Liberation BC began in 2004 when BC-born Ashley Fruno, who had been involved with animal rights work for years, decided to start a group that would be able to focus on a wide variety of issues as well as work from the front lines of the animal rights movement.

Our first event took place in October of 2004, with a "Bloody Butcher" protest outside a Langley KFC. On that same day, conveniently enough, KFC was holding a celebration to announce the opening of their new Taco Bell counter. "The KFC had a giant walking chicken bucket and taco out to attract attention," explains Ashley. "But the 20 or so protestors we had out blocked the mascots from being seen by anyone on the road."

Hundreds of flyers were handed out that day, and it was only the beginning. In the next few weeks, Liberation BC volunteers were out again, raising awareness about the suffering of lobsters in grocery store lobster tanks and animals killed for fur. Our first fur demonstration, with a "Fur Shame" theme, featured fur-clad people wearing paper bags over their heads. 45 protesters showed up and we received media coverage from four radio and television stations.

Since then we have had dozens of campaigns and hundreds of demonstrations. We've protested the Canadian seal hunt and the Cloverdale Rodeo, campaigned to get foie gras out of Vancouver's finest restaurants and fur out of Bebe, and educated the public about the plight of turkeys at Thanksgiving--and more!

Liberation BC has something for everyone, and we present endless opportunities for people to take action. Whether you only have a few minutes in the evening to write a letter or a few hours on the weekend to attend demonstrations, you can make a big difference for animals.