#75 Anita Krajnc & Andrew Garner - Bearing Witness for Animals: The Animal Save Movement & Plant Based Treaty

What does it mean to bear witness for animals? In this episode, I’m joined by Anita Krajnc and Andrew Garner from The Save Movement and the Plant Based Treaty for a powerful conversation about animal advocacy, compassion, and creating change. We discuss the origins of Toronto Pig Save and Manchester Pig Save, the purpose of bearing witness at vigils outside slaughterhouses, and why exposing the hidden reality of industrial animal agriculture is so important. Anita shares the story behind the landmark "water trial," and we explore the goals of the Plant Based Treaty, the role of local governments in creating more sustainable food systems, and why the animal movement needs people with all kinds of skills and backgrounds to get involved. Whether you're a long-time activist or simply wondering how you can make a difference, this episode offers thoughtful insights into the many ways we can advocate for animals with compassion and purpose. In this episode, we discuss: • The origins of Toronto Pig Save and Manchester Pig Save • What it means to bear witness outside slaughterhouses • Why the reality of slaughterhouses is hidden from public view • Anita's "water trial" and what it meant for the movement • The Plant Based Treaty and its global campaign • Different ways to advocate for animals, regardless of your background or experience • Why the movement needs more people taking action About Anita Krajnc Anita Krajnc is Executive Director of The Save Movement, a worldwide network of Save groups bearing witness to farmed animals and global campaign coordinator for the Plant Based Treaty. She received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto and is a dedicated follower of Leo Tolstoy, Satyagraha movement of Mahatma Gandhi and the US United Farm Workers. Anita has also been an assistant professor at Queen’s University (Ontario) and has published extensively on social movements and environmental politics and is co-author of The Secret Life of Pigs: Stories of Compassion and the Animal Save Movement (2024). About Andrew Garner Andrew Garner is a British animal rights activist and environmental campaigner. He became vegan in 2012 and went on to co-found Manchester Pig Save, the first Animal Save Movement chapter in the UK and Europe. Andrew is the UK Country Liaison for the Animal Save Movement and a Global City Campaigner for the Plant Based Treaty. He works with local governments, volunteers, and campaigners to advance plant-based food policies and climate action, supporting local governments in developing practical initiatives that promote more sustainable, healthier food systems.   Learn more about Anita and Andrew and the Animal Save Movement at thesavemovement.org and on Instagram at @thesavemovement, @torontopigsave, @manchesterpigsave, as well as the Plant Based Treaty at plantbasedtreaty.org and on Instagram at @plantbasedtreaty. Interested in learning more about plant-based nutrition? Registration is now open for my 15-hour Plant-Based Nutrition course through Pacific Rim College! 📅 Wednesdays, 12–3pm PST 📅 September 2nd - October 7th (no class on September 30th) Although it's an elective within the Holistic Nutrition program, it's open to everyone. If you enjoy diving into the science behind plant-based nutrition, this course is designed like a traditional college class with lectures, quizzes, activities, and plenty of opportunities to deepen your understanding. Register by emailing [email protected] or visit Pacific Rim College to learn more. ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss