One question we are consistently asked by countless supporters in Ireland is, ‘What can I do to make a difference?’ For many compassionate people around the country, and around the world, the answer is that one can make and be that difference! Although it often seems like we’re banging our heads against a brick wall, as the cliché goes, we must continue to keep banging, for times will get worse for the animals if we stand back and do nothing - which is by far the easiest thing to do.

Here in Ireland, as we look back over the years, we can’t help but take some comfort knowing that we’re making a big difference. We’ve brought cruelty to animals to the forefront of the national media, the public and inside of government buildings. We’re placing ‘animal rights’ firmly in the mainstream and we’re making people on the street understand, in an understanding way, why it’s important to live a cruelty-free, compassionate lifestyle.

We honestly could not do any of it, if it were not for the countless supporters in every corner of the country that support our work. These are supporters who have been following the work of ARAN for many, many years, and of course there are also huge numbers of new supporters joining our group almost monthly, we are truly becoming a force to be reckoned with in Ireland.

We continue to place big emphasis on creating a professional image on the streets to the very people we trying to reach. ARAN also continues to develop strong working relationships with many respected animal groups in Ireland and around the world. We are taken seriously amongst legislators and those who make important decisions.

We can’t help but send out an extremely heartfelt and sincere thank you to everyone who supports our campaigns and attends our events. You have donated, written emails, sent letters, made phone calls, coordinated research, and more importantly, you were there when we needed you most.

Looking to the future, ARAN are focussing strategically on making sure we have bigger and better demonstrations, more focussed lobbying, dedicated education and outreach and more action for the animals. We honestly could never do it without the truly staunch and loyal support of an army of compassionate supporters in every city nationwide and many countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, Germany, Holland, Spain, France, Belgium and many more who support our work. Watch some nice footage of a low-key candle light vigil with iavs. Despite been one of the coldest nights ever, the supporters that did manage to get through the ice, slush and freezing cold temperatures stayed warm with the compassion and fire burning in their hearts, and with the help of hats and hoods to keep warm. Click here to see a short clip.