Animal Liberation (organisation)

Last updated

Animal Liberation
Founded1976
Founder Christine Townend
Focus Animal rights
Location
Key people
 Lynda Stoner
Website animal-lib.org.au

Animal Liberation is a nonprofit animal rights organisation based in Sydney, founded by Christine Townend and led by current CEO Lynda Stoner. It was formed in 1976, one year after the release of Animal Liberation by Australian philosopher Peter Singer. Animal Liberation's primary campaigns are to advocate against the use of animals for food (factory farmed or free range), clothing, research, sport and entertainment, by promoting a vegan lifestyle.

Contents

Activities and campaigns

Animal Liberation's activities and campaigns include:

Animal Liberation continues to oppose live export, with campaigns dating back over 30 years with original founder Christine Townend. [1]

In 1995, Mark Pearson and 32 others chained themselves to sow cages at Parkville piggery, part-owned by then prime minister Paul Keating. The result of this action was a subsequent ban on the tethering of sows. [2]

Animal Liberation maintains an active campaign against pig-dogging since its legal status was declared in 2006. In 2010, Lynda Stoner went undercover to a two-day workshop on pig-dog hunting to gather information and footage of the practice. [3] Stoner has remained outspoken against all forms of hunting. In May 2013, Stoner compared hunting photos to images of child pornography, bestiality, snuff murders, rape and torture. [4]

The organisation consistently holds protests outside circuses with performing animals, such as lions and monkeys. One goal of this campaign is to encourage local councils to amend their policies to exclude animal circuses from public land, such as in 2013 when members of Gosford City Council put forward a motion for a ban in that area. [5] In July 2013, circus campaign spokesperson Phillip Hall drew media attention to the life of captivity awaiting newborn lion cubs born into Stardust Circus. [6] The escape of a performing monkey from Lennon Bros Circus in July 2014 was also heavily criticised by Animal Liberation. [7]

Animal Liberation has spoken out against the pet industry breeding animals for profit in puppy farms, resulting in tens of thousands of dogs and cats being euthanised per year. [8]

Investigations

Animal Liberation has also conducted multiple undercover investigations on the conditions of animals raised for food in Australia.

In 2001 footage received by Animal Liberation from an unknown person contained images of the stunning and slaughter of possums at Lenah Game Meats in northern Tasmania. This was passed onto the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) who broadcast the footage. Lenah Game Meats took action against ABC, with the Supreme Court of Tasmania granting an injunction against the footage being broadcast again. [9] This decision was overturned on appeal by the High Court in ABC v Lenah Game Meats Pty Ltd. [10] The judgment confirmed that journalists can use material obtained illegally by others in the public interest. The case is frequently cited as a landmark decision.

In February 2012 Animal Liberation gained footage shot undercover over six days at Hawkesbury Valley Abattoir, depicting animals having their throats slit without being properly stunned, and pigs pummelled in the head with an iron bar. The footage was passed onto authorities, resulting in the New South Wales Food Authority closing the abattoir. [11]

Later the same year in August an investigation conducted over three months at Wally's Piggery at Murrumbateman captured footage of illegal animal husbandry practices, and back-room slaughter at a facility that was not an authorised slaughterhouse. [12] Animal cruelty charges were laid following a raid as a result of the footage, but all charges were subsequently dropped in 2014. [13]

In June 2012 Campaign Director Emma Hurst released footage from an investigation into duck farming sheds from so-called free range duck meat producers. The footage showed ducks confined indoors without access to sunlight or ground water. [14] This investigation formed the basis of complaints to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission against two large duck producers. In December 2012, the Federal Court ordered Pepe's Ducks to pay $400,000 for false, misleading and deceptive conduct. [15] Luv-a-Duck was ordered to pay $360,000 for misleading claims. [16]

In 2013 Animal Liberation received 140 hours of footage taken at an Inghams turkey processing plant in Tahmoor over a two-week period. The videos contained scenes of turkeys being bashed, kicked and stomped on. The footage sparked a renewed call from Animal Liberation for mandatory CCTV monitoring in all Australian abattoirs. [17]

Notable members

Current chief executive officer Lynda Stoner was previously known for several roles on Australian television in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Stoner had leading regular roles in the soap opera The Young Doctors from 1977 to 1979 and followed this with the police drama Cop Shop . [18] In 1985 she played the glamorous villain Eve Wilder in the cult soap opera Prisoner and her character was spectacularly lynched during the infamous episode 600 riot, screened in 1986. This was followed by a guest role in the raunchy drama serial Chances in 1991 where she played a sex therapist. Stoner became a prominent spokesperson for animal rights issues in the early 1980s and subsequently left acting to focus on this area.

