New reports highlight increased funding, key trends in animal activist community
Latest financial data shows groups have $865 million in annual revenue for anti-meat campaigns
September 17, 2025 – The Animal Agriculture Alliance issued two updated reports this week on the current state of the vegan and animal activist movement in the U.S. The Major Animal Activist Groups Web highlights the strategic, interconnected nature of the animal activist movement. The Radical Vegan Activism report details trends in activism and illuminates the true intentions of key players in the movement. View the reports here.
“Animal activist group tactics are becoming more extreme in nature, putting farmers, ranchers, and food workers – not to mention food security – at risk,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, president and CEO, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “While some groups may outwardly appear more moderate in goals and beliefs, they are all connected by one key mission: to eliminate animal agriculture and take a nutrient-dense food group off of the menu.”
New findings in the updated Radical Vegan Activism report show that nearly one in four animal rights extremist attacks target farmers and food workers, including 189 actions taken against agriculture in 2024 and 62 against food services. Documented actions include:
- 59 incidences of vandalism
- 43 cases of animal theft and/or release
- 31 trespasses
- 5 arson cases
The Radical Vegan Activism Report also highlights direct quotes and financial data for key players within the movement, including Humane World for Animals (formerly The Humane Society of the United States), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and ASPCA.
The updated Major Animal Activist Groups Web includes a selection of the most active or extreme groups involved with or connected to the vegan and animal activist movement. Collectively, these organizations bring in more than $865 million in revenue annually to use for anti-animal agriculture campaigns according to publicly filed financial records. A key theme for new connections on the web includes increased legal collaboration between groups. For example, Animal Activist Legal Defense Project is working to appeal a 2023 felony conviction of Wayne Hsiung, founder of Direct Action Everywhere and Simple Heart Initiative. New additions to the web include: Animal Activist Legal Defense Project, The Brooks Institute, Legal Impact for Chickens, and Simple Heart Initiative.
For more information about the Alliance’s work to monitor animal rights extremism, or to view the reports, visit animalagalliance.org/initiatives/monitoring-activism.
To learn more about proactive security measures to protect against potential threats, visit animalagalliance.org/initiatives/farm-security/.
Category: Press Releases
Tag: Activist Activity, Activist Web,