Rita Anderson Named Co-Director of IDA's "They Are Not Our Property" Campaign

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MILL VALLEY, Calif. - Rita Anderson, who spearheaded the successful campaign which changed Boulder, Colorado's municipal code to refer to people as the guardian of their companion animals instead of as their "owners," has been hired by In Defense of Animals (IDA) as the Co-Director of their "They Are Not Our Property, We Are Not Their Owners" campaign.

"It was quite an honor to be asked to become the Co-Director of IDA's 'They Are Not Our Property' Campaign. I am truly convinced that the language and concepts of animal guardianship will help to create a more respectful and compassionate society," said Ms. Anderson. "The guardian language will create a more responsible relationship between people and their companion animals; and we will use the language and concepts of animal guardianship as another tool to fight animal abuse and exploitation. The courage and conviction of the people of Boulder will prove to be just the beginning. I feel that these concepts and attitudes will spread from community to community until everyone views and treats animals, not as mere property, commodities and things, but as individuals."

For the past four years, IDA's "They Are Not Our Property, We Are Not Their Owners" campaign has been at the forefront of the fight to erase the property status of animals. A major part of this campaign is using language to educate people about the oppression, exploitation, and abuse animals endure because of their status as property. Referring to people as the guardians, not the "owners," of their companion animals is a way of recognizing companion animals, not as mere objects to be bought, sold, and discarded at their "owner's&Mac226;" whim, but as individuals with needs and interests of their own.

On July 11, 2000, the Boulder City Council voted 8-1 to accept a proposal to change the city's municipal code to refer to people as the guardian of their companion animals instead of as their "owners." Other communities and cities have begun the process to codify the category of animal guardian. Animal Welfare Commissions in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Marin County, CA, have recommended that the Board of Supervisors or City Council add the category of guardian to the municipal codes.

"I am excited to have Rita join me as Co-Director of the effort to elevate the status of animals beyond that of mere property," said Russell Tenofsky, Co-Director of the "Property" Campaign. "Her compassion, dedication, and perseverance were a major part of the victory in Boulder. Rita has a combination of experience and commitment that will accelerate our efforts to have animals acknowledged as important individuals in their own right."