**UPDATE: March 31, 2026 — This page was published long before allegations regarding Cesar Chavez came to light in March 2026. As an organization dedicated to justice and compassion for all beings, In Defense of Animals takes these reports very seriously. We echo the courage and clarity of youth animal rights advocate Genesis Butler — Chavez’s own great-grandniece — who addressed the allegations by stating, "I stand with those who have come forward." Like Genesis, we believe that "our movements are rooted in integrity, not silence," and we remain committed to nonviolence against all beings and supporting those who speak out against harm. For free, confidential support, contact our Animal Activist Support Line: www.idausa.org/activistsupport

Enjoy this summary of the self-care tips from our staff for Activist Appreciation Month, including new bonus tips! Looking for more? Call, text, or email us at (800) 705-0425, activistsupport@idausa.org.

As Operations Manager for In Defense of Animals Hope Animal Sanctuary, I am exposed to abuse and neglect of animals on a daily basis. The pain and suffering that my colleagues and I are exposed to takes a heavy toll. Abuse and neglect never take a day off, a vacation, or a holiday and so I rarely take time off either. My days are long since animals in need do not keep regular hours. For me, taking pictures of the animals we save so they are able to find loving guardians rejuvenates me and allows me to move forward. The support of friends in rescue is of paramount importance and helps me realize I am not alone in this fight.

San Rafael, Calif. (May 25, 2021) — As part of its Guardians campaign and recognition of Guardian Month this May, In Defense of Animals is proud to have presented Tom Cibrowski, President and General Manager of ABC7, and veteran journalist Dan Noyes with the prestigious Guardian Award for their excellent coverage of issues affecting animals. 

As chief investigative reporter for the ABC7 News I-Team, the longest-running investigative unit in the San Francisco Bay Area, Noyes has tackled topics ranging from the battle to save Tule elk in Point Reyes National Seashore and the killing of community cats in Oakland to greyhound racing, dogfighting, navy sonar killing whales and conditions in zoos to factory farming and live animal markets, among many other issues.

"I am honored to receive the Guardian Award, and I have respected the passion and commitment of In Defense of Animals and its volunteers over the years. Pushing for better treatment of captive and wild animals has been an important part of my career, and our viewers care deeply about these issues. I appreciate ABC7's strong commitment to telling stories that can bring about change," said Noyes. 

Previous recipients of the Guardian Award include legendary civil rights champion Cesar Chavez.

In Defense of Animals’ Guardians campaign aims to change the way we speak and write about animals to restructure the social and legal relationships that exist between us and them. This campaign is the legacy of In Defense of Animals’ founder Dr. Elliot Katz, who passed away on March 24. 

This spring, In Defense of Animals and Animals & Media partnered to call for an update to the Associated Press Stylebook’s recommendation on the use of personal pronouns for nonhuman animals to reflect the fact that they are sentient beings. They were joined by more than 80 respected leaders in animal advocacy and conservation, including Dr. Jane Goodall, who signed on to an open letter calling for this change. 

“We’re so grateful to journalists like Dan Noyes and the ABC7 News team who expose the truth about what happens to animals behind closed doors, and raise public awareness about so many exploitative industries and atrocities they suffer,” said Fleur Dawes, Communications Director for In Defense of Animals. “We hope to see more journalists yet take on Guardian principles by reporting these issues in an even-handed and accurate way, and ensuring that animals’ interests are represented in stories about them.” 

San Francisco, San Jose, Richmond, Berkeley, Marin County, and Albany are all designated Guardian locations that legally acknowledge animals as more than mere property.

Members of the public are invited to take action and support animals here: https://www.idausa.org/campaign/guardian/latest-news/ap-stylebook-animals

Images: http://bit.ly/GuardianAward21

Contact: Fleur Dawes, media@idausa.org, 415-879-6879

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in Marin, California, with over 250,000 supporters and a 38-year history of fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/guardian

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