Vegan activist says protesters shouldn’t target meat-eaters and farmers

An Australian veteran vegan activist has spoken out saying militant protesters who are targeting farmers don’t really understand animal rights. 

Cameron Blewett, 46, said activists who storm steak-houses and farms should ‘lead by example’ if they want people to change and avoid aggravating others.

‘As a vegan, I still live a decent life. I’m still a functional member of society. I wouldn’t upset people,’ Mr Blewett told Daily Mail Australia. 

The vegan commentator added activism is misunderstood and isn’t limited to what we see now on the news. 

‘I buy plant-based products, I wear a very pro vegan shirt and I have a vegan tattoo on my wrist. All this is still activism,’ he said.

 

Australian vegan commentator Cameron Blewett (pictured) says militant activists don’t really understand the real meaning of animal rights

Mr Blewett, a former animal hunter and shooter, became a vegan over 25 years ago before the way of life became a viral sensation on the internet.

The blogger, who runs Vegan Police, told Daily Mail Australia common forms of vegan activism such as targeting meat-eaters and chaining themselves to abattoirs doesn’t work in Australia.

‘It’s just how human nature works. If you put up a sign saying ”wet paint do not touch”, people will touch it. If you say ”don’t eat meat”, they will do it,’ Mr Blewett said.

‘To a certain extent we question things. We want to test it for ourselves. People want to push boundaries to prove someone wrong.’

He added well-known vegan activist groups such as Direct Action Everywhere, who follow popular protesting methods, are ‘leading people down the wrong path’.

‘They’re only catering to a small, particular crowd,’ the 46-year-old said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Direct Action Everywhere for comment.  

Mr Blewett said mainstream activists who storm through steak-houses and farms should consider educating themselves first (pictured: protesters at Sydney's Martin Place)

Mr Blewett said mainstream activists who storm through steak-houses and farms should consider educating themselves first (pictured: protesters at Sydney’s Martin Place) 

'Animal welfare is considering how animals are treated. Animal rights is recognising animals have the same moral rights as any other living being,' he said (pictured: protesters entering Lemontree Feedlot)

‘Animal welfare is considering how animals are treated. Animal rights is recognising animals have the same moral rights as any other living being,’ he said (pictured: protesters entering Lemontree Feedlot)

Mr Blewett has urged militant protesters to ‘work on yourself first’ by ‘understanding what animal rights are’.

‘They should understand the movement. Where did it first start and how?’ he said.

‘Activists these days can wear a uniform, mask and they can hold up slogans but that’s not enough.’

He said militant activists who storm through steak-houses and farms should consider educating themselves first.    

‘What you’re seeing now (the protesters) aren’t animal rights activists. They are animal welfare protesters,’ Mr Blewett told Daily Mail Australia.

‘Animal welfare is considering how animals are treated. Animal rights is recognising animals have the same moral rights as any other living being.’

Mr Blewett added activism is misunderstood and isn't limited to what we see now on the news (pictured: protesters entering Lemontree Feedlot)

Mr Blewett added activism is misunderstood and isn’t limited to what we see now on the news (pictured: protesters entering Lemontree Feedlot)

'I buy plant-based products, I wear a very pro vegan shirt and I have a vegan tattoo on my wrist. All this is still activism,' Mr Blewett said (pictured: protesters in Melbourne CBD)

‘I buy plant-based products, I wear a very pro vegan shirt and I have a vegan tattoo on my wrist. All this is still activism,’ Mr Blewett said (pictured: protesters in Melbourne CBD)

Vegan activists convicted of trespass on farms, will be given a ‘farm restraining order’ under new laws to be discussed in the Western Australia Government next week.

The current penalty for trespass in Western Australia is a maximum of 12 months in jail or a $12,000 fine.

The new laws would give courts more power to punish people who storm farms, The West Australian reported.

Four women and two men were charged with trespass and burglary offences at several Western Australian farms between August 2018 and February.

A total of 11 vegan activists were charged for staging protests at a Yangan abattoir and a Millerman feedlot in Queensland in March and early April.

A total of 11 vegan activists were charged for staging protests at a Yangan abattoir and a Millerman feedlot in Queensland in March and early April (pictured: protesters at Yangan abattoir)

A total of 11 vegan activists were charged for staging protests at a Yangan abattoir and a Millerman feedlot in Queensland in March and early April (pictured: protesters at Yangan abattoir) 

Mr Blewett said the best way to get someone to change is 'to lead by example', instead of protesting and telling people what to do (pictured: protesters in Melbourne CBD)

Mr Blewett said the best way to get someone to change is ‘to lead by example’, instead of protesting and telling people what to do (pictured: protesters in Melbourne CBD) 

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk