July 4th is not typically a good time for farmed animals, as people celebrate this holiday with a variety of dead animals on their grills. FARM took advantage of the massive crowds of people swarming to the National Mall for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the night-time fireworks display (which strikes fear and terror on native wildlife and companion animals) by setting up a Pay Per View table on the famous Pennsylvania Avenue near the National Mall.
FARM staff & volunteers serve free vegan ice cream in honor of Mother's Day
On Sunday May 8th, Farm Animal Rights Movement celebrated Mother’s Day by serving over 700 free vegan ice cream cones and distributing informational literature. Mother’s Day is a special day to honor and respect moms for their unconditional love, but few think of the 9 million dairy cows who are also mothers. These cows have their babies torn from them only to be confined in veal crates or raised to replace their own mothers on dairy farms.
FARM staff and volunteers set up in Washington, DC with powerful signs that read “Farmed Animals Have Moms Too- Lets Honor ALL Mothers- LiveVegan.org.” A display created by Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary informed the public that “Milk Comes From a Grieving Mother”.
Activists gathered in front of Four Seasons Hotel in DC for the National Chicken Council Conference
FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement) staff and volunteers provided a much-needed voice for animals in the nation’s capital on the 6th of October. We gathered in protest in front of the Four Seasons Hotel where the National Chicken Council was holding their 56th annual conference, as a part of FARM’s Dirty Secrets campaign, a project of World Farm Animals Day. FARM’s Dirty Secrets campaign aims to expose the ways in which animal agribusinesses manipulate the government, institutions, and the public in order to sell more of their cruel products.
Animal Agribusiness industry trade associations, such as the National Chicken Council, are founded and funded by individual companies to represent a specific industry. They all profit from the slaughter of innocent beings.
Voicing this message through bullhorns to the chicken-killing industry leaders and the public, our chants included: “Stop the killing, stop the pain… Chicken Council is to blame,” “Body parts they are dealing…from slaughtered birds who had feelings,” “Polluting the air, polluting the water… profiting off the animal slaughter” and “There’s no excuse for animal abuse!”
Our graphic photos displayed the reality of chicken slaughter and carried such messages as “25,000,000 Slaughtered Every Day in the U.S.”, “Chicken Council…Bribing Politicians and Lying to the Public since 1954”, “Weapons of Mass Destruction – Go Vegan!” and signs with quotes from Gandhi.
In between conference sessions, attendees of the National Chicken Council Conference gathered in front of the hotel and watched as demonstrators chanted messages.
This year, the hotel was more prepared for our presence, and security and police were there before activists showed up. This was no deterrent for the protestors, who belted out the message that the National Chicken Council is not welcome in DC and there will be protests at every national conference they hold in the district.
The hour and a half protest sent a clear message to industry leaders and the public that raising and killing innocent beings for profit is unnecessary and unethical. The protest brought attention to World Farm Animals Day, highlighting not only the chickens, but all of the 58 billion land animals who are raised and killed in the world’s farms and slaughterhouses every year.
This is the third consecutive year FARM has held a presence at the annual Chicken Council conference and we are vowed to be back every year to expose the inherent injustice of the National Chicken Council and all of animal agribusiness.
Special thanks to the dedicated volunteers who came out for the event!
On September 15, FARM staff and volunteers showed up during the National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) Legislative conference at the Leasion Capitol Hill Hotel in downtown Washington DC. With bullhorns, air-horns and signs stating “NCBA…Bribing Politicians and Lying to the Public since 1898”, “There is No Excuse for Animal Abuse” and “Animals are Not Ours to Use” activists aired the NCBA’s dirty secrets to street full of lunch time pedestrians.
During the protest, Liaison Capitol Hill hotel staff approached activists claiming that the National Cattleman’s Conference had changed their plans the night before and decided to hold their meeting at a different undisclosed location.Cutting the demonstration short, activists still made it clear to NCBA’s hosts what is in store if they continued to allow groups like the National Cattleman’s Beef Association to hold conferences at their hotel.
Additionally, National Pork Producers Association members walked by and received FARM’s Dirty Secrets of Animal Agribusiness handouts as well as an ear full of what they and the National Cattleman’s Beef Association are complicit in.
National Cattleman’s Beef Association, your giving of hundreds of thousands of dollars to politicians and lying to the public will catch up to you. You can run, but you can’t hide from your legacy of lies and brutality. Next year you will have an even larger headache when activists show up again!
