NON-VIOLENT RAIDS, RESCUES AND ANIMAL LIBERATION: THE ACTIVISM OF MARK PEARSON
By Claudette Vaughan

Known for his courage in making the hard decisions, Mark Pearson has been an important part of the animal rights landscape in Australia for well over a decade now. As executive director of Animal Liberation NSW his organisation has boldly gone to court for the animals – not to defend themselves but to prosecute animal abusers time and time again. Mark Pearson is an affable man and for decades has worked tirelessly for the Australian animal rights movement. Here is the Abolitionist’s interview with him.

Abolitionist: You strike many people that met you as being a person with a deep sense of religiosity, a person with deep convictions. What has been your guiding light as executive director of Animal Liberation NSW (ALNSW)?

Mark Pearson: The mystery and great power of an animal. All that we do not ‘know’ about animals and how each carries within a profound and fathomless experience from the many over time. And when we utterly disregard this – that is when the fire rises in my belly.

Abolitionist: What is the Animal Liberation position on action for animals?

Mark Pearson: Peaceful, non-violent, though assertive and tenacious. The point is that if you are opposing violence or forms of violence then you can’t use violence to make your point.

Abolitionist: When you became president of ALNSW what was in your mind that you set out to achieve for non-human animals?

Mark Pearson: Nothing changed by being appointed president really. I think the main, and very urgent need is to show the community what is happening in the factory farming sheds. It was, and still is a priority to expose over and over again the terrible lives these animals endure. And it is the effective use of media and courts which is necessary for this.

Abolitionist: You have been gifted with the great gift of oratory for the animals. Have you ever pondered on this aspect of your being and where it came from?

Mark Pearson: When I was at school I used to love reading poetry out loud and was fascinated how different tones and inflections would deliver very different messages from the same words. I learnt classical singing from a wonderful, but strict, Russian teacher, Zoya. That teaches you projection and sustaining breath. So I suppose this has helped me be a stronger voice for the voiceless.

Abolitionist: How does being a gay man impact your work as a animal liberationist, if it does at all?

Mark Pearson: It’s wonderful! I came out in Year 11 (5th Form) at High School. I used to endure terrible insults and scowling while walking from the front gate to class. One day I decided to greet my fanfare with florid blown kisses and gesture. When I got to my classroom a strange sense of respect and recognition (with great humour) occurred. Being gay – and honesty about brought real change. And I soon discovered – “I was” NOT! “the only gay in the village.”

Being openly and honestly gay immediately commits you to being an advocate for those who have the terrible fear of opening up and those who are struggling against ridicule when they have – yes - for those who feel voiceless and down trodden. It is only very natural for that circle to widen, no?

Abolitionist: Animal Liberation groups in Australia have contributed to a more militant yet non-violent approach for activism for animals. You have been at the front line for promoting undercover inspections and raids on factory farms, holding corporate factory-farmers accountable for their treatment and torment of animals. What stands out in your mind having conducted hundreds of these raids and rescues over the years, Mark?

Mark Pearson: We are involved in the last revolution. Each raid and rescue only strengthens my conviction that these animals are in peril, a brutal betrayal by us based on ignorance and greed. We have to be there for them and advocate for them in as many creative and engaging ways as we can dream of.

The other wonderful thing I see particularly when you do a ‘sit in’ where you are right next to all the pigs or birds in cages is how it unites everyone. There are often conflicts within the movement between groups or individuals over differing philosophies or strategic approaches but when we’re all looking into the eyes of these broken, desperate animals, our differences fall away as they have to. Because these animals don’t have any interest in our differences – they just want our help to get them the fuck out of there!

Animals have a wisdom that is ready to guide us and will often offer that guidance to the perpetrator.

Abolitionist: Has much headway been made?

Mark Pearson: A great deal. Even though the battery cage and the stall are still here, there has been a massive shift in human consciousness. Most people know what a battery cage is and now more know how breeding sows are treated in piggeries but the huge shift has been in live export. Its days are numbered and I’m looking forward to being at the historic court case in WA which is very likely to seal the fate of live export.

Abolitionist: Animal activists are witnessing the most horrendous suffering of the non-human animal kingdom up close. Living with that knowledge and with the knowledge that the world at large still don’t regard their food source as a high priority worth fighting for and saving their lives, how do you think evil manifests itself in the world both from a human perspective and a non-human animal perspective?

Mark Pearson: I don’t believe in the usual understanding of evil, nor am I a do-gooder nor am I an “animal lover”. Most people do not know that they are insidiously participating in the systemic violence and ruthless abuse of countless animals. It is this insidious system which could be seen as ‘evil’ – similar to how Gail Eisnitz depicts the cycle of violence inflicted on animals, workers and consumers in “Slaughterhouse”.

Abolitionist: When most people take over an organisation they bring to it their own ways and dealing with matters. What gifts and talents did you bring to Animal Liberation NSW?

Mark Pearson: Humour and the knowledge that it is essential to have a good laugh at yourself. I’m not overly nervous about talking to a crowd or media and in preparation for this I somehow have the skill to be my own very ruthless interviewer (in my head - and out loud). I like strategy not ad hoc action. Research well, particularly the law and do not relent, never. Open discussion about sex and the ‘darker’ things – this overturns unfounded fears and anxieties in people.

Abolitionist: How have you leant to cope with animal abusers over the years specifically say with circus owners and what successes has Animal Liberation NSW achieved?

Mark Pearson: I have absolutely no interest in these people. They neither anger me nor attract any sorrow. I don’t mean that arrogantly – they are just not in my real realm of experience. They are trapped in a machine of abuse. I am tapping away, with many others, at that machine. The day will come when that machine begins to collapse. They will eventually have to get out but when they do is their responsibility.

Abolitionist: What have you learnt from dealing with the bigwigs of the live export trade over the years?

Mark Pearson: The bigwigs of the live export industry have got nowhere to go. Even though they have put a nicer colour of paint on the ships and changed a few of the more controversial names, they can do little to address the fundament, hideous torment and terror these animals endure. Unlike in Australia pressure can be applied to change the treatment of animals through jurisdiction – there is not that when they are 20 nautical miles out to sea. Any ‘animal welfare’ improvements claimed by industry or conservative animal groups can only be the window dressing of an inherently sinister industry.

Abolitionist: Once all the checks and balances are taken into account what does the future hold for the animal liberation movement of Australia? Where should grassroots activists concentrate their efforts and what lessons have been learnt from the culmination of all the significant past efforts?

Mark Pearson: The movement is powering ahead at an unprecedented pace. Industry used to think we would all go away but they now know we mean business and we’re here to stay. Activists are essential to the movement and they have to realise it will be a long haul – so be prepared for that and they need to leave any baggage of hidden agendas at the farm gate. The animals need intelligent, committed and fun people to help them out and work for their rights.