Below is a list of some of my more highly recommended resources for both the general public, and animal activists (see list below). The recommendations for the general public are to further help in understanding animal use industries, and the psychology of animal use. Resources selected for activists include understanding effective ways of advocating for animals and increasing your knowledgebase.
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RESOURCES FOR THE CURIOUS
Websites
This is the largest information repository [under development] of Australian animal use (including farming, slaughter, pets, animal testing, animals used for entertainment, etc). Here you will find thousands of undercover photos, video footage, and articles which are useful for anyone curious about the processes involved in animal use and facts about animal farming.
Carnism is the concept coined by psychologist Dr Melanie Joy describing the belief system that allows people to continue using animals despite its devastating effects on many lives and our planet. Carnism is a foundational concept for anyone to understand as it helps us gain insight into the psychology (or ‘the why’) of eating and using animals – the core feature explaining this contradictory relationship we humans have with animals.
Books
- A Plea for Animals: The Moral, Philosophical, and Evolutionary Imperative to Treat all Beings with Compassion, by Matthieu Ricard
“Most of us are fond of animals. But our compassion stops at the edge of our plates”. Written by a Buddhist scientist, this book explores the scientific and philosophic reasonings for why animals ought to be treated as we do our fellow humans.
- Eating Animals, by Jonathan Safran Foer
With the birth of his child and the sudden responsibility to another little human life, Foer is inspired to learn what exactly he is feeding to his son when he feeds him animals. So he sets on a mission to learn the inner workings of animal agriculture, the stories we’re told about meat, and the impact it has on ourselves, animals, and the planet. As the reader, you discover all of this alongside Foer as he turns his reflections into a narrative, giving you an honest and confronting look into one man’s in-depth understanding on what it means today to eat animals.
- Why we Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, by Dr Melanie Joy
Joy describes her research into Carnism, why people eat animals and have contradicting relationships with them, and what maintains this behaviour in the face of alternative options and alternative information. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the psyche behind the culture of eating and using animals and how to change it.
Videos
- MAN
A powerful short animation by artist Steve Cutts depicting Man’s dominion over animals.
- Animals should be off the menu (Debate) – Phillip Wollen
A compelling speech for the case against eating animals, spoken eloquently and powerfully by animal advocate and philanthropist Phillip Wollen at the Wheeler Centre Intelligence Square Debate: Animals Should be Off the Menu.
- The Secret Reason we Eat Meat – Dr Melanie Joy
A quick and easy insight to the psychology behind why we eat animals by Dr Joy who coined the term Carnism, the hidden belief system behind our use of animals.
- Thousand Eyes
A powerful 4-minute video showing footage of animal agriculture in Australia. This video was put together by director of Dominion, Chris Delforce, after his home was raided by police. It has since been shown to thousands of people around the world on the streets as well as online.
One of the most influential presentations on reasons to ditch animal products, by James Wildman, Humane Educator for the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida.
Films
Released in 2018, Dominion reveals the dark side of animal agriculture and animal industries in Australia (and other parts of the world). This film contains comprehensive undercover footage and drone footage from locations around the country. Almost every facet of animal use industries is exposed in this film. After watching it, it’s difficult to say that “it doesn’t happen here”.
“If I could make everyone in the world see one film, I’d make them see Earthlings” – Peter Singer. One of the most powerful films of our time, Earthlings is a profoundly moving and confronting look into the many ways in which animals are used by humans around the world. This film has been possibly the most influential in helping to make the connection between animal use and animal suffering.
A refreshingly humorous mockumentary film by English comedian Simon Amstell. Carnage is set in a future where the UK has become vegan and older generations look back at their carnivorous pasts with guilt. Comparative to a lot of animal rights films, Carnage is easy to watch, yet just as insightful if you want to learn about why animal rights is such a widely growing movement.
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RESOURCES FOR ANIMAL ACTIVISTS
Websites
This is the largest information repository [under development] of Australian animal use (including farming, slaughter, testing, entertainment, etc). Here you will find thousands of undercover photos, video footage, and articles which are useful for anyone curious about the processes involved in animal use and facts about animal farming.
Carnism is the concept coined by psychologist Dr Melanie Joy describing the belief system that allows people to continue using animals despite its devastating effects on many lives and our planet. Carnism is a foundational concept for activists to understand as it helps us gain insight into the psychology (or ‘the why’) of eating and using animals – the core of what we want to influence.
This website is a hub for activists striving to be as effective as possible. A branch of Beyond Carnism, the team offers trainings, organisational consulting, grants, and a comprehensive resource centre, with an aim to increase effectiveness of vegans and vegan organisations.
Author of the book How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach and co-founder of the Centre for Effective Vegan Advocacy (CEVA) writes about effective, pragmatic, and strategic considerations and approaches to vegan advocacy in this blog website.
Books
- Beyond Beliefs: A Guide to Improving Relationships and Communication among Vegans, Vegetarians and Meat Eaters, by Dr Melanie Joy
One of the first comprehensive guides on creating and maintaining effective relationships between vegans and non-vegans. Joy goes into communication strategies and interpersonal skills that help people to go beyond their differences in beliefs and create a better chance at understanding each other and building a bridge. This book is helpful for vegans and non-vegans alike.
- Change of Heart: What Psychology Can Teach Us About Spreading Social Change, by Nick Cooney (book)
Just as the title suggests, this book highlights useful theoretical models of behaviour change that can be used to create social change, particularly in animal rights. Cooney draws from the latest research in psychology, providing background into why people behave the way they do, as well as tips for activistson using this information for the most effective methods of influence.
- How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach, by Tobias Leeneart
This is a must-read book for animal advocates. It may challenge some of your thinking, but in the most helpful way possible. Leeneart describes pragmatic, realistic, and strategic methods in achieving effective vegan advocacy.
- Why we Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, by Dr Melanie Joy
Joy describes her research into Carnism, why people eat animals and have contradicting relationships with them, and what maintains this behaviour in the face of alternative options and alternative information. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the psyche behind the culture of eating and using animals and how to change it.
Research
Peer-reviewed open access journal providing current research in human-animal studies, with a focus on Australia, New Zealand, and Asia Pacific.
Research-based non profit organisation who conduct original and collaborative research to better inform animal activists in various areas of animal issues. Research publications in their research library (the largest on animal issues) include independent and peer-reviewed.
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Psychology & Veganism 