ABOUT BAAL

Who we are

BAAL (Bold Activists for Animal Liberation) is a collective of grassroots animal rights activists in San Diego, CA. Our highly motivated members are bound together by a shared goal: total liberation of all sentient beings on this earth. BAAL does not engage in passive advocacy, but instead utilizes direct action. As disruptors of the system that rewards those who exploit and commodify others, we proudly assume the role of an unyielding force against animal abuse. We do not merely request changes; we demand and create them. We're here to bring about a paradigm shift. BAAL stands in unwavering solidarity with the oppressed, and resistance is at the heart of everything we do.

Until every cage is empty.

Why we do what we do

Every year, trillions of animals are exploited, tortured, and murdered, while their suffering is normalized and dismissed. Unlike every other oppressed group, nonhuman animals don't have the ability to come together and march or protest for their freedom. They live behind bars, innocent prisoners whose only crime is being born in a nonhuman body. For this, humans strip them of everything: their personhood, their families, and every inherent right they have. That's why we will never stop fighting for animal liberation.

What sets us apart from other animal rights groups?

Punks

We're punks, raging against the machine. Fueled by straight edge ethics and radical compassion, we fight oppression with zero tolerance for injustice.

Intervention

We don't wait for permission, legislation, or public approval. We intervene wherever harm is, whether that's a fish gasping for air in a plastic bag, a fox trapped in a fur farm, or a cow screaming in a slaughterhouse.

Global Connections

We're based in San Diego, California, but we have connections across the world. Animal exploitation and cruelty isn't just a local issue, and no matter the place, species, or contexts, we show up with a rebel spirit.

Our manifesto

Our core belief is simple: non-human beings are the most oppressed and exploited group on Earth. Fighting for their liberation is our mission.

Animal rights: the compassionate frontier. BAAL's mission is to boldly fight like no one has fought before.

We promise to save animal lives by reforming our civilization to create a new world; a new world where everyone is free, regardless of species.

Our origin

Bold Activists for Animal Liberation was founded by Justice Owens after noticing a serious gap in the local activist scene. While there were animal rights organizations around, it felt like the messaging got lost, drowned out by the silence when there should be more resistance.

Frustrated by the lack of urgency, Justice started a social media page. They started promoting BAAL as an animal rights organization, reaching out to friends, and trying to get the BAAL rolling for animal rights. And thus it begun!

With the power of friendship and convictions, BAAL launched a campaign against PB Shore Club, a local bar torturing fish in cruel goldfish racing events. The campaign was successful, and since then, we've been dominating the San Diego scene.

We organize direct actions, aiding in global campaigns, blasting the truth on every corner unapologetically. Now we're starting to branch out, connecting with other orgs and inspiring others to do bad-ass and bold actions. Let's just say... the BAAL is moving.