebook, 1,800+ on twitter) and we have everything in place needed for a site with regular updates and an extended reach. Scrapping this site doesn’t make a lot of sense. That is where you (yes, you!) come in.

I had a conversation recently with a friend who books shows and we both talked about how burned out we are when it comes to booking/promoting shows and how shitty punx somehow manage to thrive. He told me he set a bar for himself – if he can’t find five people who are willing to work on booking/promoting a show with him, then there clearly isn’t enough interest and no reason to do it. It highlighted to me that individuals can’t build scenes/communities by themselves. I innately knew this, but somehow still pushed forward alone on projects because I thought if I believed in them enough, and worked hard enough, others would get on board. Sometimes that works, sometimes that doesn’t. I’m proud of the things we accomplished here, the people, ideas and tactics we gave voice to, the prisoner support we did, the fundraising we did for sanctuaries – all of that is ace. However, we have also plateaued with no contingency plan.

The bar I am setting is two more people. If by the end of August this project can’t bring on two more people who are willing to dedicate their time, help with the vision and content of the site, then we will close up our internet shop. I have three posts right now lined up, those will go up and in October we will have an official funeral. If however, we can find those people, I hope we can rebuild this site and push it passed it’s current high water mark.

If you think that person could be you here are the basics of what we are looking for: passionate, angry people with a desire to learn, grow and share skills in order to increase an opposition to human dominance. We don’t need expertise – I’ve never had it myself – we just need hard workers.

xo

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