Mark Pearson MLC formerly served as Executive Director of Animal Liberation. His main focus was on farm animals, particularly factory farming. Pearson was involved in advocating for the abolition of mulesing in sheep and convincing the Russian Federation to ban imports of kangaroo meat by exposing cruelty and hygiene problems. [19] He has been a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council since 2015, representing the Animal Justice Party, giving the party its first parliamentary representation. [20]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals</span> American animal rights organization

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is an American animal rights nonprofit organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, and led by Ingrid Newkirk, its international president. PETA says that its entities have more than 9 million members globally.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amanda Vanstone</span> Australian politician

Amanda Eloise Vanstone is an Australian former politician and a former Ambassador to Italy. She was a Liberal Senator for South Australia from 1984 to 2007, and held several ministerial portfolios in the Howard government. After her resignation from the Senate in 2007, she served as the Australian Ambassador to Italy until July 2010. Her time as Minister for Immigration was marked by controversies within the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Animal Aid</span> British animal rights organisation

Animal Aid is a British animal rights organisation, founded in 1977 by Jean Pink. The group campaigns peacefully against the consumption of animals as food and against animal cruelty such as their use for medical research—and promotes a cruelty-free lifestyle. It also investigates and exposes animal abuse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Live export</span> Cross-border movement of livestock by ship, rail, road or air

Live export is the commercial transport of livestock across national borders. The trade involves a number of countries with the Australian live export industry being one of the largest exporters in the global trade. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, exports of live sheep rose 21.4% and live calves increased 9.7% between March 2017 and March 2018. During 2017 alone, Australia exported 2.85 million living animals in shipping containers and airplanes. The expansion of the trade has been supported by the introduction of purpose-built ships which carry large numbers of animals. The amount of livestock exported from the European Union grew to nearly 586m kilograms between 2014 and 2017, a 62.5% increase during the time period.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hillside Animal Sanctuary</span> Animal sanctuary

Hillside Animal Sanctuary, based in Frettenham, Norwich, and with a site at West Runton, North Norfolk, is the United Kingdom's largest home for different kinds of farm animals and horses. The vegan-run sanctuary is funded entirely on public donations. The sanctuary was established by Wendy Valentine and its patron is actor Martin Shaw.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Animal Liberation Victoria</span> Animal rights organisation

Animal Liberation Victoria Inc. (ALV) are an independent not-for-profit animal rights organisation incorporated in the state of Victoria, Australia, and are a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNA). ALV were founded in 1978 by Patty Mark, with the mission of saving lives and ending animal exploitation. Their mission is to abolish the property status of animals, change speciesist attitudes and practices, educate the public about animal rights and veganism, and embrace the principles of non-violence and compassion. ALV is managed by an elected committee in accordance with the Victorian Incorporated Associations Act.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercy for Animals</span> United States-based animal welfare organization

Mercy For Animals (MFA) is an international nonprofit animal protection organization founded in 1999 by Milo Runkle. MFA's mission is to "prevent cruelty to farmed animals and promote compassionate food choices and policies."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hugh Wirth</span> Australian veterinarian and animal welfare advocate

Hugh John Wirth was an Australian veterinarian and animal welfare advocate in Victoria, Australia. In March 2011 he celebrated 30 years as the resident vet on 774 ABC Melbourne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Animal Justice Party</span> Political party in Australia

The Animal Justice Party (AJP) is a political party in Australia founded in 2009 by Steve Garlick. The party was registered by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) on 3 May 2011. The party is also registered in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory. The AJP is the first political party in Australia formed solely to advance animal welfare issues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Animals Australia</span> Australian animal protection organization

Animals Australia is an Australian animal protection organisation. Its aim is to investigate and expose animal cruelty, inspire kindness to animals through public awareness campaigns—particularly focused on farmed animals—and provide funding and support to other animal organisations where appropriate, for example in emergency response during the 2019/2020 Australian Black Summer bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic.

Peter V'landys is an Australian horse racing and rugby league administrator. He is the chief executive and a board member of Racing New South Wales as well as the chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission.

Halal literally means "permissible" in Arabic and refers to food items that are permissible to consume under Sharia law, whereas haram refers to any substance not permitted to consume. According to the Australian Food and Grocery Council, halal foods must be "free from any substance taken or extracted from a haram animal or ingredient ; [be] made, processed, manufactured and/or stored by using utensils, equipment and/or machinery that has been cleaned according to Islamic law ; and [be] free from contact with, or being close to, a haram substance during preparation, manufacture, processing and storage ."

The Australian greyhound racing live baiting scandal is a series of events that occurred in at least three Australian states where live baiting of racing greyhounds was exposed on ABC TV and in The Sydney Morning Herald. On 16 February 2015, the Australian television current affairs program Four Corners revealed the use of live piglets, possums and rabbits to train racing greyhounds had been occurring over some years, despite self-regulatory efforts to address the issue. The revelation led to suspensions, inquiries, widespread condemnation of the practice, and, following an inquiry, to the banning of greyhound racing in New South Wales from July 2016, and consequently, the Australian Capital Territory as well. The NSW ban was reversed on 11 October 2016, with conditions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Pearson (Australian politician)</span> Australian politician

Mark Anthony Pearson is an Australian politician. He was a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council from 2015 until 2023, representing the Animal Justice Party. Prior to his election, Pearson served as the Executive Director, Animal Liberation based in Sydney.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Animal welfare and rights in Australia</span> Treatment of and laws concerning non-human animals in Australia

This article is about the treatment of and laws concerning non-human animals in Australia. Australia has moderate animal protections by international standards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Carbstrong</span> Australian animal rights activist, vegan and former criminal

Joseph Dominic Armstrong, known professionally as Joey Carbstrong, is an Australian animal rights activist. A former criminal, he has since become an advocate for animal liberation and veganism through social media and public speaking engagements, as well as debates and various televised interviews.