World Farm Animals Day is a campaign of FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement), a national nonprofit organization promoting a vegan lifestyle through public education and grassroots activism to end the use of animals for food. We believe in the inherent self-worth of animals as well as environmental protection and enhanced public health.
On Wednesday, May 26th, FARM staff and volunteers protested outside of the Austrian Embassy as part of the Shame on Austria campaign for the 13 animal activists currently on trial in Austria (see background information below). An element of the Shame on Austria solidarity campaign is a chain of demonstrations with at least one protest in one country every week of the trial. Today this global campaign came to Washington DC.
Outside the Austrian Embassy- Washington, DC
For an hour, activists gathered and marched in front of the Austrian Embassy chanting messages and carrying large signs reading “Stop Austrian Repression,” “Activism is NOT a crime,” “Protect Free Speech,” and “Drop All Charges- Shame On Austria!” Protesters expressed outrage at the current treatment of animal advocates by the Austrian government and demanded that all charges against these individuals be dropped.
During the demonstration, a few FARM activists approached the embassy to deliver a letter to the the embassy’s public information officer, Wolfgang Renezeder. Friendly and understanding, Mr Renezeder was aware of the worldwide protests that have been going on with the Shame on Austria campaign and agreed to make sure the letter is delivered to the Ministry of Justice in Vienna.
FARM will continue to take a stand and speak out against the Austrian government until this injustice is stopped and the charges against the 13 animal protection activists are dropped.
Background Information:
Two years ago, the homes and offices of ten leading Austrian animal advocates were raided and these individuals were kept in solitary confinement for several months. This has been shown to be part of a two year investigation which has resulted in twenty-six homes and seven NGO office searches, informants, wiretaps, e-mail surveillance and personal and vehicle tracking. All of the money, time and resources dedicated to this harassment have yielded no direct evidence of any criminal activity by those targeted.
The primary “evidence” against several of these defendants is that they organized and took part in demonstrations, distributed leaflets, expressed opinions in internet debates an d engaged in other fully legal NGO campaign work. Section 278a of the Austrian Criminal Code is being used to argue that these activities, although legal, have influenced other “unknown persons” to commit illegal offenses. Aboveground activists, doing legal work, are being made responsible for the actions of people totally unknown to them. This week marks the 11th week of trial.
For more information, visit:
Solidarity Protests Abroad
The majority of the Austrian activist trial for weeks 8 and 9 have been focused on questioning witnesses about legal anti fur demonstrations. The defense made an objection to the judge on the grounds that the demonstrations under discussion were legally registered (ie pre-registered with the police), not forbidden (by the police) and had no relevance to any crimes. The judge overruled the objection stating that those demonstrations were incriminated as part of a double strategy of legal protests and illegal activity.
Testimony from Firouz, media spokesperson for Kleider Bauer, was heard via remote and the judge showed photos to the court of a vandalized car. Police found fingerprints on the car, but they didn’t match any of the defendants on trial.
The judge then showed what Firouz referred to as “threatening” e-mails. All emails were from German animal organizations and signed by name. The e-mails were, without exception, all polite.
The defense then pointed out that the spokesperson’s business and private contact details could be found easily online and wanted to know whether she herself had put them online. Firuoz answered ‘yes’.
Fur shop assistants and managers were asked to describe the anti fur demonstrations in front of their stores and the behavior of the protesters taking part. Most witnesses thus far have reported that demonstrations had been peaceful on the whole. None of the witnesses testifying gave any evidence linking defendants to crimes.
A criminology lab’s chemical analysis on substances found at crime scenes and during the house raids were suppressed. The samples taken were a negative match, but this information does not appear in the prosecution files, neither was it given to the defendants or to their lawyers. This is just another instance of exonerating evidence being withheld – a violation of the laws that pertain to trial proceedings.
Another witness for the prosecution was a leading member of the special commission investigating the defendants. His testimony was characterized by the fact that he was unable to remember anything including whether or not he had been present at the arrests and house raids!
The Austrian press commented on the long drawn out nature of the trial, the distinct lack of evidence against the defendants, and reminded the public of the tax money funding this witch hunt.
Even the head of Amnesty International Austria criticized the trial in an online interview with one of the country’s leading newspapers
Blockade of a Czech-Austrian border crossing for Austrian Solidarity Campaign
Interesting developments have unfolded in weeks six and seven at the trial in Austria and the kick off of the global solidarity campaign, Shame on Austria. There have been two different solidarity actions to raise awareness about the repression animal activists are receiving from the Austrian government. One action included 15-minute blockade of a Czech-Austrian border crossing on Wednesday.
