Humane Thinking

In part 2 of our four-part series discussing Martin Balluch’s essay, "Abolitionism vs. Reformism," we address why public education is not enough to create real change for animals. Persuasion is inherently limited by human nature and the mechanics of population growth. While animal advocates should continue to work on persuasion to achieve public support, it should be used more strategically and in support of more pervasive, system-wide changes.

A recent essay by an Austrian activist with the organization Association Against Animal Factories provides an insightful analysis of vegan advocacy and the overall “welfare-rights” continuum relating to animal advocacy. This is part 1 in a 4-part Humane Thinking series that will discuss and excerpt highlights from the essay.

With nearly 40 years of history, the modern animal rights movement has grown increasingly visible and has started to build a solid resource base. But are animals any better off? Society’s use and abuse of animals continues almost unabated, from the factory farm to the research lab to the puppy mill. With four decades of work and arguably little to show for it, we need to think hard about developing new models of advocacy to stay relevant and achieve tangible results for animals.

Coordinator for the Philadelphia-based animal rights group Hugs for Puppies, Nick Cooney, offers his thoughts on why they chose the name and what kind of reaction it gets. Nick also provides some great suggestions for advocates wanting to increase their impact for animals.

When public perception matters -- and when doesn't it? -- the words you choose and the tone you use can be more important than the truth you're speaking.