Animal Rights Coalition•Articles by: Kelsey Hambor

Author: Kelsey Hambor

Fur-Free Thrift Store Outreach Update

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been connecting with local thrift stores to encourage fur-free policies and invite them to partner with our Cuddle Coats program. We hand-delivered information to shops that currently sell secondhand fur, as well as those that already choose not to, inviting them to take a public stand against the fur trade.

Our message was simple and solutions-focused: fur is increasingly out of step with today’s values, and donated fur doesn’t have to go to waste. Instead, it can be transformed into Cuddle Coats—soft, comforting garments that help orphaned and injured wildlife at rehabilitation centers and sanctuaries feel safe and secure.

Following our in-person visits, we sent mailed letters outlining the benefits of partnering with us, including positive community visibility, promotion through our channels, and the opportunity to make a meaningful, tangible difference for animals. Stores that commit to a fur-free policy and a partnership with Cuddle Coats are invited to display a Fur-Free window sign, proudly showing their values to customers and passersby alike.

We’re hopeful these conversations will lead to more fur-free storefronts and more Cuddle Coats for animals in need.

Stores we reached out to:

  • 316 Vintage
  • Arlo Boutique
  • Audrey Rose Vintage
  • b. Resale 
  • Cake Plus-Size Resale
  • Clubhouse Market
  • Fieldhouse Thrift Store
  • Love Token Vintage and Handmade
  • Moth Oddities
  • Olio Vintage
  • Queenie & Pearl
  • Rewind
  • Smile Back Vintage

If there’s a thrift store in your neighborhood you’d like us to reach out to, please let us know—we’d love your help growing this outreach (animalrightscoalition@msn.com). 

Ethique Nouveau – ARC’s Vegan Boutique & Office Space

Did you know ARC’s office is also home to Ethique Nouveau, a vegan boutique filled with snacks, cosmetics, books, clothing, jewelry, bags, wallets, and more—with every purchase supporting our work for animals?

Our space also hosts monthly volunteer meetings, in-person workshops, Cuddle Coats prep sessions, food drives, and community pop-ups. And with the holidays around the corner, Ethique Nouveau is the perfect spot to find affordable, animal-free gifts that reflect your compassion.

Don’t miss our Saturday pop-ups from 1:00–3:00 pm, where we welcome local vegan businesses who don’t have a brick-and-mortar shop. Recent businesses include Tried and True Confections, Mad Hare Vegan, Hex & Quill, Seymour Munchmore’s, Vegan Witt, Panda Squad Cookies, Just Juice, RachCakes, and many more!

Follow Ethique Nouveau on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on pop-ups and pre-order opportunities.

Looking to support even more vegan businesses? Browse ARC’s MN Vegan Guide to discover local pop-ups, services, and plant-powered products across Minnesota!

Give to the Max: A Note from ARC’s President

“The Animal Rights Coalition has changed my life. It’s given me community, purpose, and a place to stand up for what I believe in. Through ARC, I’ve met incredible, passionate people who care deeply about creating a kinder world for animals. Together, we’ve achieved real victories — from shutting down Petland’s cruel pet store to ending fur sales at Ribnick and L.A. Rockler, and even closing exploitative operations like SeaQuest.

ARC isn’t just an organization; it’s a movement that gives animal-loving people a place to connect, take action, and make lasting change. Every donation fuels that mission — funding campaigns, outreach, and education that save lives and inspire others to do the same.

If you believe in kindness and justice for all beings, please consider donating to the Animal Rights Coalition. You’re not just supporting a cause, you’re joining a community that’s truly making a difference.”

~Ashley Riddle
President, Animal Rights Coalition

This Give to the Max Day, your compassion can go twice as far for animals.

A generous supporter has offered a $15,000 matching grant—so every dollar you give will be doubled!

Together, we can make real change for animals used for food, clothing, experiments, and entertainment. Let’s reach the match and build a kinder world.

Donating is easy! Follow the QR code or visit: givemn.org/organization/Animal-Rights-Coalition

 

ARC’s 2025 Minnesota State Fair Activism Recap: Shutting Down the “Miracle of Birth” Center (MOBC)

For five powerful days leading up to and during the Minnesota State Fair, Animal Rights Coalition activists took bold, creative, and compassionate action to expose the reality behind the fair’s exploitation of animals—especially those confined and used in the Miracle of Birth Center, where each year, nearly 200 baby animals, including piglets, lambs, and calves, are born in front of large crowds at the fair. Many animals are induced to give birth on schedule, and mother-newborn separation is common. This exhibit reduces birth to a spectacle without regard for the comfort and safety of the mothers and their offspring and exploits these animals for entertainment.

