Web of Major Animal Rights Extremist Groups Picture Credit: Animal Ag Alliance
The Animal Agriculture Alliance has released a report that extensively explores the interconnections within the animal rights movement, along with the strategies employed to target the animal agriculture industry.
"No matter the animal rights extremist group or the tactics used, they all share the same goal of eliminating animal agriculture and taking meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood off of our grocery store shelves and family tables," said Abby Kornegay, manager, issues and engagement, Animal Agriculture Alliance. "These reports succinctly detail those true intentions, the strategic efforts of the animal rights movement to further their agenda, and key tactics for the animal agriculture community to be aware of."
The Radical Vegan Activism 2022 Report found that nearly one-third of animal rights extremist attacks documented in 2022 targeted farmers and food workers, putting them and animals in danger. The report also noted that California was the number 1 targeted state in 2022. Documented direct actions to animal agriculture include:
95 Vandalism Attacks
70 Animal Liberation (stolen animal) Cases
60 Criminal Trespasses
58 Banner Drops
16 Cyber Attacks
13 Product Tampering
10 Arson Cases
9 Harassment and Intimidation Incidents
"Extremists are getting ever bolder in their efforts against animal agriculture, and direct actions at the farm, processing facility, and retail store continue to rise," said Kornegay. "Farmers, processors, and the entire food supply chain are encouraged to implement security measures that protect against potential threats."
Top Funded Animal Rights Groups and their Statements:
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Total Revenue: $324.8 million
“ASPCA spending may not be what donors expect.” CBS News, August 2021
Humane Society of the United States
Total Revenue: $259.5 million
“I can assure you that when we go to Mars, it will be a vegan planet.” Josh Balk, Former Vice President for Farm Animal Protection, 2017
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
Total Revenue: $82.2 million
"Ending speciesism is our ultimate goal. One strategy to end speciesism would be to end the use of animals as food.” Matthew Braun, Manager of Grassroots Protest Campaigns, 2021
The Good Food Institute
Total Revenue: $18.9 million
“[Eating meat] is not your personal decision, any more than whether somebody beats their child is their personal decision.’’ Bruce Friedrich, President and Founder, 2002
Mercy for Animals
Total Revenue: $18.2 million
"Our mission is to end, end, industrial animal agriculture and to construct a just and sustainable food system." Leah Garcés, President, 2022
The Humane League
Total Revenue: $13.6 million
The group’s founder, Nick Cooney, was convicted on charges of terrorist threats and harassment, all in the name of animal rights.
About the Animal Agriculture Alliance
Founded in 1987, the Animal Agriculture Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that brings together farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, animal feed companies, animal health companies, processors, allied associations and others involved in getting food from the farm to our forks! For more information, head to www.animalagalliance.org
