Call to ACTION

It has been a little while since my last blog post, however, since that time I've co-hosted three demos and attended five more, spoken at Ross Shepherd high-school for a talk with 'Fin Free Edmonton' on the threat facing shark population's and the depletion of bio-diversity in our oceans, as well as co-organized a local animal rights chapter, 'Direct Action Everywhere Edmonton.' For those unaware DxE(Direct Action Everywhere) was started in the bay area in San Francisco about a year ago. It has since grown to 60 cities, and 18 countries that take part in their monthly actions for their, "It's not food, it's violence" campaign. Their main focus is on fast-food chain 'Chipotle'. However, a lot of the cities that take part in these monthly actions don't have a Chipotle in their city, so they focus their attention on other places that normalize the killing of animals for food. We here in Edmonton have focused our attention on local eateries such as 'Meat', and 'The Next Act Pub'. Just recently I took part in the #DisruptSpeciesism challenge at 'Meat'. This is a challenge where an activist or activists along with someone filming, goes into a place of violence and disrupts their meal or their shopping experience, by reciting a quick monologue about the exploitation of animals used for mere pleasure or palate.

Since I posted my video on facebook just over two weeks ago, I've received three-hundred comments, it's been shared over a hundred times, and it has over twelve-thousand views. This shows that not only is the word spreading, but the place of my action had a lot of merrit. You measure the success of an action, or a campaign on the response you get, both negative and positive. And the response has been more than anything I could of ever imagined. It was done to cause a disruption of the 'social norm', and to spark a debate; which it did. Now on the heels of this disruption, a small group of us went back and did a small demonstration outside of 'Meat's sister restaurant, 'The Next Act Pub'. We were there not merely five-minutes when the one of the owner's who co-owns both places came out to ask us why we were targeting his two business. A good chat ensued for around fifteen-minutes, until he abruptly went back inside. Shortly thereafter, he came out a second time and stated "We've called the police, and we're going to charge you with trespassing for coming onto our property a few weeks ago." Now I truly believed that this was just some scare tactic to sway us into leaving, however, surely enough, the police showed up within ten-minutes. We were clearly following the law, as we were on public property, and using our right as citizens in a democratic country to freedom of speech. The officer went over basically everything that we already knew. We did leave shortly thereafter, but I couldn't help but think just how much our presence is being felt. That is why we have chosen these specific places of violence as the main targets of our campaign.

We are creating waves, and we need to carry this momentum forward to our next day of action, and every other action after that. This is where you come in. We are calling you to take action. If you're in the Edmonton or surrounding area, or even as far South as Calgary; we need you. If you're vegan or vegetarian; we need you. We need any and everybody who is against animal abuse, whether that be to a dog or cat, or cow or pig. In the end, it's the same. Abuse is abuse, and violence is violence. If you wouldn't hurt a dog, then why is it okay to hurt and eat a cow? It's not. This is why we are calling YOU to take action and unite your voice with ours, for animal liberation on Sunday Oct. 26th @12:30pm in the afternoon, for our October day of action. Link to event page here. https://www.facebook.com/events/1536352353243897/?ref_dashboard_filter=hosting  We will have placards and signs for everyone. If you have any questions, or concerns regarding the event than please post a comment on the event page, or you can message me privately on my facebook. For more info on DxE, go to www.directactioneverywhere.com

Note: you can view my disruption video on my facebook page. just scroll down. https://www.facebook.com/damian.chao.9

"Until every animal is Free." -DxE


Thanks,

Damian

A blatant act of "Speciesism"

Speciesism - the assumption of human superiority leading to the exploitation of animals. This is the definition that comes up, if you type in the word 'speciesism' on google. I would say that the majority of human beings on this planet are speciesists. If you believe this to be untrue of yourself, then I salute and thank you. If you are however, by definition a speciesist, then I suggest you look hard into your soul, and ask why you believe yourself to be more inferior to the other living beings on this planet? We may walk on two legs instead of four, and speak a different language than other non-human animals, but we have a lot in common. We both need air and water to survive.  Not to mention that we are all living 'sentient' beings with the ability to feel pain, fear violence, and are highly aware of the world around us.

