Animal Rights Initiative

? We’re thrilled to announce three new legislative updates! - The first two made possible by dedicated members of our Animal Policy Accelerator Program! ? ?? ?? New Jersey: Commitment to introduce a foie gras prohibition via ASW Peterpaul protecting animals and public health. Support the NJ action here: https://tinyurl.com/FGNJ1 ?? Massachusetts: Commitment to introduce a bill to ban octopus farming via Rep. Hendricks has been secured! Support the MA action here: https://lnkd.in/gJWxTxBG ?? Oregon: The Octopus bill has officially been filed by Rep. Hudson and assigned HB 2557! Support the OR action here: https://tinyurl.com/OROCT1 Our members are turning their passion into powerful advocacy to create lasting change for animals. We couldn’t be more proud to advocate with them! Want to help? Take action today by clicking the links above or donate here: https://lnkd.in/gyWrPrzX #animaladvocacy #octopus #foiegras #magret #vegan #plantbased #animalactivist #veganadvocacy #legislationforanimals #endanimalcruelty #massachusetts #newjersey #oregon #publichealth #animalpolicyaccelerator #oregon

We are thrilled to announce that on November 14th, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (D-Bergen/Passaic) introduced our landmark bill (#A5078), in the New Jersey General Assembly to prohibit the farming of octopus within the state. Assembly Members Christian Barranco (R-Morris/Passaic) and Cody Miller (D-Atlantic/Camden/Gloucester) joined as joint sponsors, underscoring bipartisan commitment to protecting New Jersey’s marine ecosystems from the ecological and economic threats posed by octopus farming. If passed, New Jersey would join Washington and California in prohibiting octopus farming, further solidifying a national trend to address the environmental, economic, and ethical challenges associated with this emerging industry. This legislation aims to safeguard New Jersey’s marine habitats and fisheries, which are already under significant strain, and prevent irreversible harm. The need for legislative action is urgent as companies plan to industrialize octopus farming, with the capacity to produce one million octopuses annually. Such operations come with a staggering 10-15% mortality rate translating to 150,000 premature deaths each year. These mortality rates highlight the unsuitability of octopuses for farming. Octopus farming poses particular risks for New Jersey’s marine life. Octopuses are voracious predators of crabs and other shellfish, relying on a 3:1 feed-to-production ratio. This means that for every pound of octopus produced, three pounds of protein—largely crabs—are consumed. Blue crabs and horseshoe crabs, which are already protected under New Jersey law due to dwindling populations, would face further predation if octopuses escape from farming operations. Additionally, farmed octopuses can release coccidial parasite spores, which infect crabs when they consume these spores. Once infected, the crabs act as carriers, spreading the parasites to wild octopus populations and other marine species. This cycle of reinfection would further destabilize New Jersey’s vulnerable crab populations and the ecosystems that depend on them. Other harmful pathogens, such as Ichthyobodo protozoa, scuticociliates, and Vibrio bacteria, thrive in high-density farming environments, increasing the risk of skin lesions and bacterial contamination. These diseases can spread from farmed to wild populations. New Jersey has also experienced a 30% increase in harmful algal blooms (HABs) since 2017. The nitrogen and phosphorus rich waste from industrial octopus farming would exacerbate bacterial contamination in waterways, intensify HAB occurrences, and lead to increased beach closures, harming tourism and local economies . “The science is clear: octopus farming is unsustainable and poses catastrophic risks to New Jersey’s fragile marine ecosystem,” said Kerrie Espuga, New Jersey State Director for Animal Rights Initiative (ARI). “This legislation ensures we are taking proactive measures to protect our marine habitats and ensuring biosecurity.”

BREAKING: Starbucks Drops Plant-Based Milk Surcharge! Starbucks has finally eliminated the surcharge on plant-based milk, marking a huge victory for accessibility and ethical pricing! Animal Rights Initiative is proud to have organized multiple nationwide days of action, including a remarkable 100-day-in-a-row protest at their headquarters in Seattle, alongside over 250 protests, outreach events, social media campaigns, and continued legislative work, to help make this change a reality. We believe that enforcing price equality will allow true consumer supply and demand to take effect, helping to naturally regulate markets and drive subsidies toward plant-based development. Price gouging for plant-based alternatives is an unethical business practice that too many restaurant owners continue simply because “everyone else is doing it.” By charging extra for non-dairy options, businesses are creating unnecessary barriers to health, environmental preservation, and accessibility. These added costs can even stigmatize those of different religious backgrounds and anyone needing healthier, more sustainable choices. In places like NY and CA, it’s already illegal to charge more for the same product if it’s advertised specifically toward women. Eliminating this surcharge sets a vital precedent that ensures fair pricing for plant-based alternatives. Thank you to everyone who stood with us at each rally, sent comments, and voiced your support. Special shout out to Switch4Good Inc. and PETA for their powerful contributions to this campaign! This step is proof of the power of multi-faceted collective action and a reminder to keep pushing for a future where animals are not commodified for any reason. #animalrights #plantbased #starbucks #fairpricing #vegan #ethicalbusiness #stoppricegouging #sustainableliving #animalrightsinitiative #veganactivism #dairyfree Starbucks

