It’s About Your Neighbor
Beaumont-Wilshire resident Maral Cavner is an advocate for animal welfare and compassionate choices, committed to bringing positive change to the lives of animals as well as to the food industry. Her journey began with a deep love of animals, but it’s her work with farmers and food producers that now drives her efforts.
Raised in Springfield, Missouri, Maral witnessed the inconsiderate treatment of animals from a young age, fueling her passion for advocating on their behalf. Her awakening came after watching documentaries like “Food, Inc.,” which exposed the harsh realities of factory farming. In 2014, she became vegan and adopted a plant-based diet to align her choices with her values. Her special bond with Sweetie, an adopted dog, also helped set her on a transformative path.
“It was a wonderful health decision for me,” she said. “A plant-based diet seemed to be the best thing to do, especially after I brought my four-legged friend into my life.”
I was looking for a way to just talk with, not at, people in order to bring about change on a case-by-case basis since the legal system in the traditional sense is not always the best way to establish change for them.
In pursuit of her mission, Maral joined the Animal Law Program at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland. After completing her studies, she found employment with a non-profit animal advocacy organization and decided to make Portland her permanent home.
Addressing Farmers’ and Animals’ Well-Being Helps Bring Change
During her time at the animal advocacy organization, she discovered the challenges farmers face, especially those involved in factory farming. Witnessing extreme poverty and debt burden among many farmers, she recognized the need for support and change within the industry. Her work focused, in large part, on supporting the adoption of Proposition 12 in California, which was recently upheld by the United States Supreme Court. It ensures specific standards for freedom of movement, cage-free design, and specified minimum floor space for veal, pig, and chicken farms.
Currently employed by the ASPCA®, Maral collaborates with food businesses, such as breeders, slaughterhouses, and food manufacturers. Her role focuses on improving conditions for animals involved in these processes while considering the well-being of farmers and food producers. She firmly believes that change for animals cannot rely solely on legislative and legal systems.
Relationships Drive Compassion, More Humane Practices
Maral’s approach involves building coalitions, fostering relationships, and raising awareness about the positive impact compassion toward animals can have on businesses and society. By working directly with those in food production, she aims to bridge the gap between animal welfare and the public’s desire for a kinder food system.
The ASPCA® supports farmers and food businesses in transitioning to more humane practices. They offer assistance in exploring alternative options, including higher animal welfare slaughter methods and mushroom farming, instead of raising pigs for slaughter. Maral’s firsthand experience visiting factory farms has further fueled her dedication to creating a more compassionate and sustainable food system.
Recognizing the complexities faced by farmers, Maral aims to address their concerns by encouraging a shift toward more ethical and sustainable practices while supporting the livelihoods of those involved. She believes in the importance of incremental steps and finding common ground to facilitate change within the industry.
“There’s not one strategy that works for everyone,” she said. “Every person has different shoes to fill, and it’s about how to connect with people for their benefit.”
By working to improve animal welfare while also assisting the food industry, Maral’s efforts are making a lasting impact on countless lives — both two-legged and four-legged alike.
David Friedman, @friedart, is a visual artist specializing in papercutting, printmaking, and painting. He and his dog, Poppi @poppipdx, can be seen daily at Wilshire Park. His work is on display at the Alberta Street Gallery, daily 11-7