The mere fact that someone could willingly exploit or hurt, or even kill an animal for monetary gain, or for mere dominance and pleasure is truly beyond words. Three weeks ago, I was driving in my car and saw a bunny jump out and cross into heavy traffic. I started shouting in my car, as I was completely helpless to stop a possible accident from occurring. Unfortunately, the bunny was run-over by a massive truck, and the car that followed. I jumped out of my car and moved to the middle of the road where the bunny was lying. As I got close to her, I could see that she was completely immobile, and convulsing uncontrollably. The pain and suffering that she was going through was absolutely horrifying. I knelt down beside her and told her that she was going to be okay. Unfortunately, three agonizing minutes later, and her poor heart beat for the last time. This was by far, one of the saddest things I've ever witnessed. Vehicle after vehicle went by, and not one stopped to see if this poor bunny was okay, or still alive. I felt a huge sense of sadness and shame. The mere fact that this innocent being lost her life in an horrendous manner, and not one person had the decency or empathy to even stop for a minute to see if she was okay; made me sick to my stomach. If this was a human being lying in the middle of the road, every vehicle would of stopped. This is the outrageous double standard, and hypocrisy that is extremely prevalent in our society. Ever since I became an activist, I've started to form a deep hatred toward my own species. That's not to say that I don't care about people; because I do. I just see human beings as whole, in an extremely different light than I did before I took off the blinders, and really started to see with my own eyes what was happening to this planet and all of it's inhabitants.

Initially, I thought that the driver of the truck whom ran-over the helpless bunny, did so by accident. However, my opinion changed soon after. I thought that maybe the driver didn't see the bunny until it was too late. But if I was able to see her from the other side of the road, then they for sure saw her. As did the other vehicles that passed by right after the bunny had initially been hit, and was lying in the middle of the road. Even for some off chance that they didn't see her; they sure would of felt the impact of running over her stark white body. As this innocent life left this world, I went into my car and just glared out the window. My mind was racing, and I needed a few minutes to take in everything that had just happened. As I glared out the window, all I could think about was how beautiful and free this bunny was just minutes ago. And now she was gone, and regulated to the human term 'road kill'. (How sad it is that we as a species label dead animals with this audacious term) As I went to move her body from the road to the grass across the street; she was gone. I was in complete disbelief as to what had happened to her. I looked in every which direction, until I noticed that three magpies had moved her to a small section of grass on the lot of an auto body repair shop, and were now feeding upon her lifeless body. Unfortunately, nature can be cruel, and so can the nature of human beings.

I will never forget this beautiful being who left too soon.

Please remember that when driving a vehicle, to look out for wildlife crossing the road. We share this planet with a countless number of other species of animals who don't follow the same rules of the road as we do. It's our duty to do our best to avoid these innocent and beautiful beings. I hope that one day man and animals can share this planet in peace and harmony.


"The idea that some lives matter less, is the root of all that is wrong with the world".  -Unknown

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.


Damian


Note: All photos below are from various internet sources. I do not own the copyright of these photos. I've saved them on my computer over the year. These are photos that represent speciesism, explicit cruelty, heartbreak, and the ability of animals to feel and show empathy.
Warning some photos below are graphic.

(The public death of Marius the giraffe at Copenhagen Zoo) 

(The barbaric slaughter of Pilot whales in the Faroe Islands)

Global March for Lions - South Africa's dirty little secret

On Saturday March.15th, a few dedicated activists marched up and down Edmonton's whyte avenue to protest and educate citizens of south Africa's dirty little secret; the "canned lion hunt".  "Canned hunting is where the target animal is unfairly prevented from escaping the hunter, either by physical constraints (fencing) or by mental constraints (tame, habituated to humans.)" via - Cannedlion.org. There is a serious crisis facing wild lion populations due to this particular trophy hunt. There are an estimated 4,000 wild lions left in, and around S.A., and more than 8,000 bred in captivity for the Canned lion hunt.  Trophy hunters from around the world pay a lot of money to travel to S.A. to hunt these captive bred lions all for the purpose of placing there head on a mantle of their killing wall at home. After the head has been discarded, the rest of the body is sold to individuals from asia who are involved in the underground and illegal operation of the 'lion bone trade', where the bones of the lion are deceitfully used for the ever popular asian delicacy 'tiger bone cake', as well as for other medicinal use. The 'lion bone trade' in asia is such big business that the massive profits will continue to further exacerbate wild lion populations in south africa, which are already heavily on the decline. This is a truly barbaric and inhumane exploitation of Africa's apex-predator.

Tourism is another form of exploiting the captive lion trade in South Africa. People travel from around the globe to visit S.A., and a good number of them will pay an excessive amount of money to visit and volunteer at lion farms (game reservers). This insidious ploy at allocating funds from kind hearted individuals who believe they are undertaking and helping conservation efforts to protect these beings from the wild and illegal poaching; is downright deplorable and inexcusable. Money is being made, and  all at the cost of a species, vital to the south african eco-system, who are facing a dangerous and downward spiral.

