Dreams In A Backwater:

Animal Rights Links

I've kept this list relatively short in order to keep it from being overwhelming.  Any and all of the links listed below will provide you with a good starting point for your research.

While there are many of us who feel a sincere love for animals, there are also, of course, many who do not.  Or their love is selective:  the family pet is adored, but the pig at the slaughterhouse is just so much bacon waiting to happen.  We've all been blindsided to a greater or lesser degree by a cultural brainwashing that urges us to view ourselves as something "other" than animal.  Many people take a hierarchical view towards their relationship with the non-human animal world:  humans, they believe, are fundamentally "superior" to animals; we therefore have the right to do with them more or less as we please.  The rights of animals, in this view, are limited only to those which humans decide are worthwhile to grant.  This attitude stands in direct opposition to the holistic view, which is based upon the understanding that all living things are interconnected and interdependent.  While this view is scientifically correct, it eventually leads one to a philosophically radical conclusion:  that all living things are, in an absolute sense, equal.  The acknowledgment of such an equality need not, however, lead one to the practical conclusion that humans do not have the right to insist on their own protection and well-being.  Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that this right does not automatically permit violations to the right of non-human animals to exist free of the suffering inflicted upon them via human exploitation.  Balancing the absolute right of all living beings to exist in their natural state against the human ability for domination and control is a difficult goal to attain.  It is my belief, however, that this is what we must learn to do – for the sake of human and non-human animals alike.  If it is true that we are all but part of a larger totality, then any unwarranted and unnecessary abuse we commit against non-human animals is, in its essence, one that we also commit against ourselves.  To fight for anything less than rights for all animals leads to the perpetuation of unconscionable cruelties.  The surest antidote to cruelty is, of course, compassion – and compassion is, after all, the surest means we have of demonstrating what it means to be human.

That being said, why not take a moment to visit one of the following sites?  Take an interest.  Get active.  Get involved.  You'll like yourself better in the morning.



Animal Liberation Front
Site by and about those who are working on the front lines of the animal liberation movement.  Hard-core activism at its best.  Check it out.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
PETA for short.  Some people love 'em, some people love to hate 'em.  Take a tour of their site and decide for yourself.

The Humane Society of the United States
Working mainly at the legislative level, HSUS advocates public policies to protect animals, investigates cruelty, and seeks greater enforcement of already existing laws.  Their "Take Action" section provides easy tools for getting in touch with your state's Congresspersons about pending legislative issues.

The Animals Voice
A comprehensive but easy-to-navigate site with a variety of features, including investigative reports, activist profiles, action alerts, image galleries, fact sheets, and much, much more.

The Animal Rights FAQ
Looking for logical responses to those who question your belief in animal rights?  Look no further.  This site lists all the most commonly raised objections on the issue, then provides intelligent, thought-provoking replies.  You'll never be at a loss for words again.

Go Vegan Radio
Billing itself as "The Planet's First and Only Commercial Vegan Radio Show!" and hosted by the always amusing Bob Linden, Go Vegan Radio makes listening to discussions on vegan and animal rights issues both educational and entertaining.  The Podcast option allows you to automatically download the show on a weekly basis; numerous previously broadcast shows are also available for your listening pleasure.  Go Go Vegan!

Animal Voices – Animal Rights Radio Archives
Animal Voices is another terrific radio show coming to you live every Tuesday at 11 a.m. (EST) on CIUT, 89.5 FM in Toronto.  The above link will take you to their archives page, featuring interviews with leaders in the animal rights/vegan movements.  Listen up, folks; this is great stuff.

abolitionist-online
Abolitionist-Online is an internet magazine by, for, and about animal rights activists.  For the new, improved, slightly more radical you.

Vegan Outreach
Thinking of giving the vegan lifestyle a try?  Vegan Outreach provides you with everything you'll need to know, including pertinent information on vegan health issues, vegan advocacy, and how this simple dietary change allows you to make the world a better place for human and non-human animals alike.  (Oh – and they have some great recipes too!)

VeggieBoards
Well-monitored online forum where like-minded people come together to discuss vegetarianism, veganism, animal rights, and a variety of other topics.  Have a question?  Want to share an opinion?  Come join the conversation.

Primate Freedom Blog
From the site:  "This is a weblog for the posting and discussing anything having to do with non-human primates, the concept of animal mind, the human/non-human animal relationship, and particularly the lying, cruelty, and secretiveness of the universities and laboratories using animals."  Read it and weep.

Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary
"A Safe Haven For Rescued Farmed Animals Who Have Been Given A Second Chance at Life."  Looking for a ray of hope in what sometimes seems a very bleak terrain?  Thing is, the stories posted here can provide you with a haven, too.  How?  Simple:  These people get it, get it, get it.  Just like you.

Animal Rights Information and News Resource Blog
Blogs, blogs, blogs – how did we ever survive without them?  Don't ask me, I'm too busy reading to take time to remember.  Here's one more, this one of particular note for offering full-length news articles on animal rights issues.  So keep on reading, people – but just remember . . . all this reading ain't worth nothing if you don't also take action!

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