The protest was reported by all three major Czech TV stations, two of which included the report in the main evening news program, which means that the protest was seen by more than a million people! It was also shortly mentioned in the main evening news program of the Slovak public TV.
In week six, the prosecution brought in English police detective John Madigan involved in investigating animal rights extremism in the UK. He told the court that there had been no contact between activists he has investigated in the UK and the Austrian defendants. He also informed the court that none of the Austrian defendants were in the UK at the time of any of the relevant crimes. This prompted defense lawyers to question the relevance of this particular witness. Then, it was stated that Dr Martin Balluch, a defendant, was living in England until 1997 and was investigated. However, all investigations were discontinued.
Madigan was also questioned about the SHAC campaign, and stated that there were no connections between SHAC organizers in England and the Austrian defendants. The defense went on to ask Madigan whether anyone in the UK had ever been convicted of all animal rights related offences, like what is currently happening in Austria. Madigan explained that the question made no sense to him. At this the public roared with laughter because of his incidental ridiculing of this Austrian trial, and someone called out that “this only happens in Austria!”
Week six also had the prosecution’s expert witness on linguistics. School teacher Wolfgang Schweiger is currently the only linguist in Austria authorized to give evidence as expert witness in court. This supposed “expert” witness for the prosecution made unsubstantiated claims which reinforced the prosecution’s case. This caused him to be criticized and deemed incompetent by peers.
Unfortunately, the judge didn’t allow the testimony of two university level forensic linguistics professors who criticized the prosecution’s “expert” witness. They both have serious complaints about Schweiger’s findings, citing his failures to adhere to recognized standards of methodology and to report that two of the three notes claiming responsibility for offences do not even qualify as such notes.
Week seven of the trial brought on some interesting and new “court regulations”. Outside the court building police in full uniform were present. In the court room between 40 and 50 trainee police officers took up seats in the public viewing gallery. Presumably this measure was in response to the last session’s disturbances from the public as they expressed their outrage at the disputed testimony given by the prosecution’s linguistic expert.
In addition, anyone wanting to observe the proceeding as of Monday must now show ID. This was not the case up until now. Thanks to this surprisingly rapid change in court regulations around 30 animal rights sympathizers didn’t get to watch the proceedings, including relatives of the defendants.
Also, a general ban on filming anywhere in the whole court building was also issued this week. Until now it had been possible to film when the court was not in session or outside the courtroom. A film team from the Czech Republic was thrown out of the court for interviewing the defendants as they went into the court room.
The rest of the week was taken up by talking about the anti-fur campaigns and what tactics had been used. The session ended with the witness informing one of the defense lawyers that Kleider Bauer (a fashion store that sells fur) would be suing him, his client Dr Balluch and a website for slander on account of an interview given by the lawyer, claiming damages of 30.000 Euro from each.
FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement) has scheduled a demonstration at the Austrian Embassy in Washington DC as a part of the Shame on Austria solidarity campaign. Solidarity is more than just a word. Come out and express your outrage about this severe miscarriage of justice!
When: Wed May 26th @ 12 noon- 1 pm.
Where: The Austrian Embassy (3524 International Ct NW)
RSVP: adam@farmusa.org or call 301-530-1737 or on the day of 202-577-5527
FARM will continue to send updates and alerts so stay tuned!
Can’t make the solidarity demos in DC? You can still help! Visit the solidarity campaign website for sample letter and send a protest letter!
The end of March marked the end of the fourth week of the Austrian animal activist trial that has sent chilling reminders that free speech activities are not always “free”. Two years ago, the homes and offices of ten leading Austrian animal advocates were raided and these individuals were kept in solitary confinement for several months. This has been shown to be part of a two year investigation which has resulted in twenty-six homes and seven NGO office searches, informants, wiretaps, e-mail surveillance and personal and vehicle tracking. All of the money, time and resources dedicated to this harassment have yielded no direct evidence of any criminal activity by those targeted.
The primary “evidence” against several of these defendants is that they organized and took part in demonstrations, distributed leaflets, expressed opinions in internet debates and engaged in other fully legal NGO campaign work. Section 278a of the Austrian Criminal Code is being used to argue that these activities, although legal, have influenced other “unknown persons” to commit illegal offences. Aboveground activists, doing legal work, are being made responsible for the actions of people totally unknown to them. The entire first part of the trial has been focused on dragging these activists through the judicial ringer for nothing more than expressing opinions in emails and internet forums.
