ANIMAL RIGHTS

We have known since adopting PLANT-BASED EATING for health reasons in 2011 that no animal needs to suffer for us to be healthy. What a relief it was for us to end our participation in animal cruelty, so we thought! But now, thanks to THE ANIMAL RIGHTS NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2017 in Washington D.C., we have learned that human exploitation of animals continues on a massive scale. The AR Conference is dedicated to the vision that “animals have the right to be free from all forms of human exploitation.” Among its key missions are exposing the depth and breadth of animal suffering for food, clothing, research and amusement in addition to training attendees in organizing and advocacy.

We attended AR2017 because we were curious and because we are repulsed by exploitation of animals. We got much more than we bargained for! Our hearts are broken by the stories and videos of animal suffering at the hands of humans. Our heads are spinning from extraordinary presentations, intelligent discussions, brilliant use of technology and creative approaches to ending the enormity and pervasiveness of human exploitation of animals. Our spirits are lifted by the dedication, compassion, intelligence and energy of the hundreds of young people in attendance.

An estimated 2000 participated in workshops and plenaries with doctors, scientists, professors, nutritionists, technicians, journalists, lawyers, educators, clergy, filmmakers, students, actively working as well as retired citizens. Some sessions addressed legal and constitutional issues surrounding animal exploitation. Others looked at medical and nutritional benefits of avoiding consumption of animal products. One session dealt with human overpopulation while another highlighted the importance of individual advocacy. A series of workshops addressed the power of art and photography, videos, documentaries, social media and traditional media in confronting animal exploitation. Another series focused on abuse of fish and marine mammals, land animals for food, animal companions, animals in fashion, animals for science, animals in entertainment, and animals in the wild. All of these sessions and many more informed and inspired us toward the advancement of animal rights.

The following are among the generous sponsors of The Animal Rights National Conference 2017: Farm Animal Rights Movement, A Well-fed World, Compassion Over Killing, Mercy for Animals, PETA, SAEN, The Humane League