Areas represented included London, Portsmouth, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Somerset, Bristol, Southampton, Cirencester, Evesham, Oxford, Midlands, Bedford, Reading, Plymouth, Torquay, Nottingham, SE Wales, Birmingham and _Iceland_!

As people gathered at the venue there was a chance to forge stronger links between the groups in attendance, many of whom had stalls distributing literature and other resources. An excellent choice of food was provided by new mid-Devon vegan caterers, Fair Foods.

After an explanation of consensus based decision making, and clarification of the role of Indymedia in reporting the meeting, there were discussions about the current state of the campaign for Animal Rights.

It was urged that anyone using the internet or other forms of media be extremely careful of what they say as speculation can harm any relevant court cases that may be underway.

The debate began with concerns raised about the increasing levels of repression faced by all activists, and AR activists in particular. One case highlighted was the recent arrest under section 4 of activists by police who knocked at the door dressed as postmen. This was related to a demonstration against a fur stockist, who claimed that the activists had raised their voice at her (though witnesses assert they were shouting at the shop itself for some time before she decided to walk through the door). This is seen by many as part of a wider campaign to scare younger and newer members of grassroots animal rights groups, and to stifle their right to lawful protest.

Just a day before the meeting, it was reported on Indymedia another example of excessive policing of a legal and peaceful anti-fur protest, which led to the activists involved being forcibly carried away in full view of the public.

It was pointed out that most of the current police repression of the movement seems to be directed at those campaigning against vivisection, as opposed to campaigns without big corporate interest such as opposing the use of animals in circuses, zoo's etc. The recent disproportionate sentences for SHAC activists were cited as an example of this.

The policing of the G20 Meltdown protests in London, and in particular the extended use of "kettling" tactics, was raised with a question as to whether this was an indication of things to come for the AR movement. In reply it was generally recognised that it was in fact the other way around, that the police have been using the animal rights movement as a training tool for years in ways involving ever greater repression. It was noted that attempts have been made to raise this point with groups campaigning on other issues for some time, that the right to protest was being slowly taken away, but that few had listened until now.

It was however noted that policing of AR issues had undergone something of a quiet patch for the last year, with the focus instead shifting to massive intelligence gathering leading to several high profile arrests rather than overt confrontation on mass demonstrations. A call was made for activists to give some thought to protecting themselves a bit more, with the tactics of groups such as FITWatch being held up as a good example. The thought was that typically, AR activists tend to be more selfless as they focus on others and the eventual goal of animal liberation. The affinity group model was given as a good method for future protests.

The topic then briefly strayed onto the involvement of Liberty in the case of some people being blocked in a pub during the protest by the police. It was pointed out that Liberty do not tend to get involved in AR issues, preferring instead to follow mainstream public opinions in order to generate positive publicity for themselves. With AR being increasingly marginalised and portrayed as 'extremism' by the mainstream media, despite massive evidence to the contrary, Liberty have not been very helpful to the cause.

It was suggested that other protest groups such as the Climate Camp, which may have compatible objectives, be invited to ARC meetings. It was felt that there were more suitable ways to collaborate, for example with grassroots AR activists having a strong presence at other events, such as the Climate Camp itself.

The affinity group tactics of Earth First, Climate Camp and others were discussed and it was agreed that these work well. The model of only including friends who you know well means that there is less possibility of infiltration, cutting off the intelligence supply that the police depend upon Without a visible leadership structure their current tactics of identification and elimination falls apart. The last national Sequani demonstration was considered a success because people were doing their own thing. It was also noted that small groups may be able to break out of police kettles through cooperation, something that was seen on numerous occasions at the G20 protest. The strength of the AR movement was built on the foundations of many small local groups united under a common goal, and a return to this was necessary to revive the movement it was felt. Also, within small groups it meant that everyone had to pull their weight (though this doesn't always happen and people need to be on guard for this).

It was noted that the big marches are important because, whilst they may not achieve anything in themselves, they create unity in the movement and attract new members which is essential if the movement is to survive. Presenting a good side to the public through the media on these marches was mentioned many times as being essential.

Activist groups in Russia and Mexico were praised by all present for the dedication and solidarity they have shown to the Animal Rights movement worldwide, often holding mass demonstrations in support of actions by UK groups and our prisoners. It is felt that they are having their 'early eighties' now in terms of grassroots campaigning, and that all AR activists should do all they can to support and encourage them.

