Here is an informative interview with Nathan Runkle, founder and executive director of Mercy for Animals.  MFA is a national non-profit animal advocacy organization that has gone undercover to expose some of the worst cases of animal cruelty imaginable.  Consuming anything from an animal involves cruelty on some level– eating an egg is eating a steak is eating a piece of cheese.  Please keep in mind that MFA does not go looking for the worst cases of animal cruelty in order to document it and show it to the public to shock us into choosing a compassionate diet.  Sadly, this is the norm.  I would have a hard time finding anyone who actually supports cruelty to animals and, yet, vegans only make up 0.2% of the American adult population.

Here’s a snippet from the interview:

If someone wants to help animals, what’s the best way for them to become more active? How can people support MFA?

There is a special place for each person within the animal advocacy movement. I’m a strong believer that no matter who you are, where you’re from, how old you are, or what your background is, you can take your own special and unique skills and talents and put them to use making the world a kinder place for animals.

Great chefs can teach vegan cooking classes, teachers can get involved in humane education programs, lawyers can participate in animal law efforts, and students can promote veganism to fellow students. The animals need strong voices on so many fronts.

I think, in a general sense, the best thing people can do to get active is to simply speak up about farmed animal abuse and veganism – wear message t-shirts, put a bumper sticker on your car, wear a pin, distribute literature, have conversations with friends, family, and strangers about the issues, write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, and share and promote information and videos with your circle of contacts on Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Twitter, and other social networking sites.

I’d also suggest contacting local and national organizations about internship programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can get involved with national campaigns on a local level.

MFA also has a list of ways people can get active for animals within their communities at http://mercyforanimals.org/action-center.aspx

MFA exists and is able to carry out its lifesaving work because of the generosity and support of kindhearted individuals who share our vision of a world where animals live free of unnecessary suffering. I encourage readers to consider making a financial contribution to support MFA’s life-saving campaigns. I also encourage people to volunteer, intern, and spread the word about MFA. You can find a wealth of resources and information on getting involved and becoming a member at MercyForAnimals.org.

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