Now our little protest in Edmonton was last minute, and we weren't able to organize and plan things as well as we would of liked. However, we did the best we could, and im very proud of all the activists who used their voice to stand up against the injustice of the canned lion hunt in south africa. We were a part of the 'Global march for lions', in unison with 63 other cities from around the world. Including the massive demonstrations in London, UK, and Cape Town, S.A., where a few thousand people showed up to display their discontent on the 'plight of lions' in South Africa. As passersby walked down the busy sidewalk at Gazebo park in the old strathcona district of Edmonton's south side, we were there to greet them with chants of "Save our lions", and "Stop Canned Hunting".  Ten out of ten people had no idea what canned hunting was, or who was responsible for endangering lion populations. It was evidence enough that awareness and education is absolutely fundamental on this issue. Tourism is a huge industry for S.A., and we need to bring to the forefront the issue of canned hunting, and these captive bred lion farms. I sincerely hope that our small-scale protest helped in bringing awareness to the urgent crisis facing lion populations in south africa. I look very forward to organizing a bigger and better demonstration in the months ahead.

I would like to thank Sara Brooks for co-hosting and organizing this last minute march for the lions with me, and for being such a dedicated animal rights activist. I would also like to thank Anna Stahl who is another truly dedicated animal rights activist for her continued commitment on being a voice for animals. A big thank you as well to the other activists who lent their voice to this important protest. My sincere gratitude to you all. For more information on the canned lion hunt in south africa, and the tireless work of Chris Mercer and Bev Pervan, then go to http://www.cannedlion.org/

Here is a video link to an interview I did with the Digital Journal on our protest for the lions.
http://digitaljournal.com/news/world/global-march-against-the-canned-hunting-of-lions/article/376674

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

Damian

Quick note: As I was doing research in preparation for this demonstration, I came across a man known as 'the lion whisperer'. His name is Kevin Richardson, and there are a few videos online of his work in his 700 hectare lion and hyena sanctuary known as the "Kingdom". I have to say his work is astonishing, and im truly taken a back at his gift with these lions. If you haven't heard of him, or seen any of his videos, then please watch one of these links that I've posted below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2xNShpE3FI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq8jARy3ZuE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlzFsYjzizE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHwfqqiOD6c

Morris Furs Protest

I can't begin to tell you the countless number of times while walking down the street, or driving in my car and seeing passers-by wearing these ridiculous winter jackets with the 'fur' trim on the hood. I know not all of the coats are real fur, but you'll see more real ones than not. To me it's absolutely mind blowing. I mean is it a fashion statement, or are people just unaware of how that piece of fur actually makes it on to their coats! More than anything I would say the majority of people think nothing of it when buying that hideous jacket. It probably doesn't even register in their minds. I can't even imagine just how painful it must be to have your fur ripped from your body while still fully conscious. Of all the pain and suffering inflicted upon animals around the world, I believe that the fur industry is the most despicable, barbaric and inhumane practice of them all. The horror that these poor innocent beings go through so that people can eventually have scarves, sweaters, boots and coats to wear is beyond comprehensible and absolutely inexcusable. There is no WAY you can justify wearing the fur of another animal period.

Two week's ago today,  I attended a demonstration at 'Morris Furs' hosted by my friend Val with Voice 4 Animals. It was another cold and chilling evening for a protest, however, ten or so activists braved that unforgiving chill to stand up in defense of these innocent beings, whom the Fur industry looks upon as mere objects at their disposable. With every passing car, was an opportunity to expose this vial and sadistic industry. We held signs displaying very explicit images of the furless animals. Of all the protests I've attended, this one seemed to get the most positive reaction.  People honking their horns as they drove by in appreciation of what we were doing. Yet, the number of people who I pass by everyday wearing these repulsive jackets, or some type of fur, keeps growing and growing. It's an extremely frustrating sight to say the least. I literally have to watch myself as I sometimes just blurt out my angered opinion aloud. It's estimated that 50 million animals a year are killed on fur farms alone. This staggering figure excludes rabbits being killed for their fur. If rabbits are included, the death toll could exceed one billion. Now it's believed that animals killed on fur farms are a by-product of the agriculture industry. However, this couldn't be farther from the truth. Factory Farms and Fur factory farms are exclusive to their own industry, the only unfortunate similarity is that all animals will endure immeasurable amounts of pain and suffering, and all at the hands of human beings.

The innocent animals on fur farms live in extremely tiny cages where their movement is almost completely restricted. They are left out in the pouring rain, in the dead of winter and in the hot bathing sun with no where to go. They live in constant fear and distress, which leads to mental and physical determent. No non-human animal deserves to be treated this way, and yet there is no complete ban on fur production or fur trading in any country around the world.

