On Saturday 8th of November, Tiny Paws MCR will have a stall at the Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there. It got us thinking, many of our followers might be wondering what we are doing, spending the day with a bunch of people who want to overthrow the government. And probably a lot of the people at the bookfair will wonder what a stall selling loads of cute animal merch is doing there, also. So let’s answer those questions.
At Tiny Paws, we believe that animal rescue is more than just caring for animals, it’s an act of resistance against businesses and breeders that see animals as products to profit from or individuals who see them as possessions. Our approach to rescue is rooted in compassion and respect. While rescuing and rehoming rabbits and rodents might seem far removed from political struggle, the principles behind it closely reflect the core values of anarchism.
Animal Liberation and Rejecting Hierarchies: Anarchism rejects domination in all its forms, whether it’s between governments and people or humans and animals. We reject the idea that humans have an inherent right to exploit or abuse other species. We see animals as individuals with their own needs, desires, and rights—not possessions or products. Our work is a direct pushback against systems that profit from animal suffering. Our end goal is to contribute to a vision of a world without the breeding and caging of animals for exploitation.
Mutual Aid, Community and Solidarity: Our rescue is run on a DIY ethic and powered by community support—it exists only because people offer time, donations, homes, skills, and passion. People donate their money and time to help us to build a kinder world. We do not see ourselves as an individual organisation, but part of a community and network. We support and work with other rescues and campaign groups, and stand in solidarity with people and groups defending animals through a diversity of tactics.
Supporting Radical Change: Every time we rescue a rabbit or rodent from a poor situation, or support someone to adopt and care for a rescued animal rather than buy one, we’re showing that another way is possible—a world based on respect and empathy, not exploitation and control. Rescue work is a small act in a much bigger vision of liberation of us all.
If anarchism is a vision of a better world built on community and mutual aid, free of capitalism, coercion and control, then Tiny Paws MCR is a part of that. We invite you to be part of this journey too.