Why Animal Rights?
The time has come for society to reevaluate our treatment of animals. For far too long we have shut our eyes and turned our backs to their suffering, but there is no way around the truth of what actually goes on "behind closed doors" in institutions that exploit and abuse animals. Every time someone buys a fur coat, a burger, a household cleaner, or a ticket to the circus they are continuing the cycle of animal cruelty. Part of ADL's task is countering the lies and propaganda spread by multi-million dollar industries who profit from animal abuse.

Who is Affected by Animal Rights?

You are! Animals are living, feeling, sentient beings who play a vital role in our ecosystem just like humans. It is crucial to understand the fragile balance between people, animals, and the world around us all. It is only logical that all sentient beings have the basic right to live free of pain, intimidation, and exploitation, free to pursue life as they so desire. Yet so many abuses continue to occur day after day. Animals need the support of us all to help them regain the respect and dignity they deserve. ADL-LA is committed to being a clear, constant voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. We welcome you to join us in our efforts.

Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.   -Albert Einstein

More About ADL...
ADL-LA differs from many other animal rights and welfare groups in that we feel different tactics are warranted than have been widely used in the movement. While we acknowledge that many hands are needed on many oars, we think there are more effective strategies than writing letters, participating in boycotts, and holding signs. Each of these tactics has their place, and we use them as well, but we frequently risk our personal freedom in the form of civil disobedience to show the animal abusers in our midst that they may not continue business-as-usual. When arrested we regularly refuse to pay the government in the form of bail or fines, and we do not plead guilty to any of their charges; it is the animal abusers who are the guilty ones. We also do not accept probation as this limits our future effectiveness as activists. Though many ADL-LA members do not take part in C.D. or get arrested, we whole-heartedly support those that do and believe in the No Compromise philosophy outlined here.

What is The Animal Defense League?

The Animal Defense League (ADL-LA) is a militant, grassroots, animal rights organization with chapters throughout the U.S. and abroad. Similar to other civil and social reform movements, ADL-LA works through public education, Animal Defense League- Get Involved legislation, vocal demonstration, civil disobedience and direct action to inform the public about animal exploitation and abuse. The members of ADL have spent time and resources to educate themselves about the deplorable state of animal nations in our country and the world. A major philosophical belief of the Animal Defense League is to lead by example. To this end, we live and fully support vegan proactive lifestyles grounded in grassroots activism. The Animal Defense League is an above-ground animal rights group, but fully supports the great work done by the underground Animal Liberation Front (ALF) in freeing animals who are being tortured, exposing animal abuse and reducing the economic viability of animal abuse industries.

The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as now they look upon the murder of men.   - Leonardo da Vinci

What is "Vegan"?

Veganism, a major tenet of ADL-LA's activist philosophy, is fundamentally a lifestyle that excludes the use of animals and animal by-products. In terms of food, this includes meat, dairy products, eggs, and any animal- derived substances such as gelatin and whey. A vegan lifestyle also avoids the use of animal-derived clothing such as leather, wool, fur, and reptile skin shoes and purses. Less obvious stances of veganism include the refusal to use products tested on animals, such as personal hygiene products and household cleaners. Even though animal by-products sometimes seem hard to avoid, there are thousands of healthy, safe, and eco-conscious alternatives. While a vegan lifestyle may take more awareness, sacrifice and discipline in our culture, ADL firmly believes it is a positive step in the fight for animal rights.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated....I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by [people] from the cruelty of [human kind].
-Mahatma Ghandi

Joining ADL
Enjoy this website, then email or write to Animal Defense League- Los Angeles at the address below if you think you might want to join or simply want more information. Better yet, come out to one of our weekly demonstrations and introduce yourself! ADL-LA is comprised of a group of committed activists who make decisions democratically, compassionately and most importantly, for the animals. While there is no membership fee, we are few and we are poor- Donations are greatly appreciated. Every cent goes directly to support the cause.

Remember- You only feel the chains when you begin to move!