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Well-known and much-admired, Aaron Leider has played a leadership role in the Los Angeles animal activist community since the early 1980s: campaigning against vivisection, supporting feral cat and farmed animal protection groups, and spearheading a groundbreaking lawsuit to help Billy, the lone male elephant held in solitary confinement at the Los Angeles Zoo.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Aaron opened the Keller Williams Real Estate office in Brentwood in 2005. Today as its broker, Aaron, along with his team, oversees the work of more than 180 agents. In December 2015, the Beverly Hills Greater Los Angeles Board of Realtors installed him as president. Aaron shares his life with partner Michael, three rescued dogs, two rescued cats, and five grown adopted children.
Q: How did you become involved in animal protection?
A: I used to visit the Detroit Zoo with my dad. Seeing the animals in captivity, I began to realize the disconnect we humans have between the animals who are regarded as food or purely for entertainment, and the animals who share our lives and homes: the ones we eat and the ones we love. The first Animal Rights National Conference in 1982 galvanized me along with so many others. Since then I’ve protested vivisection here at UCLA (and been jailed multiple times for “failure to leave the campus), organized free spay and neuter for feral cats in South Central Los Angeles, and led media debates with scientists who use animals in their research.
Just this month, I won my appeal against the city of Los Angeles regarding the treatment of elephants at the LA Zoo. Although we didn’t succeed in getting the exhibit closed, we had a major win in improving conditions for all three elephants. It is very sad that it took a two-year appeal to finally help them; however, the zoo had refused to do as the court originally ordered. Keep in mind that the court found that the exhibit shortens the elephants’ lives and they suffer. Unfortunately, that is the inherent cost of captivity. Billy the Elephant is severely traumatized, being kept in solitary confinement at the LA Zoo for so many years. We’re in our eighth year of campaigning for Billy to be released to sanctuary.
Q: What part of MFA’s work speaks to you most?
A: I admire MFA’s very targeted focus on farmed animal welfare. By the numbers alone, animal agriculture is responsible for the most animal abuse and misery on the planet. I’m always impressed by the professionalism of MFA’s work. The evidence captured in MFA undercover investigations is heart-wrenching and always presented compellingly. Using social media to reach the most people possible is a brilliant strategy. I also like to see the complementary approach of next-generation grassroots activists out leafleting. The rapidly growing number of people MFA is reaching is so impressive.
Q: Building a kinder world for animals is so close to your heart. What guidance do you have for people seeking to do more for animals?
A: There’s so much we all can do, every single day. Using our consumer purchasing power to support cruelty-free companies and products, of course. And taking every opportunity to introduce non-vegans to delicious plant-based food, whether at family and neighborhood gatherings or business events. I’m supporting a group of 10 friends who are going vegan for the month of February. I also challenged the Beverly Hills Greater Los Angeles Board of Realtors to produce an all-vegan banquet for over 400 guests at its December gala event. The banquet captain said in his 20-year history in catering he never saw so little food come back on the cleared plates. Also, they ate a lot! That night we opened a lot of minds to how amazing vegan food is. Just serve an omnivore So Delicious Salted Caramel Cluster Cashew Ice Cream—this will help them see the light!