We are two weeks into our Animal Policy Accelerator Program, and we are incredibly proud to share that our five VIP mentees have successfully crafted *16* bills for the 2025 legislative session. These bills target critical areas such as factory farming, research practices, animals used for entertainment, breeding mills, glue traps, and more - aiming to bring critical change for millions of animals. ???? This remarkable milestone is a testament to the dedication and hard work of these passionate activists. They have demonstrated an exciting and energizing commitment to ending animal suffering. Please join us in celebrating their work and give them a follow (see post on IG) to watch their journeys as they continue to advocate for these vital changes. ?? While our VIP memberships are sold out, you can still join our lite membership to watch, learn, and support these incredible efforts alongside the group. Our next virtual meetup and workshop is on Monday, September 2, at 7 PM Eastern Time! To find out more about the program and/or join, please follow the link in our bio or go here: https://lnkd.in/gnBZ96K3 To make a donation to support this project: https://lnkd.in/g6vwpFEn Animal Rights Initiative is a 501(c)(3) charity working to protect our natural biodiversity and end animal suffering. All donations are tax-deductible #animalrights #legislation #advocacy #policychange #impactadvocacy #animalpolicyacceleratorprogram #animalrightsinitiative #vegan #plantbased #activism #governmentoutreach

?? California Senate Passes Historic Octopus Farming Ban 37-0, Sends Bill to Governor's Desk?? Sacramento, CA – In a significant victory for animal welfare, the California Senate has passed AB 3162 37-0, a groundbreaking measure that would ban the farming and sale of farmed octopus meat in the state. The bill, which follows the world's first ban on octopus farming enacted in Washington State earlier this year, now heads to Governor Newsom’s desk. When signed into law, CA will become the second state in the U.S. to prohibit the commercial farming of these intelligent and sentient creatures. The Governor has until 9/30 to sign. AB 3162 also includes a critical provision that rejects the import of commercially farmed octopus, ensuring that California’s stance against octopus farming extends beyond its borders. Animal Rights Initiative (ARI), the organization behind the successful passage of the WA ban, played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of AB 3162. ARI supplied research, fact sheets, and testimonials to key local agencies, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF ) and Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), in November 2023 to help get this bill introduced. Amanda Fox, Executive Director of ARI, testified in favor of the bill during the committee hearing in April this year, along with Tessa Gonzalez of Aquatic Life Institute. Fox used scientific evidence against octopus farming, stating: "A compilation of over 300 studies finds octopuses to be highly intelligent, complex, sentient creatures with an exceptional capacity to feel pain and comprehend suffering, concluding that high-welfare farming of them is not possible." Fox also addressed the environmental factors: "Requiring three pounds of crab and fish to produce one pound of octopus, crabbing would need to intensify, killing millions more animals per year. The vast amount of waste generated from such a voracious diet will inevitably cause algal blooms and dead zones in the water, suffocating local wildlife to death." “California officials have ended the crabbing season early the last two years in a row, imposing new regulations to protect humpback whales and other endangered species from being caught in crabbing gear,”?highlighting that octopus farming operations would intensify crabbing and cause further harm to the state’s biodiversity. In closing, Fox emphasized that: "California will be resounding to the world that the ethical treatment of animals and biosecurity are not compromisable." ARI is also pioneering similar legislative efforts in Hawaii, Oregon, and several more states to introduce comparable bills later this year. The organization believes that continuing to advance state-level legislation will build momentum for the federal ban on octopus farming. For more information, please contact: Amanda Fox [email protected] #banoctopusfarms

