Why Mercy For Animals Stands in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter

Since its inception, Mercy For Animals has known that fighting for the rights of any oppressed group helps protect the rights of all. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and join in demanding meaningful action to create a world where everyone is respected, protected, and free from bigotry and systemic racism.

Mercy For Animals has released an official statement:
We are deeply disturbed by the senseless killing of George Floyd by the police—and the suffering of so many under systemic racism and oppression. We stand in solidarity with protestors around the United States and the world speaking out and with everyone fighting for a more compassionate and equitable society.
As an organization committed to actively fighting injustice, we are supporting team members who want to take part in Black Lives Matter protests or who need to process this tragedy.

Injustice and hate erode values we all hold dear, like compassion, respect, and equality. We must all work toward a world where everyone is truly free from oppression. Here are some actions you can take to stand up against racial injustice:

Follow Organizations, Movements, and Activists Committed to Racial Justice

Prominent ones include Black Lives Matter, SURJ, and Black Visions Collective.

Speak with Decision-Makers in Your Community

Reach out to people in positions of power, and demand meaningful action for racial justice.

Learn More

Read books and articles from Black authors, and share their work with others. You can find books, podcasts, and other resources here, here, and here. Listen to Black voices, and follow them on social media. Actress and influencer Tabitha Brown recently posted on Instagram:
Killing, hurting, hating, and fearing people because of the color of their skin means they aren’t being seen as human! I’ve experienced more racism in my lifetime than I can count. It’s not fair, it’s not right, but sadly it’s true and it exists! Racism is a Pandemic and we have to find a cure! We all must do our part. I choose to spread love while spreading awareness! I believe it can be done without violence. I believe that with my entire heart. Peace and Love for all humanity.
Racism is ingrained in our politics, legal system, and economy—and our food system. In North Carolina, for instance, factory farms have disproportionately harmed Black residents, and the USDA continues to keep cow’s milk in dietary guidelines, despite evidence that most people of color are lactose intolerant.

While we encourage our supporters to learn and take action, we are also reflecting on how we as an organization can do more to make the animal protection movement racially inclusive and equitable. Together, we can create a more compassionate world for everyone.