The First Open Salmon Liberation in Sweden
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

Tomma Burar [Empty Cages]
September 2015

open rescue salmon

open rescue salmon

Read LETTER TO THE FARMER below

Today [August 13] three activists from the direct action group Tomma burar (Empty Cages) swam to a fish farm and liberated a salmon who was named Justina. The activists left a signed letter and some vegan cookies. This morning they reported themselves to the police.

Tonight's action is the first open liberation of salmon in Sweden. An open action means that the activists are open with their identities, their actions and their motives.

- The oppression and killing of animals is such a serious social issue that we feel obliged to interfere, says Ramin Winroth, 27, from Gothenburg, who participated in the action.

Science shows that fish, just like mammals, have a developed abilitiy to feel pain. In fish farms thousands of fish are crammed together in a small space.

- Fish are sentient and intelligent creatures with a right to a life in freedom, says Martin Smedjeback, 42, from Haninge, who also participated in the fish liberation.

On Tuesday, August 4, Tomma burar (Empty Cages) rescued two pigs from a pig farm in Västmanland. They were named Selma and Louise and are now enjoying straw, the sun and being outdoors in their new home.


Empty Cages is a newly formed and independent direct action group that works through civil disobedience, nonviolence and openness. Empty Cages advocates a vegan society, where humans no longer exploit or kill animals.


TO THE WORKERS AND OWNERS OF THIS FARM

Tonight [August 13] three people from the direct action group Empty Cages have been at your farm. We liberated a salmon to a life of freedom in the sea. During the day we'll notify the police of our action since we believe it's important to be open with what we've done.

This action is not directed towards you. We do not wish to harm you in any way. On the contrary, we desire that everyone, human and animal, shall be able to live a life without violence and oppression. We will not return to your farm or homes (unless we are invited).

Today a lot of people view animals as property, as resources or machines dedicated to producing food or services to us. This way of thinking inevitably leads to suffering and death for billions of living creatures who would rather live their lives free from suffering and death together with their families. We hope that farmers and consumers in Sweden will begin to value the animals based on their inherent value, and not for what they can ”provide” for us humans. That's why we in Empty Cages as well as an increasing number of people around the world are taking responsibility by not eating the flesh of other animals, eating their eggs or drinking their milk.

We wish and hope that you and other farmers will move towards a more nonviolent food production where animals are not exploited and killed.

Best regards,
Empty Cages

Johanna Eriksson
Martin Smedjeback
Ramin Winroth
Robin Jonsson
Sara Andersson
Staffan Andersson

You'll find more information about us at www.tommaburar.se.
You can write to us at [email protected] 

P.S. We hope you like the chocolate chip cookies.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ingredients:

250 g soft vegan margarine
2 tsp vanilla essence
2 dl sugar
2½ dl brown sugar
1 dl aqua faba
7½ dl wheat flour
1 tsp bicarbonate
1 tsp baking soda
½-1 tsp salt
100-300 g of dark chocolate, chopped

Whip the margarine, vanilla essence and sugar until airy and then add the aqua faba. Mix flour, bicarbonate, baking soda and salt. Add to the batter. Add the chocolate and let rest for about 12-26 hours. The longer they're in the fridge, the better they’ll taste. Roll balls, slighty bigger than golf balls, and bake them in the middle of the oven for about 16-18 minutes at 175 degrees celsius, depending on size. Wait until the dough ball has become flat and for the top to have risen for a perfect result. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge if you don't eat them directly. 


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