We are announcing the Animal Policy Accelerator Program: A 10-month mentorship to passionate activists or organizations that want to add policy to their advocacy. You absolutely can create the change you want to see, and we can help you! Participants in the multi-level program benefit from a blend of 20 biweekly one-on-one coaching sessions and 20 interactive workshops. The workshops, accessible to all levels of membership, provide a platform for VIPs to address their challenges in a “hot-seat” setting, receive training, and hear from special guest speakers. VIP members also enjoy exclusive access to a Zoom workspace, enabling continuous collaboration, hosting meetings with legislators, and attending office hours with the program coordinator. The program includes tools and templates you need to be successful such as meeting requests, endorsement forms, petitions, testimonials and press releases. Additionally, participants can opt for “Do-It-For-You” professional lobbying presentations and fact sheet creation services, so even after the workshops if you still need our help, you can get it. Members also gain access to an exclusive convention and awards ceremony, where members and legislators gather to discuss strategies, share successes, receive awards, and plan priorities for the upcoming year. We are getting started on August 19th! Sign up now. The best part is that all fundraiser proceeds are a tax-deductible donation to our 501c3 charity. To find out more, go to the Animal Policy Accelerator Program page: https://lnkd.in/gN_cXumR

?? Major Announcement! ?? We are excited to say that Washington will be introducing a bill to prohibit exotic animals from performing in traveling acts in the upcoming legislative session! ?? We’re proud to work with Representative Leavitt to champion this bill. ?? ?? 10 States and over 200 localities in the U.S. have passed various restrictions governing the use of certain exotic animals in circuses and other traveling shows. ?? Animals in circuses suffer tremendous physical, psychological, and emotional trauma.?Elephants, lions, tigers, and other animals are taken away from their mothers at a very young age and brought up in solitary confinement where they cannot exhibit natural behaviors.??? Statistics show that the average time that the animals are caged is in excess of 26 hours, and in some cases, it can be as long as 75 or 100 hours. Additionally, escaped animals pose significant risks to public health and safety. Hundreds of people, including many children, have been injured by exotic animals used in circuses and traveling shows. ?? We are determined to enact this legislation to encourage those remaining in the industry to permanently switch to fully human-based and digitally created performances, and make Washington State a more humane place for animals. ?? Please sign our Endorsement form - https://lnkd.in/gdvBJ7JP ?? Please consider a monthly donation to help us advance this and other bills to protect animals - https://lnkd.in/g6vwpFEn ?? Stay tuned for action items & more updates on this as we continue to expand our fight to protect these and other magnificent animals. #ARI #CircusBill #AnimalRightsInitiative

?? Breaking News! ?? We are elated to announce that Hawaii will be joining the states introducing a bill to prohibit octopus farming in the upcoming legislative session! ?? We’re excited to work with Representative Evslin to champion this bill. This pushes us to 10% of U.S. states with legislation by 2025. ?? Please consider a monthly donation to help us keep expanding this bill - https://lnkd.in/g6vwpFEn ?? Stay tuned for action items & more updates on this as we continue to expand our fight to protect these and other magnificent animals. #ARI #AnimalRightsInitiative #AnimalAdvocacy #BanOctopusFarms #Hawaii

?? Big News! ?? ARI is thrilled to announce that Connecticut will be joining the states introducing a bill to prohibit octopus farming in 2025! ?? We’re excited to work with Representatives Michel, Hughes and others to champion this legislation. ?? Stay tuned for action items & more updates on this as we continue to expand our fight to protect these and other magnificent animals. Don’t forget to DM us if you want to help in your state! ?? Resident support is crucial. animalrightsinitiative.org #octopusfarmingprohibition #animalrights #ARI #animalrightsinitiative #veganactivism #animalprotection #animalwelfare #animaladvocacy #vegancommunity?#vegan #justiceforanimals #BanOctopusFarms #plantbased #plantbasedtreaty #connecticut

Awesome News! ARI is thrilled to announce that Oregon will join the states introducing a bill to prohibit octopus farming in 2025! We’re proud to work with Representative Zach Hudson to champion this legislation. We look forward to collaborating with Animal Rights Collective Portland (ARCPDX) and the @aquaticlifeinstitute to move the bill through the legislative process. Give them a follow too and stay tuned for critical action items & more updates on this as we continue to expand our fight to protect these highly intelligent and sentient creatures. Don’t forget to DM us if you work with a group that can help rally community engagement in your state! Resident support is crucial. animalrightsinitiative.org #octopusfarmingprohibition #animalrights #ARI #animalrightsinitiative #veganactivism #animalprotection #animalwelfare #animaladvocacy #vegancommunity #ARCPDX #AquaticLifeInstitute #vegan #justiceforanimals #BanOctopusFarms #plantbased #plantbasedtreaty