Receives anonymously via email:
“Animal Liberation: A Fight That Needs to Remain Anonymous
Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in reports about actions taken in the name of animal liberation. It is encouraging to see more people getting involved in this cause, freeing animals, and sabotaging the operations of their exploiters. These reports often include photos taken during or after the action, showing the liberated animals or
activists with their faces fully covered. Despite face coverings, some reports are shared on social media by those responsible.
Many activists have been convicted for similar actions, often facing jail time or fines. Revealing the identities of individuals behind these actions makes no difference for the animals, but it does make a difference to the snitches, the cops, and the government. Such actions threaten capitalism and the state, as animals are seen as property for profit and power, driving them to punish those involved.
Animal liberation actions should be taken seriously, with the understanding that every move we make comes with responsibility and potential consequences. Yes, we know that a photo might seem more badass and attract more likes and views to a thread, but that is absolutely not the point. This is not a fight for us. This is not a fight for our egos. This is a fight for those behind bars, inside experimental labs, chained in yards, and used as tools for anthropocentric reasons.
We have seen cases where activists deliberately revealed their identities after an action, followed by calls for financial solidarity. Asking for money for an action that was intentionally exposed is deeply problematic. While revealing an identity doesn’t impact the animals, financial support is crucial for political prisoners, animal shelters, and animal rights groups.
We must acknowledge that not everyone faces the same reality when confronting the police and the justice system. Those from humble backgrounds often go unnoticed and lack financial support, overshadowed by others. It’s crucial to refocus our struggles and liberation efforts on putting the lives of animals back at the centre where they belong.”
[editor’s note: This writing was received anonymously and it does not necessarily represent the ideology of UA. For example, we do not believe that images of liberation are inherently ego-centred and we think that the visuals aid people to deeply connect with the animals rescued. We do agree that there is absolutely no point submitting anonymous reports and then publicly claiming them, and it is without a doubt an ego driven behaviour. We publish the text unedited because we think UA should be a platform of conversation too, so go forth and discuss!]
