Animal Rights

We believe that all animals have a right to live, and to live in the way most appropriate to them. They are important and valuable in themselves--they are not objects for human use.

The view that animals exist as mere tools or resources for human use is widespread and deep-seated in our society. AVA speaks out against all types of animal abuse.

October 28, 2011: AVA friends and supporters who live in the Town of Markham.

The Town of Markham is considering a ban on the sale of shark fins (read CBC news article). Recently Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga and Brantford have passed bans. Two Markham councillors are opposed to the ban. Please contact your councillor and let them know that you support this ban. Click here for contact information for Markham's councillors and Mayor.

Changing Public Attitudes

As part of the burgeoning animal rights movement, AVA is working at the grassroots level to change public opinion and consumer habits. Besides holding public protests, AVA distributes educational literature at appropriate events and through the mail. Young people who are interested in fighting animal abuse and/or obtaining information for school projects receive letters of encouragement and substantial information packages when they apply to AVA for help.

AVA encourages all its members, and all who care about animals, to educate themselves and others, and to make their own lives as cruelty-free as possible.

Animal Alliance of Canada - for local animal welfare issues, animal legislative and environmental issues
Ban Shock Collars - A Canadian group whose long-term goal is to promote a ban on the sale and use of shock collars with animals

Fur

AVA deplores and cannot condone the use of any fur product. Please see the following websites and links to read up on the horrific practices for the production of fur.

• PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) - Animals used for Clothing
• International Anti-Fur Coalition - an umbrella group with over 60 anti-fur groups from all across the globe

Canadian Commercial Seal Hunt

The largest and cruelest marine slaughter in the world.

• Canada's Shame - information and videos on Canada's "shame"
• Sea Shepherd Conservation Society - working to abolish all marine slaughter and cruelty around the world

Sport Hunting and Blood Sports

AVA opposes all hunting and blood sports such as bullfighting, dog fighting, cock fighting , bear baiting etc.

• World Society for the Protection of Animals
• Friends of Animals - non-profit animal advocacy organization in the United States

Animals in Entertainment (Rodeos, Circuses, Zoos and Aquariums ...)

We oppose the use of all animals in rodeos, circuses and the entertainment industry.

• Friends of Animals - a non-profit animal advocacy organization in the United States
• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - PETA
• The Animals Voice - great website covering most animal rights issues and excellent information on animals used for entertainment.
• Zoocheck Canada - a national charity protecting the lives and rights of wild animals and specifically animals in captivity.

Animal Testing and Laboratory Animals

AVA promotes and demands the implementation of humane, effective non-animal tests by governments and corporations and encourages all of us to only buy cruelty-free products

• The National Anti-Vivisection Society - a national not-for-profit educational organization that promotes scientific non-animal research and testing.
• Cosmetic Testing - Canadian Federation of Humane Society's pages on animal testing and animals used in research.

Animals for Food/Vegetarianism

AVA promotes compassion for all animals and that includes farm animals. We promote vegetarianism by serving vegetarian foods at all public events and meetings.

• Toronto Vegetarian Association - promotes healthy eating, compassion for animals and sustainable living.
• Canadians for the Ethical Treatment of Farm Animals - farm animal based advocacy group that does real investigations into the welfare and handling of farm animals.
• Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals - great educational website about factory farming and farm animal practices in Canada.