In 1990 a small group of animal advocates formed Animal Alliance of Canada. They worked in a basement, without pay, to build a new, bold animal protection organization.
We were determined to push hard against the animal-using establishment, an establishment that included advocacy organizations that had become too aligned with those who exploit animals. We resolved to be unwavering in our commitment to those we would serve – every kind of animal – saving their lives, improving their protections, reducing the body count when we could not save them all.
We were determined to reach the largest number of animals across Canada. We do this by using political action to improve the laws and policies that govern how humans interact with them. By improving such laws we knew we could protect thousands of animals who we would never actually see or meet. Fighting an entrenched establishment that exploits animals has been a mighty task, but one we have taken on with gusto.
And, we have no regrets. If we had to start over again from scratch, we would.
We know that we have been David fighting Goliath, and that in our modern world, Goliath often wins. But, in these last 30 years, together we have saved the lives of many thousands of animals.
We convinced the federal government to pass laws and regulations that
protected thousands of animals; laws that put significant restrictions on the import of puppy mill puppies from the US to Canada, laws that banned the transport of compromised farmed animals, and a Supreme court ruling that prevented the patenting of animals modified for research.
We convinced all but two provincial governments to ban the sale of bear gall bladders in Canada. We convinced the BC government to prevent the use of Compound 1080 to poison wildlife. We were able to get the Ontario government to ban the spring bear hunt for 14 years. Sadly, the current government permanently overturned that decision.
We worked with communities to adopt policies and bylaws that spare and improve the lives of animals instead of ending them, including Canada geese, cormorants, snow geese, beaver, deer, bears and many others.
We have helped rescued animals of many species find safety in new homes. We have empowered other animal advocates as they work in their own communities, sharing our expertise and resources.
As we look back on what has been at times a wild ride, we are grateful for every one of you: every donor, every supporter, every advocate.
We thank you for sharing our compassion, for supporting our work and for rejoicing with us about every rescue and improved policy we have achieved with your help.
You shared our joy at every deer or beaver cull that did not happen because we were able to stop them. And, you grieved with us for every animal we could not save, for every cull or hunt we could not stop, for every bad law that was instituted in spite of our combined efforts.
If you want to make a difference in the lives of animals, become an animal advocate.
If you want to bring about real change, if you want a life filled with the certainty that your efforts matter, that your work truly makes our world less violent and less cruel, then this is the place to be. Stand with us; a loving, determined, and stalwart community that refuses to let animals down, that refuses to look the other way.
We appreciate every one of you more than you know. Without you, we could not have saved countless animals throughout these years. And with you, we will save many thousands more. Let’s aim to save millions. Let’s aim to save them all!
The next 30 years will probably be another wild ride. We’ll be fighting Ag-Gag laws, miserable hunting regulations, and animal researchers who refuse to modernize. One thing is for sure: it won’t be boring. So, come on this ride with us.
Some of you have been with us from the very beginning. Some of you are new friends. Every one of you is a precious ally in this mighty and honourable work.
Together, we are changing the world for animals.
What better way could there be to spend the next 30 years!