I sincerely hope that more, and more people continue to get educated on where their garments come from, and refuse to buy anything made from any animal. We as consumers believe it or not, have the power to change things for the better. We have the ability to make choices in our everyday lives, and the choices we make really do have an impact on other beings around the world. If im beings honest, it's actually quite simple, animals are suffering everyday and if the choices you make are causing this suffering, then make a different choice. Im sure that you could live without that scarf, or pair of boots. To me it isn't justifiable to exploit, or kill any animal for any reason. They are living breathing 'SENTIENT' beings, whom deserve to roam this planet in peace and harmony. 

The video that I've posted below, isn't of the greatest quality, as it was done on my stills-camera, and whenever I zoom in and out the image always seems to distort. However, I think it captures the moment very well. The women in the video says, "I don't have the right", in referring that I don't have the right to film her without her consent, as she's putting her hand against the lens of my camera, pushing me out the door. Yet, I wonder if she asked these defenseless  animals if it was okay to end their lives so that human beings could wear their fur! This lady is nothing more than a fucking hypocrite, speciesist who is determined to cause more pain and suffering to animals so that she can make a profit. 

I think Gandhi said it best, “To my mind, the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being. I should be unwilling to take the life of a lamb for the sake of the human body.” 

I would like to thank Val, and Voice 4 Animals for organizing this most important of protests. As well as all of the other dedicated activists who came out and stood in that unforgiving chill. I feel that we did a good job on bringing more awareness on the barbaric treatment of animals on "Fur farms". 

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. 

Damian 

Protesting the 'Canadian Finals Rodeo'

It was a chillingly cold and snowy day for a protest, however, the cruelty that these animals endure on the rodeo circuit are beyond cruel and inhumane, and being out in the cold is nothing compared to what these beings are subjected to day after day for their entire lives. Little baby calves who haven't even been weaned yet, are treated as mere objects for the 'calf roping event'. This entails riding on a horse and throwing a rope around the calves neck, and then jumping off the horse and slamming them to the ground and wrapping the rest of the rope around three of it's four legs. The participant that finishes with the fastest time is declared the winner of that specific event. Just the day before our protest, a baby calf had to be euthanized on the spot as it was badly injured in an event that went horribly wrong. A participant of the rodeo stated "Quickly the calf was treated humanely, and was out of the arena and cared for by our on-sight staff and veterinarian in the most humane procedures that we have." In his quote, he's justifying that the calf was given the best care possible, but that's not the point, the point is that this specific event shouldn't even exist, and neither should the entire fucking rodeo for that matter. If the roles were reversed and little baby toddlers who were only a few weeks old were used as mere objects for sport; this alone would cause a massive outrage and be world wide news. But because they are non-human person's, they don't matter. It's an outrageous double standard, and a true knock on humanity, especially the participants and people who pay to watch it.


Now I didn't realize until after the protest that there was so much money to be made at an event such as the 'Canadian Final's Rodeo'. I believe there was a total of $1.5 million dollars at stake for the winner's of various events during the four day rodeo, that occurs every year in the month of November. It's just another unfortunate example of human beings exploiting animals out of mere entertainment and greed. I have to say that of all the protests i've ever been to, and including my time on the front lines in Taiji, Japan, i've never witnessed so much resentment and hostility toward a peaceful group of activists. They were yelling obscenities at us as they crossed the busy street, even people in their cars driving by would roll down their windows and try to get a rise out of us, or just shake their heads out of disgust. They certainly feel like no harm is being done to these animals, even though a baby calf had to be put down the night before. One older gentleman who was traveling to the event by cab rolled down his window and said, "It's the best sport in the world." I didn't say anything back, I rarely do. However, I was thinking he must be some what aloof to the other professional sports that happen without the exploitation of animals, such as hockey or football.

I  really don't know if we succeeded in changing anyone's opinion on the issue of animal exploitation in the rodeo, but one can hope. If even one mind is changed, then that is a success. Regardless on the outcome, we have to continue to speak up and lend our voice for the innocent beings who deserve to be free from the confines of such a vile industry.

“To me, you’re either an activist or an inactivist.” - Louie Psihoyos

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. A big thanks to voice for animals, and for the dedicated activists whom braved that chilly weather. Thanks also to the very dedicated activists, Anna, Sara and Val. It was great to protest with you all once again.

