Striking at the Roots
A Practical Guide to Animal Activism
by Mark Hawthorne
Published by O Books, 2008, ISBN 978-1-84694-091-0
Most people go their entire elementary, high school and college years without learning of the horrors that take place behind the closed doors of slaughterhouses, vivisection labs, entertainment "training" complexes, fur farms, product-testing facilities and animal factories. Even throughout our adulthood, the business of exploiting animals for human convenience, amusement, taste or profit is generally well hidden – and for good reason: too much of this knowledge would threaten these industries. The good news is word is getting out – and animal activists are responsible for informing both the public and policymakers.
Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism brings together the most effective tactics for speaking out for animals and gives voice to activists from around the globe, who explain why their models of activism have been successful – and how you can get involved. Concise and full of practical examples and resources, this guide dispels the myths surrounding animal activism and will empower you to make the most of your skills. From simple leafleting to taking direct action, each chapter clearly explains where to begin, what to expect and how to ensure your message is heard.
"Brilliant, easy to read, full of real-life experiences and practical examples. If you want to make your life count, influence others and save a few thousand lives, this book is your roadmap. Give it to everyone you know!" - Ingrid Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
"A must-read for both the veteran activist and the person who wants to get involved but isn’t quite sure how to get started. I wish it had been available when I got started as an animal activist, and I’m certainly glad it's here now. It ranks with the best guides to animal advocacy that have ever been written." - Norm Phelps, author of The Longest Struggle: Animal Advocacy from Pythagoras to PETA
"There is not a single page of this book from which I did not learn something valuable!" - Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, author of When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals and The Pig Who Sang to the Moon: The Emotional World of Farm Animals
"If you are serious about helping animals, then you should seriously read this book." - Captain Paul Watson, founder and president of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society