If you’re among the compassionate individuals who believe that all animals ― human and non-human ― have the right to live free from abuse and exploitation … if you’d like to better understand the animal-rights movement and learn how to become involved in it … then you are the person this book was written for. And now it’s been thoroughly revised!

Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism brings together the most effective tactics for speaking out for animals and gives voice to activists from around the globe, who explain why their models of activism have been successful – and how you can get involved. Concise and full of practical examples and resources, this guide dispels the myths surrounding animal activism and will empower you to make the most of your skills. From simple leafleting to taking direct action, each chapter clearly explains where to begin, what to expect and how to ensure your message is heard.

This manual for success will show you how many of the world’s most engaged animal activists overcome obstacles, effectively speak to the public, use common tools in uncommon ways, deal with law enforcement, conduct investigations, cope with stress and avoid burnout ― all while keeping their eyes on the prize of achieving victories for animals.

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Feedback for Striking at the Roots

“Wow! An amazing resource just got more amazing! What’s not to love about a book with kindness at its heart that offers guidance on activist topics from leafleting to self-care? With updated information, this sympathetic, engaged, and trustworthy guide has become even more inspiring.” Carol J. Adams, author of The Sexual Politics of Meat and Burger

“Striking at the Roots is a practical field guide for animal rights activists that covers a wide spectrum of strategies and tactics for dealing with the media, the courts, the streets, and those foul dark places of horror where animals are so cruelly treated, and where compassionate activists must reluctantly venture, in pursuit of effective intervention. If you are serious about helping animals, then you should seriously read this book.” Captain Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

“Striking at the Roots is an eloquent and inspirational guide to action for animals. The power to change society rests with each and every one of us – it’s not enough to change ourselves, we have an obligation to planet Earth, to the web of life itself, to change others. This book motivates and informs, puts the passion into compassion and will save lives.” Juliet Gellatley, founder and director of Viva!

“With Striking at the Roots, Mark Hawthorne shows that anyone can help achieve remarkable victories for animals. Within these pages, longtime activists from around the world offer their practical advice on bringing your message to the public, staging a protest, getting a restaurant or dining hall to offer vegan options, avoiding activist burnout, and much more. From leafleting and letter-writing, to the legal system and even dealing with critics, this is an inspirational, must-read guidebook for effective grassroots animal advocacy. I wish this book had been around when I was a new animal activist!” Nathan Runkle, founder of Mercy For Animals

“Striking at the Roots helped guide my advocacy when I first read it nearly a decade ago. I can’t wait to see the next generation of compassionate crusaders shine a light in the dark and inspire people to choose more consciously with the advice in this new edition. We each have limited time on this planet. This book will help you make the most of it.” Michelle Taylor Cehn, founder of World of Vegan

“I was looking for this very book years ago when I first decided that I wanted to do something to protect animals from the many ways they’re threatened by human activities. Unfortunately, this book didn’t exist then, but I’m grateful it does now. For anyone who’s ever said ‘How can I help?’ this is the answer you’ve been looking for. Full of fantastic resources and wonderfully comprehensive!” Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, author and host of “Food for Thought” and “Animalogy”

“Brilliant, easy to read, full of real-life experiences and practical examples. If you want to make your life count, influence others and save a few thousand lives, this book is your roadmap. Give it to everyone you know!” Ingrid Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

“Mark Hawthorne’s Striking at the Roots is the ultimate how-to manual for anyone who wants to become an effective advocate for animals. Written with a deep understanding of the need for compassion in our advocacy, the book also teaches us how to treat ourselves, as activists, with compassion. This is a truly original and remarkable book.” Stephen Wells, executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund

“With Striking at the Roots, Mark Hawthorne gives activists the roadmap they need to create the most impact for animals. This is an essential tool for our movement.” Ari Solomon, host of The VeganAri Show and director of communications at Mercy For Animals

“Striking at the Roots by Mark Hawthorne is an eloquent reminder that in this age of big organizations, big money, and big media, it’s still the individual activist who makes the real difference. Clear, practical guidance on everything from letter writing to civil disobedience is combined with inspiring and edifying stories of people from around the world who are making their voices heard for the animals. … It ranks with the best guides to animal advocacy that have ever been written.” Norm Phelps, author of The Longest Struggle: Animal Advocacy from Pythagoras to PETA and The Great Compassion: Buddhism and Animal Rights

“In Striking at the Roots, Mark Hawthorne manages to set before us the full horrors of man’s inhumanity to animals without leaving the reader feeling helpless and puny. He has talked to campaigners in many countries, analyzing what works and, having done so, can signpost the way to positive action. His writing is lucid, shrewd and results-driven. … His message is that the task we face is immense but that when people of compassion apply themselves skillfully, we have what it takes to change the world.”  Andrew Tyler, director of Animal Aid