Our mission is to speak up for animals and to eliminate their harmful exploitation by humans.
Animals are individuals with feelings and lives of their own, who deserve our respect.
All creatures great and small
Some people call themselves animal lovers but are only really concerned with companion animals.
Some people call themselves conservationists but are only concerned with endangered species.
Animal Liberation, on the other hand, is concerned with all animals.
We fight for the welfare of fish and bees and butterflies as we do for dolphins.
We try to eliminate cruelty to pigs and cows as well as dogs and cats.
All creatures have feelings, and they all deserve respect and consideration.
The five freedoms
Animal Liberation SA supports the five freedoms of animal welfare (created by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council).
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst: Give animals access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
2. Freedom from discomfort: Provide an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area
3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease: Provide appropriate preventative measures, along with rapid diagnosis and treatment
4. Freedom to express normal behaviour: Provide for the space, enrichment and social needs which are specific to each species
5. Freedom from fear and distress: Ensure that the animal has conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering
We consider these to be the minimal standards for care of any animal.
What is cruelty?
When people think of cruelty, they often think of animals being starved or beaten, or other action which are against the law.
But there are many ways that animal welfare can be compromised.
Animal Liberation aims to campaign for what is best for the animal – in terms of food and water, shelter, company, health, and the opportunity to exhibit natural behaviours.
This doesn’t mean that we can’t interact with animals – we can even benefit from them, so long as it is not harmful to them. (There is no reason why we can’t have guide dogs, for example, if they are well looked after for their entire lives.)
Campaigning
Animal Liberation has:
* actively campaigned against the sale of fur in local retail shops
* maintained pressure against the jumps racing industry in South Australia
* influenced the Adelaide Hills Council through our campaign against a Rodeo held at Lobethal
* reminded circus goers that their entertainment cost far more than the price of a ticket
* had a significant public presence as we focused the Ban Live Export campaign on South Australian ports
Events
Animal Liberation events vary greatly depending on the time of year and audience.
We’ve organised a Walk for the Animals and hosted quiz nights.
Our popular afternoon teas for members and friends include films pertaining to animal issues, health and the environment.
Outreach
Outreach is a very important part of Animal Liberation’s activities.
We have a table at many stalls where we provide advice and fliers, as well as offering an excellent selection of books, t-shirts, stickers and other merchandise for sale.
The vegan flashmobs have been a great success as shoppers are randomly entertained by large fury animals dancing to lively music in the city center, while helpers hand out leaflets and booklets on living a cruelty free life. It’s a positive way of getting a positive message across.