Young animal activists: can they work within government?

Many career choices exist for students who have an interest in animal rights, but how does one begin? Both the government and nonprofit organizations offer animal-oriented jobs in which an animal welfare activist is able to work. A possible route for the young activist would be to intern in both a nonprofit organization and a government department in order to observe where s/he would like to work. If that activist decides the government would be the better workplace for his/her personality, can s/he work comfortably?

It is the common belief that in taking the route of the seemingly more secure job position in the government, one sacrifices one's idealism and effectiveness for change. According to Charlotte Crenson, director of Baltimore County Animal Control, just the opposite is true: "I believe that everyone who works for the government has the opportunity to become an activist, because we in government are empowered to bring about change and shift the vision of the people through public debate and decision making. I do consider myself an activist because I have been able to bring about incremental changes in public policy--by that I mean laws and procedures--and also in the public's behavior by creating promotional campaigns, leading seminars, and publishing materials." Ms. Crenson has been instrumental in supporting and expanding the spay/neuter program and responsible animal companionship throughout the Baltimore area.

Mr. Frank Branchini, executive director of the nonprofit Humane Society of Baltimore County, offers another opinion: "If you work for a government-run shelter, your agency may have some freedom to determine its own policies and direction, but often government-run shelters are included within other government agencies which determine the policies. In some instances, the work of the agency may be supervised by elected officials who don't want the agency to antagonize voters. This can limit an agency's ability to do things, like enforce cruelty codes. It certainly can limit their ability to do things that are unpopular."

The government offers a place where one can make very positive changes in public policy regarding various issues; however, it can be a frustrating workplace for an activist, due to the government's conservative nature and rather slow processes. Beverly Camp, a government employee who has worked with activists, advises young activists to expect a more conventional workplace within the government, and to act accordingly: "Government agencies offer invaluable employment opportunities for recent graduates who want to make a difference. The downside is the frustration that young people experience with the fact that government does not move with the speed of lightning, so change does not happen overnight. You will go far in future jobs and/or causes if you can learn how to effectively interact with a diverse workforce in a fairly conservative climate to gain acceptance for your ideas, projects, etc. And of course, have patience!"

Frank Branchini worked 15 years on a currently effective law that makes it a felony to torture, mutilate, or cruelly beat or kill an animal, to organize a dog or cock fight, and to injure a police animal in the line of duty. In order to get this passed and enforced, the Assistant State's Attorney, police, prosecutors, and judges on the government side were needed. Although the legislative process may be painfully slow on pressing issues, Mr. Branchini's successes are proof that animal activists are needed in government professions so that they can not only support the activists on the outside, but introduce and catalyze their own positive change on a societal level.

Besides Animal Control divisions in local government, there are other government jobs which an animal welfare activist can explore. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) could use activists to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and other services dealing with animal welfare issues; local Recreation and Parks agencies hire young naturalists who teach groups to adopt a more humane and appreciative mindset about animals; and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a Wildlife and Heritage Division. The USDA subcontracts with the DNR to run a Wildlife hotline. There are also positions for young people working on the front line at animal controls and government-run animal shelters. Even state and city legislators can be instrumental in supporting various animal-related issues. Animal activists who become nutritionists, veterinarians, and educators within the government have the opportunity to spread their message within the professional contexts of their jobs.

Sara Mugford wrote this article while interning at VRG.