It might be helpful to distinguish between two different strategies:
Advocating to prevent expansion:For this, I would presume you need political decision-makers to obstruct the project. I’m skeptical that sufficient political power can be mobilized from animal advocates alone. I think you need causes that mobillizes more people, such as environmental, job displacement, food sovereignty/quality, anti foreign business, etc.
Advocating for stronger animal welfare regulations:This feels more achievable if the regulations don’t impose large costs, but it may be harder to draw in meaningful support from other causes. Even so, getting new regulations is hard. IIRC, the biggest animal welfare regulations in the US were won via ballot measures, where voters’ views could directly accept/reject policy, not by influencing politicians to legislate. It might be relevant to consider how protections were won in other countries.
These are just speculations, perhaps this is a false dichotomy.
Thanks for breaking down the two strategies, Squeezy! I think that framing is very useful.
I agree that animal advocates alone might not have the political leverage, but I see real potential in aligning with adjacent movements and political decision makers. Also, student networks often share overlapping concerns and could become strong allies.
It might be helpful to distinguish between two different strategies:
Advocating to prevent expansion: For this, I would presume you need political decision-makers to obstruct the project. I’m skeptical that sufficient political power can be mobilized from animal advocates alone. I think you need causes that mobillizes more people, such as environmental, job displacement, food sovereignty/quality, anti foreign business, etc.
Advocating for stronger animal welfare regulations: This feels more achievable if the regulations don’t impose large costs, but it may be harder to draw in meaningful support from other causes. Even so, getting new regulations is hard. IIRC, the biggest animal welfare regulations in the US were won via ballot measures, where voters’ views could directly accept/reject policy, not by influencing politicians to legislate. It might be relevant to consider how protections were won in other countries.
These are just speculations, perhaps this is a false dichotomy.
Thanks for breaking down the two strategies, Squeezy! I think that framing is very useful.
I agree that animal advocates alone might not have the political leverage, but I see real potential in aligning with adjacent movements and political decision makers. Also, student networks often share overlapping concerns and could become strong allies.