From chalktivism to banner drops, community outreach to costumed protests (special thanks to our spirited cow mascot, SoyMilk Suzy!), this year’s campaign was our largest and most impactful yet. We handed out a record number of leaflets and sparked countless meaningful conversations with fairgoers about the truth behind the fair’s portrayal of animal agriculture.

Here’s what our activism looked like:

Sidewalk Chalk Outreach
The day before the fair opened, activists filled the sidewalks with thought-provoking messages, quotes, and images—reaching fairgoers before they even stepped inside. Many of these chalk messages lasted throughout the entire fair, spreading awareness to thousands.

Protests & Literature Distribution
Outside the main gates, activists held signs, shared literature, and engaged with attendees to share our message: “MN Fair = Not Fair.” Many people stopped to learn more or voiced their agreement that the Miracle of Birth Center is a heartbreaking place for both visitors and animals.

Bridge Banner Drop
A massive six-foot banner was displayed multiple times over Highway 94, catching the eyes of rush-hour commuters and urging the public to end animal exploitation at the fair. Nearby, activists used chalk to spread positive, awareness-raising messages throughout the area.

Vibrant Costumes & Visuals
Our iconic cow mascot, SoyMilk Suzy, brought energy and visibility to our cause—drawing attention to the suffering of mother cows and their babies in the dairy industry.

Our message remains clear and unwavering: it’s time to close the Miracle of Birth Center. This deceptive exhibit normalizes animal suffering and commodification for entertainment. Birth should never be a spectacle.

We’re deeply grateful to every activist who showed up, chalked a message, held a sign, started a conversation, or stood in the heat for the animals. Together, we’re creating a future where no animal is bred, confined, or displayed for human profit.

Learn more about this ongoing campaign and how to get involved at MNFairWatch.Org.

Sign In Defense of Animals Petition to End Horrific Birthing Shows at the MN State Fair. 

You’re Invited to ARC’s 30th Annual Vegan Friendsgiving!

Every year, ARC hosts a Turkey-Free Friendsgiving Potluck at a nearby church bountifully filled with delicious vegan food where everyone is welcome! This event has gotten so large that we’re moving locations this year. Find us on Sunday, November 9th, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Minnehaha Masonic Lodge #165, 5149 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417. 

Beverages will be provided, along with a variety of vegan cheeses and vegan turkey roasts to sample. Bring a vegan main dish, side dish, or dessert to share, along with a serving spoon (vegan = no meat, dairy, eggs, gelatin, honey, or refined sugar). This is a wonderful event to bring your friends and family to and show them how delicious vegan holiday eating can be.

RSVP on Facebook or Meetup. 

Sign up to volunteer on POINT. 

Macalester Alum Dr. Neal Barnard Sues College Over Use of Live Animals in Labs

Dr. Neal Barnard—Macalester College alum, physician, and President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)—filed a lawsuit Tuesday, June 3rd, in Hennepin County District Court against his alma mater, accusing the school of misleading the public about its use of animals in undergraduate labs.

The lawsuit claims that Macalester continues to use live mice and rats in psychology lab courses, despite stating on its website that it adheres to ethical animal welfare standards. Dr. Barnard says he learned of these ongoing practices while helping to plan and raise funds for his 50th class reunion, which took place on Friday, June 6.

Barnard is demanding that Macalester either stop using animals when non-animal alternatives are available or remove public claims suggesting that the school upholds high ethical standards in its treatment of animals. If not, he wants the college to return his $100 donation and is seeking a court declaration that Macalester is in violation of Minnesota law for misrepresenting its practices online.

This lawsuit is part of a broader shift in academic science: no medical schools in the U.S. or Canada currently use animals in their teaching curriculum. “If [Macalester officials] go to court and say, ‘We have stopped all of this,’ the lawsuit will be mooted out,” Barnard said. “If they do anything else, they’ve got a fight on their hands.”

Take Action
Visit PCRM.org to learn more and send a message to Macalester College President Suzanne Rivera, urging the school to end its outdated and unnecessary use of animals in its psychology labs.

Full article in the Star Tribune:
Alum sues Macalester over animal cruelty concerns in lab experiments

Over Four Decades of Animal Advocacy

Learning lessons from the past is crucial for shaping our future. By delving into the rich history of the Animal Rights Coalition (ARC), we gain valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs that paved the way for today’s animal advocacy.

