In this time of video trickery , it is very important to avoid such people such as Shannon Keith. Her style is about as sneaky as Michael Moore's. If any one wants to film you on the trap line or in the trap shed get confirmation that you are dealing with somebody that isn't out to destroy you.Striking at the Roots
Shannon Keith Raises the Bar on Animal Activism
September 8, 2008
http://strikingattheroots./shannon-keith-raises-the-bar-on-animal-activism/ Shannon Keith is a Los Angeles-based attorney and filmmaker, perhaps
now best known for her powerful 2006 documentary Behind the Mask,
which introduced audiences around the world to the activism of the
Animal Liberation Front. In 2004, she started a non-profit group
called Animal Rescue, Media & Education (ARME). ARME rescues homeless
animals and focuses on stopping the problem at its roots through
educational initiatives, including making documentaries about animals
and animal activists.
In court, Shannon has represented such animal activists as Kevin
Jonas, SHAC and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. She is now working
on her second documentary. Although I knew of Shannon and her work on
behalf of animals and activists, I was able to learn from her
firsthand at the Let Live conference in Portland last June. Shannon is
a dedicated animal activist with a valuable perspective on the
movement.
SHANNON, WHAT NEWS CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT YOUR NEXT FILM?
Skin Trade is going to be slightly different than Behind the Mask in
the sense that it will be geared toward a greater spectrum of people.
Skin Trade will have all new experts, new footage, activists and
celebrities talking about the fur industry. The message of the film,
which is anti-fur, will really hit home because of the emergence of
fur in the fashion industry in the last couple of seasons. Even though
the film is anti-fur I am going to show both sides of the fur issue —
something that I think will add credibility and strength that will be
undeniable to the average "Joe" on the streets watching an animal
rights film.
IT SOUNDS COMPELLING. WHEN WILL THE PUBLIC BE ABLE TO SEE IT?
Oh, it's not done yet. We expect it to be completed by January 2009.
YOUR ACTIVISM SEEMS TO HAVE TWO MAIN PRONGS: YOUR WORK AS AN ATTORNEY
DEFENDING ANIMALS AND ACTIVISTS, AND YOUR WORK AS A FILM PRODUCER OF
DOCUMENTARIES. HOW DO THESE TWO INFLUENCE EACH OTHER?
As far as being an animal rights attorney, the documentaries help
explain to the general public and even individuals in the movement
what it is I do, and who I defend. With regards to Behind the Mask, it
really seemed to clear the air not only on who or what the ALF is
about, but why I defend direct action activists. The media and
government unjustly call them "terrorists," and as their defense
lawyer I get labeled one as well. A lot of people would ask why I
defend such "violent domestic terrorists," but after watching the
movie the subject seems to be much clearer to them. With Skin Trade, I
hope to have the same result but more so with my other clients, the
animals. I want to portray the cruel realities of fur but target it to
the general public. Hopefully, it will be clear why it is that I chose
a career defending animals.
NOW THAT BEHIND THE MASK HAS BEEN OUT FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS, WHAT HAS
THE IMPACT BEEN?
The impact has been tremendous. I cannot even begin to explain the
extensive ground it covered. Behind the Mask really hit home to the
people already in the animal rights community and sparked almost this
euphoric passion in them. The progress we make for the animals is slow
and sometimes we lose some activists and the film really seemed to
rekindle that fire we all share. The impact the movie had on the
average citizen, not into animal rights, was equally as great. I get
emails all the time about how it changed people's lives and helped
them become vegetarian, adopt a cruelty lifestyle, go vegan, stop
purchasing animal-tested products or how wrong they were about the
ALF. It's amazing!
BEHIND THE MASK ARGUES THAT PEACEFUL ACTIVIST TACTICS LIKE WRITING
LETTERS DON'T WORK — THAT DIRECT ACTION IS REALLY WHAT BRINGS CHANGE
IN SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENTS. DO YOU THINK THERE ARE ANY ABOVE-GROUND
STRATEGIES ACTIVISTS CAN DO TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR ANIMALS?
Yes, I do. But I believe they have never worked alone; meaning, when
we have seen change happen through protest, it has been because there
were more radical factions working in conjunction with above-ground
activists, whether known or unknown. In fact, I believe it is
imperative that for the underground actions to be effective there are
above-ground campaigns in place at the time. I still believe in
traditional protest activity, as well as trying to change the law
through the legislative process.
People who are not willing to do any of these things can simply
boycott animal cruelty, by not spending their money supporting these
companies and industries.
I WAS REALLY IMPRESSED WITH YOUR PRESENTATION AT THE LET LIVE
CONFERENCE IN PORTLAND; I WAS ESPECIALLY SURPRISED TO HEAR YOU SAY
POLICE WILL LIE TO ACTIVISTS WHEN CONFRONTING THEM. WOULD YOU EXPAND
ON THAT A BIT?
Police and FBI, and any other law enforcement for that matter, are
allowed to lie. They are allowed to tell you that if you do not talk
with them, you will be arrested. That's why it is so important for
activists to know their rights. One should never talk with government
officials or provide any information, even if they think they already
know it. Keep your mouth shut, or assert your right to remain silent
or have an attorney, at which point they are legally required to stop
questioning you.
WITH THE ANIMAL ENTERPRISE TERRORISM ACT AND OTHER LEGISLATION CLEARLY
INTENDED TO INTIMIDATE ACTIVISTS, WHAT LONG-TERM ROLE DO YOU THINK
DIRECT ACTION WILL PLAY IN ANIMAL ACTIVISM?
The repression perpetrated by the governments in enacting
unconstitutional laws such as AETA, etc., is only backfiring. Because
legal protest is now sometimes illegal or activists are deterred, they
have gone underground. Since the passage of AETA, I have heard of more
underground direct actions than before AETA.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP FROM GETTING BURNED OUT?
That's a good question. I try to keep my head in the game and never
forget of the pain these animals suffer. But, I try my hardest to have
a good time when I can, because if I don't, I will burn out. I love
hiking with my companion dogs and going out with friends and NOT
talking about animals sometimes.
DO YOU THINK SPAIN'S DECISION TO GRANT RIGHTS TO GREAT APES OFFERS US
ANY HOPE THAT COURTS MAY ONE DAY REGARD ALL ANIMALS AS MORE THAN
PROPERTY?
Any win for the animals, here or abroad, should be a sign of hope. The
animal rights movement is one that requires a process that can
sometimes be daunting and long. Every time we hear of any sort of inch
being given over to us means we should pull that much harder on the
proverbial tug of war we are playing here. Spain granting rights to
greater apes is a catalyst to rights being given throughout. The day
will come when we pull and all the exploiters, and animal abusers
direct and indirect, fall in the mud. If we can make them budge even
an inch, we can make them budge again and again.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU OFFER ACTIVISTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN USING THE
LEGAL SYSTEM TO ADVANCE THE INTERESTS OF ANIMALS?
The spectrum of animal rights law is a not a very populated one. I
advise that working for animals in the legal field will help to show
how serious we are about our cause. It takes dedication, hard work,
perseverance and motivation to become a lawyer, and especially to
become one not for the money, but for a cause. The more legal
representation we have in the animal rights world, the bigger the
chance we have to get into politics and make changes for the
well-being and freedom of the billions of animals constantly tortured
and murdered for the most trivial of reasons.
For more information about Shannon Keith, please visit
http://www.animal-rights-lawyer
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