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Activism for Animals
Here you will find a range of information on how to get active in promoting animal rights and stopping the exploitation of other animals.
There are three main sections: Educate (resources and skills to become an effective activist); Advocate (advocacy tips and opportunities); and Investigate (information on exposing animal abuse).
Remember the best activism you can do is living by example and influencing those close to you. The social movement for animal rights is a fledgling one and meaningful change will only happen when more and more people take on board an ethic of respect, compassion and justice for all animals.
Above all make sure you look after yourself. Burn out is common in activist communities so remember the importance of self care.
Below are four tips for compassionate living and make sure you also check out our calendar for upcoming events.
1. Go Vegan
The most important step that any of us can take toward the abolition of animal exploitation is to go vegan and to educate others about veganism.
Veganism is the principle of abolition applied to one’s personal life. By choosing not to support industries that exploit animals you are sending an important message to those around you that animal exploitation is unacceptable and unnecessary to live a full and healthy life. Check out our Go Vegan section for handy tips and recipes.
2. Choose Cruelty Free
Purchase products that have not been tested on animals and do not use animal ingredients.
Experimenting on animals for household products and cosmetics is cruel and unnecessary. Many companies have stopped using animal testing and cruelty-free products are widely available. For a list of cruelty-free products available in Australia check out Choose Cruelty Free.
3. Support No Kill Shelters
No Kill shelters undermine the idea that the best we can do for homeless dogs and cats is to adopt out a few, and kill the rest.
Volunteer your time or donate money/resources to No Kill shelters such as the Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park, Western Australia. If you plan on buying an animal to have as a companion - adopt one from a shelter rather than supporting pet shops that sell animals. Buying other animals from pet shops encourages breeding and ensures that 130,000 homeless dogs and 60,000 homeless cats are killed at pounds in Australia every year.
While the very notion of breeding other animals to be entirely dependent on human guardians is exploitative and needs to be challenged, we have a responsibility to take care of those that we have already brought into existence. For more info on helping animals that we exploit as our companions see No Kill Advocacy Center and Say No to Animals in Pet Shops.
4. Don't Patronise Circuses, Zoos or other Animal Exhibitions
Animals have no business being used for entertainment.
Animals do not give themselves up willingly for our entertainment; they must be ripped away from their families. Unlike domesticated animals who would respond to positive reinforcement and affection, wild animals trained for entertainment are dominated and intimidated into submitting to human will. While their natural environment might offer them whole jungles or oceans to roam, captive animals are confined forever in cages, in tanks, in pens, or with chains, for our viewing pleasure. Boycott zoos and animals acts and tell others why.
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