Understanding the mission and values that motivated the founders of ARC not only reminds us of their pioneering spirit but also reinforces the principles that continue to guide us today. Knowing our history helps us appreciate the depth and breadth of ARC’s impact and honors those who have led the way.

Read more about ARC’s trailblazing history advocating for animals: https://animalrightscoalition.com/history/

Killing for Conservation? The Myth Behind Duck Hunting’s “Green” Image

In the article, “In Midwest farm country, a tradition of duck hunting has healed the dried-out landscape” (4/13/25), the Star Tribune offers yet another attempt to dress up recreational hunting in the trappings of environmental stewardship and cultural tradition. This piece, like many before it, seeks to paint duck hunters as accidental conservationists—heroes who just happen to enjoy killing animals while restoring wetlands.

We are told that duck hunting “has healed the dried-out landscape,” as if the primary goal of these hunters was ecological restoration rather than bagging a limit of ducks. The story leans heavily on the idea that hunting has played a role in preserving habitat, yet barely pauses to consider the ethical contradiction of celebrating the protection of nature by way of destroying the lives of the beings who live in it.

Once again, the real narrative is obscured by a litany of familiar excuses. Hunting, we are told, is not about the killing—it’s about tradition, connection to the land, multigenerational bonding, and the “thrill of the chase.” Somehow, the bloodshed at the heart of it all remains peripheral, if it’s acknowledged at all.

But if the act of killing truly is incidental, as hunters so often claim, then why insist on pulling the trigger? Why not simply restore wetlands, watch the ducks, and leave the guns at home? Why is the death of the animal always part of the ritual, even as its importance is downplayed?

The truth is, no amount of camouflage and conservation talk can disguise what duck hunting really is: the recreational killing of animals. And perhaps what’s most telling is how much effort goes into denying that simple fact.

There may be water in the marshes again—but there’s still blood in the water.

Victory! SeaQuest Roseville is Closed!

We did it—SeaQuest Roseville is officially shut down! On Tuesday, February 18th, SeaQuest Roseville closed its doors for good. Not shockingly, staff were only notified the night before at 6:00 PM that they were out of jobs and that the location would be closing. Given the company’s disregard for both employees and animals, public concern remains high for the wellbeing of those still inside. Fortunately, as reported by Eric Rasmussen (KSTP) on the February 24th evening news, staff remain on-site to care for the animals while the Association of Zoos and Aquariums works with SeaQuest to rehome them. Follow Sink SeaQuest Roseville for more news and updates on the animals. 

This victory wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless efforts of so many individuals and organizations. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to:

  • Our incredible ARC volunteers—your dedication and advocacy made a real impact!
  • The whistleblowers who courageously shared crucial information.
  • Eric Rasmussen (KSTP) for his investigative reporting and continued coverage.
  • Stop SeaQuest Minnesota, PETA, Humane World for Animals (formerly HSUS – Humane Society of the United States), Minnesota Federated, and countless others who stood up and spoke out against SeaQuest’s exploitation.

We also want to give a special shoutout to those fighting to shut down the remaining SeaQuest locations in New Jersey, Nevada, Utah, and California. You can stay updated and support their work by following Revolution Philadelphia, Uncle Neil’s Home (A Farm Sanctuary), Stop SeaQuest Woodbridge, and Stop The Quest.

Dairy-Free Future Day at the MN State Capitol

Join community members at the MN State Capitol to share our concerns with representatives about the harm the dairy industry causes our health, the animals, and our planet. We’ll meet outside of the Capitol to distribute educational literature to those entering and leaving the building. Individuals can also drop information off to their representatives as appointments may not be available.
 
With the rapid spread of H5N1 bird flu through dairy herds, epidemiologists and other infectious disease experts are warning of the coming zoonotic pandemic. 61 people in the United States have contracted H5N1.
 
Sixty-five percent of the global population is lactose intolerant.
 
Animal rights advocates continue to remind the public that the dairy industry is unethical and unnecessary, causing harm to cows and their offspring.
 
Runoff from MN dairy farms is contaminating groundwater and surface water with nitrates from manure and fertilizer. In 2023 the EPA estimated that nearly 10,000 people in southern Minnesota had water supplies contaminated by hazardous nitrates. The dairy industry is horrible for our environment.
 
𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗨𝗣 𝗧𝗢 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗥: https://dash.pointapp.org/events/263188