As the meeting tailed towards the lunch break, several quick points were raised. One was a mention for the Animals Count party which is to stand in several local elections. It was felt that AR activists could be helping the party by lobbying and volunteering assistance where possible. Networks of contacts are available to help integrate groups together for this aim

Finally, the important issue of how the public perceives the AR movement was again discussed, with particular relevance to the World Day for Animals march in London. It was suggested that those attending does not go 'masked up' in such a way as to appear threatening to the public. It was suggested that anyone wishing not to be filmed by the media/police/whoever could to wear an animal mask or similar. It was vital that this march passes off in a non-threatening manner.

The route for the march has been agreed, and will follow a route shown via http://www.wdail.org

The importance of this demonstration in terms of unity for the movement was again highlighted, and everyone present was urged to take leaflets and posters, and to encourage as many from their local areas to attend as possible, including new members.

At this point a break was called and more food available from Fair Foods.

The second half of the meeting shifted to setting the agenda for forthcoming demonstrations for people to add to their groups calendars.

Dates coming up

National solidarity day for animals in zoos and circuses
10-13th April (now gone but see http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/04/427438.html)

WORLD DAY FOR LAB ANIMALS MARCH London - 25th April

Very important!!! Last one was in 1994 with 15000 attending.

National organisations like Animal Aid, BUAV and other have been generally supportive and some will have stalls at the rally.

The rally is partly a response to repression that the movement has been suffering in recent years, particularly in relation to lab protests, so needs to show the public the positive message of the anti-vivisection movement.

Route will go through Picadilly, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall and will turn political as the march goes past Downing Street and Parliament Square to a rally at Millbank.

Show the government and media that we are strong movement. Bring animal or scientists masks if you don't want to be filmed. Keep discipline. Be firm.

People will be able to leaflet the public, although there may be designated people to do this.

Veggie Pride UK Birmingham - 16th May 2009

This is a celebration not a protest, with a march and festival in Victoria Square, with samba band, entertainment, stalls etc. The event is modeled on Veggie Pride in New York, Paris and elsewhere.

Help is needed with fundraising - only a few struggling to get it all together. See feature at http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/04/427246.html

International Animal Rights Gathering

See http://www.activistgathering.net//

It is important to attend as this is what creates a worldwide movement. Travel to Oslo may require advance planning, especially if avoiding air travel (climate change kills animals too). Minibuses or trains may be possible? Also try on gumtree and freewheelers to get a lift.

Other Events

SHAC Customers - possible demos:

- Barclays AGM - 23rd April at QEII Conference Centre, Westminster at 11am.
- Astra Zenica AGM - Thursday 30th April, London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 6JP at 2.30 pm

UK Animal Rights Gathering - 28-31st August

http://www.veggies.org.uk/event.php?ref=1502

Welsh Badger Cull

Campaigns are being directed to the Welsh Assembly. People outside Wales are asked to boycott Welsh holidays and Welsh products. There is a 'National Badger Day' on October 3rd, which could be used to focus attention on the proposed cull.

Wickham Laboratories

A planning application to build at Torbay Farm is to be heard at the end of May at Winchester Town Hall. Demos will coincide with the application, and an annual national demo will be held mid-September.

SPEAK Campaigns

Boycott Oxford - London Demo - Saturday 2nd May
Meet 10am outside Victoria Coach Station, London.

Tourism is worth a whopping £576 million each year to the Oxford economy. This is an opportunity to infornm tourists of the tremendous animal suffering that occurs in Oxford and to ask them to boycott Ocford while it remains a city of animal abuse.

Oxford University Degree Ceremony Demo - Saturday 9th May, 23rd May and 13th June.

Cruise Anti-Fur Day of Action - May 2nd

Cruise has around 20 fashion shops across the UK. Its fashion range includes items made of real fur, even though the production of fur is now illegal in the UK, and the vast majority of the public is totally opposed to this barbaric trade. All the fur sold in Cruise must therefore be imported from countries which still allow the horrendous cruelty of fur factory farms and the vicious leghold or gin trap.

Groups are requested to hold demos at all Cruise stores - even if a particular store claims not to be stocking fur, the company as a whole is still responsible. See http://www.caft.org.uk/cruise/cruise_action.htm

Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC)

SHAC campaigns continue around the country and worldwide, mainly targetting shareholders.

See Indymedia SHAC Topic Page at http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/actions/2008/shac/

Indymedia Animal Liberation Topic Page : http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/topics/animalliberation/

UK Animal Rights Calendar : http://www.veggies.org.uk/arc.php