Vegan activist without a handshake: dispute over animal rights in Dornbirn!

Vegan activist without a handshake: dispute over animal rights in Dornbirn!

In Dornbirn, veganism ensures conversation - and in a very clear way. René Hupfer, the organizer of a current campaign, does not dare to shake my hand. "The likelihood that someone does not live vegan is extremely high. As long as animals are suppressed, I cannot welcome people who support this," explains Hupfer. This clear attitude shows that it is not just about individual decisions, but about deeper beliefs against animal exploitation. The reason for the conversation was the "Veganuary", a month in which many people try to live vegan. But Hupfer remains skeptical: "It's not just about actions, but about conviction. A month is not enough," he emphasizes and refers to his own transformation from a meat eater to a vehement animal rights activist after he came across the insights of a "militant vegan".

veganism in the historical context

But vegan activism also has political dimensions. As dierefertentin.servus.atat in detail, the roots of militant veganism and its connection to political movements are complex. Veganism is not a new trend, but part of historical struggles for justice and freedom. During the English civil war, underprivileged solidarity searched with animals and recognized the connection between animal and human rights. The commitment to animal rights was often directly linked to other social movements such as abolitionism, where some of the earliest leaders also denounced the exploitation of animals. The story shows that there is a continuous thread that combines vegistic values with social liberation movements, which makes today's activist approach of Hupfer all the more remarkable.

In a time when people are increasingly using moral and health reasons, Hupfer's approach could appear radical. Nevertheless, he is determined to remain true to his conviction and to present the greater vision of veganism as an indispensable part of a holistic liberation struggle. This dynamic could not only initiate the local discussion in Dornbirn, but also stimulate greater considerations for the connection between animal rights and social justice issues. For Hupfer it is clear: In order to achieve real changes, we have to look outside the box and question the deeper social structures.