Muzzling a Movement: The Effects of Anti-Terrorism Law, Money, and Politics on Animal Activism

by Dara Lovitz

In Muzzling the Movement, lawyer Dara Lovitz presents an in-depth and tightly argued analysis of the case of the SHAC-7. She reveals the history behind the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, examines the tendentious and speculative government case against the SHAC activists, and in so doing shows how the U.S. government has deeply compromised the freedom of speech and protest enshrined in the Constitution. The ability to protest peacefully and to voice unpopular opinions without being arrested and imprisoned arbitrarily are cornerstones of the U.S. Constitution, and are the reasons why, in spite of the many limitations imposed upon sectors of its society over the centuries, the dominant order has been forced to change to allow people of color, women, and others to take their place in society. Animals raised for their flesh or body products, however, remain without even the most basic natural rights: to move around, to associate with their conspecifics, to breathe clean air, and to nest or wallow or graze. They have no choice but to rely, as do all non-human animals, on human beings to speak up for them and articulate those basic rights, as well as to challenge those who are either indifferent to, or actively complicit in harming, their welfare. Since the passage of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) in 2006, however, the ability to document abuses, draw attention to the horrors, and raise public awareness about the suffering of animals in factory farms or scientific laboratories has been substantially curtailed. Muzzling the Movement is an in-depth and tightly argued analysis of the case of the SHAC-7, the organization whose supposed activities ultimately led to the passage of the AETA. Lawyer Dara Lovitz reveals the history behind the AETA, examines the tendentious and speculative government case against the SHAC activists, and in so doing shows how the U.S. government has deeply compromised the freedom of speech and protest enshrined in the Constitution.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Law, Activism

180 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2010

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animal advocates of all stripes won't want to miss this slim, but eye-opening, volume. At first, I surmised Muzzling a Movement would not contain information particularly applicable to my life as a quiet, law-abiding, letter-writing activist. The author clearly makes the case that some industries and government agencies are painting all activists with the same broad brush, and they may not be pleased until all are silenced--from the militant to the mainstream.

Early on, the author gives a brief roundup of the many ways animals are used and abused in modern society. This will be nothing new to animal advocates, but to newcomers it will give an idea as to why some people dedicate their lives to helping other beings. I was pleased to see the author seems to be a part of the movement itself; I felt I was speaking with a knowledgeable peer instead of an "outsider looking in," as in some other animal rights law books.

The rest of the book is mostly dedicated to the federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) and its predecessors, and the law's effects on animal activists and organizations. Of most interest to me was the author's meticulous reporting on the various Congressional hearings on the animal rights and environmental movements. (I had no idea they cared about us so much!) Perhaps not surprisingly, the government's main targets are those activists who act outside the law. However, it soon becomes clear that legislators are out to attack even the most mainstream humane organizations. And why not? Lovitz outlines the huge campaign contributions animal-use industries bestow upon the lawmakers who spew the most vitriol against animal protection. Unimaginable profits are at stake.

I'm still not fully convinced of Lovitz's contention that the animal rights movement has been effectively "muzzled." American animal protection groups are the most supported, most effective, and most high-profile in the world. Animal abuse industries of course want to see that changed, so that's why it's so important to keep a close watch on their political and PR maneuverings.

As I closed this book, an old phrase came to mind: "If you're not afraid, you're not paying attention."

[Claire Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short but punchy, informative and deeply disturbing book about the repression faced by animal rights' activists in the U.S. - and these laws are on their way to Australia. As every activist should know first they come for one group, then another and eventually you so it's important to all stand together against this attack on activism.