Activists from all over the world have been demonstrating, writing letters and making phone calls to the Austrian government to hold them accountable for repressing free speech and activism. Dr. Martin Balluch wrote in a open letter about the trial, “It is quite exhausting, but I must admit that the judge is giving us – and especially me – time and space to express our opinions and to ask questions. I had been warned in advance that it might not be so, but maybe the attention of the public has made the judge more careful.” This publicity has also helped with getting the message out about the plight of animals, as Dr. Balluch said, “any press conference and any press release of us is picked up by the media very well”.
Dr Bulluch commented about the atmosphere in court, “Nobody in their right mind can believe what is going on and even the judge said that she never expected to have to run a case like this. Actually, these days she is exchanging jokes with us and the atmosphere in court is pretty relaxed.” Although, Dr. Balluch warned that when court resumes on April 7th, it might be a different story as the prosecution is bringing in the police.
We will continue to send updates and alerts with information on how you can support free speech and activism. Ours is a global movement, all are affected when such a blatant disregard for free-speech manifests. We should do everything we can to support these activists!
FARM will be coordinating demonstrations in DC at the Austrian embassy soon. Stay Tuned for Alerts!
For more information, visist:
Pat Thetic from Anti-Flag at the FARM Underground Table
After the Anti-Flag set at the Harvest of Hope Festival 2010, FARM Underground Activists spent some time with Pat Thetic, a founding member of Anti-Flag and Vegan!
When asked why Pat chose veganism, he responded with “Being Vegan is just so easy!” Pat talked with FARM Underground about the
horrific conditions animals are kept in, undercover footage taken inside Farms & slaughterhouses and the staggering numbers of animals killed for people’s taste choices. Pat Thetic explained how easy it is for the group to find vegan food while on tour; and shared some tips about being vegan while traveling.
He noted, “…(when) traveling alone, there are great resources such as Happy Cow”. Pat also mentioned that “…most restaurants can make things vegan, you just have to talk with them.” When traveling Abroad, Pat also makes a point to “…learn certain words like “butter” or “milk” and listen to variations of the word” to make sure items are vegan.
Since Anti-Flag’s lyrics are very politically charged, exploring subjects like government repression and police brutality, FARM Underground Activists were surprised to learn that Pat Thetic had not yet heard about the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) , AETA 4, AETA 2 or the SHAC 7. The AETA (a federal law passed in 2006) aims to label animal activists as terrorists, squelch free speech and discourage dissent against any “animal enterprise”. Pat was taken aback by this over the top action by the government. Pat surmised, “…if you are in the right, the government labels you a terrorist.” And he added that Anti-Flag “should do a song called ‘I am a Terrorist”. When asked if he had any encouraging words for animal activists facing repression, Pat said, “Keep fighting the fight. The meat, dairy, egg (and other) industries are scared because we are wining”.
After hanging out for a few minutes longer to table for FARM Underground, Pat departed. He gave FARM Underground his endorsement and invited FARM Underground to contact Anti-Flag when they start their tour in August 2010!
“When you are right you cannot be too radical”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr day and people from all over are honoring him for his courage, determination and dedication to equality. It seems like his insights on social justice, compassion for all species, and government repression are often over-shadowed by his eloquent and inspirational “I Have a Dream” speech. Martin Luther King Jr was adamantly against war, violence and poverty. He has even spoken in defense of non-human animals:
“One day the absurdity of the almost universal human belief in the slavery of other animals will be palpable. We shall then have discovered our souls and become worthier of sharing this planet with them.”
This is also a day to figure out how to move the principles of King’s words and deeds beyond annual mentions on his birthday to an everyday occurrence. Dr King would have spoken out unequivocally against the inherent cruelty and violence non-human animals go through just as he did against an unjust war. His wife and son are both carrying on his legacy of non-violence and equality for all by living vegan everyday.
Ironically, a sweeping law that brands animal activists as “terrorists”, entitled the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), was passed 3 years ago- on the day of the “groundbreaking” ceremony for the Martin Luther King Jr memorial on the national mall. It is important to reflect on the very essence for which Dr. King stood: nonviolence, equality, and justice. We need to start recognizing institutionalized violence and speciesist attitudes in our actions. Living vegan is just the first step. From there, it is essential that we stay on top of new information, incorporate it into projects in class or at our jobs, and get active!
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