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For animal rights activists, Mojo Mathers is a woman who requires no introduction. She is frequently hailed as “the voice for animals,” as well as a trailblazer for people with disabilities.

The list MP has been an adviser to the Green Party since 2006, and a Member of Parliament since 2011. She was New Zealand’s first deaf Member of Parliament. Earlier in the month, I attended her talk on animal welfare in New Zealand, hosted by Take Action for Animals. Representatives from all of the city’s animal welfare groups attended.

Mojo’s message was about how much animals do for us as people, and that they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Most obviously is our consumption of animal products. She also spoke about cosmetic and medical testing, entertainment (such as rodeos, circuses and racing), and pets.
We were told about factory farming conditions; pigs and chickens being kept in tiny cages and being subject to great pain, in order to generate maximum business output. Green Party stickers were given out, saying, “I <3 Cage-free eggs. Cruel eggs are stink!”

She spoke passionately of the standard method for legal high testing on Beagle dogs. When their small solitary cages are opened, the little puppy is so happy and so excited just to have some contact, some attention. Then they inject him with the drug, and he froths at the mouth. They kill him right away so they can examine his liver.

So, Mojo, what can we do? Buying certified free-range eggs, chicken and pork products is a great place to start. The SAFE website has a very helpful cruelty-free shopping guide.

If you want to take it up a notch, she pointed out that vegetarianism and veganism (even “part-time”) are also great for the environment, and have health benefits for us too. However, if giving up the Sunday roast and late-night Macca’s jaunt is a bit much right now, Dunedin has a large number of animal welfare groups we can volunteer at.

The SPCA up Signal Hill is always looking for people to spend time with puppies and kittens, for example. Trust me, this is warm-fuzzy-feeling central! There have been fundraising quiz nights for SAFE and Dog Rescue Dunedin, so keep your eyes peeled for these. Another easy way to help these groups financially is to donate directly, or to help in street appeals (fluffy animal costumes optional, but fun).
Any time or money you can give to the animal rights movement makes a difference. Trust me, I’m a Scarfie – I know we don’t have much of either. Though I’m sure you’d all agree that the animals are worth it.