Emma Christine Hurst is an Australian politician, psychologist and vegan bodybuilder. She was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Council representing the Animal Justice Party at the 2019 state election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Animal Liberation Queensland</span>

Animal Liberation Queensland (ALQ) is an independent not-for-profit animal rights organisation operating in Queensland, Australia. Founded in 1979 by Jacki Batzloff, ALQ advocates for the rights of animals, exposing animal abuse and exploitation. ALQ is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and its headquarters are located in Brisbane.

<i>Dominion</i> (2018 film) 2018 Australian film

Dominion is a 2018 Australian documentary film. The documentary was primarily filmed with hidden cameras and drones inside Australian farms and abattoirs. According to the New York Times, Dominion "claims to expose the routine and inhumane practices of animal agriculture in Australia". The film portrays the killing of livestock through methods such as using carbon dioxide to gas pigs, maceration of chicks, and skinning foxes alive. The film uses shock tactics with footage in multiple industries in Australia, especially agricultural livestock while focusing its message on animal rights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Halal conspiracy theories</span> Conspiracy theories about halal certification

Halal conspiracy theories revolve around a series of Islamophobic conspiracy theories and hoaxes regarding halal certification in products such as food, beverages and cosmetics. The claims usually made include that the sale of halal-certified goods in stores is a precursor to the Islamization or institution of Sharia law in a non-Muslim country, that the fees paid by companies for halal certification fund Islamic terrorism, that halal slaughter for meat is cruel, unhygienic or constitutes as animal sacrifice, among others. The spread of these claims has resulted in boycotts and harassment campaigns against businesses who sell halal-certified products, most notably in Australia and India, although anti-halal boycott movements also exist in Denmark, France, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

References

  1. ↑ O'Sullivan, Siobhan (6 November 2012). "The live export of animals will always be a bloody business". The Conversation. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  2. ↑ Munro, Peter (23 May 2015). "Perched atop the pecking order: lunch with Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson". Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  3. ↑ Jensen, Erik (5 June 2010). "Going undercover to reveal the bloody truths of pig dogging". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  4. ↑ Taylor, Andrew (5 May 2013). "Death threats for artist and hunting model". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  5. ↑ Collins, Terry (6 January 2015). "Protesters gather near Stardust Circus at Gosford to protest use of live animals". The Daily Telegraph . Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  6. ↑ Sharwood, Anthony (13 July 2013). "Cruel or kind? Emotions run roar over captive circus lion cubs". News.com.au . Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  7. ↑ Barlass, Tim (27 July 2014). "Circus monkey escapee prompts debate about exotic animals under the Big Top". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  8. ↑ "The Tail End: Why are we killing so many pet dogs and cats?". Insight . 25 September 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  9. ↑ Tierney, Judy (15 November 2001). "Court ruling allows footage obtained by trespass". 7.30 Report . Archived from the original on 15 July 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  10. ↑ ABC v Lenah Game Meats Pty Ltd [2001] HCA 63 , (2001) 208 CLR 199, High Court (Australia).
  11. ↑ Cannane, Steve (9 February 2012). "NSW abattoir closed over slaughter practices". ABC Lateline. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  12. ↑ "Piggery footage reveals horrendous cruelty". ABC News. 4 August 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  13. ↑ Belot, Harry (21 November 2014). "Animal cruelty charges dropped against now defunct Wally's Piggery". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  14. ↑ Herbert, Bronwyn (19 June 2012). "Disturbing footage prompts calls for duck farming changes". The 7.30 Report. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  15. ↑ "Pepe's Ducks to pay $400,000 arising from false, misleading and deceptive conduct". Australian Competition & Consumer Commission . 19 December 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  16. ↑ "Court orders Luv-a-Duck to pay $360,000 for misleading claims". Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. 1 November 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  17. ↑ Levy, Megan (21 March 2013). "'Torture for fun': police given shocking abattoir footage". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  18. ↑ "Busted! Linda Stoner’s day in a real cop shop ", Television.au 21 April 1979. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
  19. ↑ Wood, Alicia (17 April 2015). "Animal Rights campaigner Mark Pearson beats No Land Tax Party's Peter Jones to seat in the Upper House". The Daily Telegraph . Australia. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  20. ↑ "NSW Election 2015: Animal Justice Party wins seat in NSW Upper House". ABC News. 17 April 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.