Damian


Below is a very short video news link on our protest.
http://globalnews.ca/video/957727/cfr-protests

(Photo was taken by 'Voice for Animal's') 

Japan Dolphin's Day 2013

Sir Winston Church Hill Square in Edmonton's downtown core was once again host for this years protest against Taiji, Japan's annual 'dolphin drive hunt', occurring every year from Sept. 1st - end of March. We were just one of over a hundred other protests happening in unison, in five different continents and numerous cities from around the world, all with the same goal, of letting the world know once again, about the continued massacre of innocent dolphins and whales in the small Southern coastal town of Taiji.  For those unaware, Taiji, Japan has been in the spotlight since 2003 when two activists from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Alex Cornelissen and Allison Lance dove into the water of the now 'infamous' Cove, and cut the nets releasing 15 dolphins that had been held captive. For their part in this matter, both Alex and Alison were arrested and spent 23 days in a Japanese prison before being released. Since this time, there have been numerous activists from around the world who have flooded to Taiji to take part in a campaign to help end the dolphin slaughter. There has also been a documentary made by director Louie Psihoyos entitled "The Cove", (Free Link http://www.putlocker.com/file/33A3CA931BAC1CF5#) which won the 2010 Academy Award for best documentary as it showcases the atrocities and exploitation being committed against these innocent citizens of the sea by a small group of fisherman.

This year's protest consisted of fifteen or so dedicated individuals who care deeply about this issue. We may have been a small group compared to many other protests, however, we certainly made a difference in my opinion on bringing attention to this issue through just our mere presence alone. We had people come up to us from coffee shops and as they were passing by asking us what we were protesting. It's great to be able to answer questions and educate others who are unaware of this issue facing dolphins. Especially here in Edmonton where it's a very right wing conservative, oil driven community that cares deeply about economic growth, but lacks concern for their environment. Obviously there are people in this city who care about the environment and all it's beings and dedicate their time to help. But as a whole, this city really does have a blatant disregard for their natural surroundings and the animals who are part of it. The 'tar sands' is only a five hour drive northeast of the city, so being a tree-hugger and advocating for animal rights and the environment in 'oil country', definitely has it's fair share of challenges.

I can't tell you how many times I've been at the grocery store or at a mall waiting in line to pay, and people ask me about sea shepherd because of the shirt on my back, and I always talk about the 'plight of the dolphins' in Taiji, and yet nobody seems to know what's going on. The' Cove' has been out for almost four years now, and people here have never heard of it. It's astonishing to me, and also a realization that protests on the regular are needed here to help educate, and also to bring awareness on the issue of captivity and swim with the dolphin programs and what they can do to help.

I would like to thank all the dedicated and compassionate individuals who came out to this years protest. I know that each and everyone of them will be at the next one.

"You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing there will be no results." - Mahatma Gandhi

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

Damian

Below is a link to a video interview I did with Doug Brinkman of 'Civil Information Activism'. (CIActivist.org) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsskvn1JaqY

A screening of "Sharkwater"

Wednesday Aug. 7th was a great night for a screening. The weather was nice, the sun was out, and all of us here at Fin Free Edmonton were extremely excited for the event. A lot of hard work went into organizing this special screening of 'Sharkwater' directed by Rob Stewart, from talking to radio stations, to handing out flyers, as well as organizing and manning the merchandise stand at the event.  It was a big team effort and everyone came through with shinning colors. I've been involved with Fin Free Edmonton for over six months now, and it's been a really great experience thus far. Everyone on the team are concerned about the threat and depletion of the oceans, and are dedicated to making a difference one step at a time to conserve and protect biodiversity starting with sharks.

I would like to thank everyone over at United Conservationists for giving us the rights in order to screen the film, as well as the Garneau theatre for being such a gracious host.

It really was a great event, and the film definitely speaks for itself. I truly believe it’s the best documentary of it’s kind on giving viewers an in depth look into the rapid depletion of shark populations due to the “finning industry”, as well as a lot of insight into the misconception of sharks and how important they are to us as a species, as well as how important they are for the balance of the oceans and all other life for whom we share this planet with. If you haven’t seen this film, you definitely need to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI1YBCMqbik (free link online).

A big thanks to everyone who came out and supported our cause. I sincerely hope that each person who attended left with some knowledge on the issues facing our oceans, and what they can do to help. Just because we don't live near an ocean here in Edmonton, doesn't mean we're not affected by what happens in the oceans; and it doesn't mean that we can't do something to help.

"The oceans are the heart and foundation for all civilization on this planet, and if the ocean's die we die." - Captain Paul Watson

Thanks for taking time to read my blog.

Damian

(This photo was taken by Rosey Ramone)