Animal activists outline their own cruel tactics

Of all the off-the-wall statements made by speakers at HSUS’ Taking Action for Animals Conference and the National Animal Rights Conference this summer, there is one I just can’t quite get out of my head. “When it is time to launch a campaign, find a vulnerable target, prepare everything for at least a few weeks and then assemble an overwhelming force to utilize from day one. The crueler it is, the quicker the fight is over.”  This gem was offered by David Coman-Hidy of The Humane League, speaking in a session titled “Engaging Institutions: Getting food processors, distributors and servers to reduce the use of animals.” Coman-Hidy continued, stating that once the activists achieve a “victory” and get a public statement from a company, they should start over with a new company and under no circumstances give a reprieve. “When the competition is drowning, stick a hose in their mouth.”  With statements like this, I find it unbelievable that food companies would ever work with – and I know there is a very loose definition here of “work with” – groups like The Humane League. And yet, some food brands have mentioned the group in press releases announcing animal care policies.