– Early life and career:
– Born in Vienna, Austria
– Obtained diplomas in mathematics and astronomy from the University of Vienna in 1986 and 1987
– Earned his PhD in physics from the University of Heidelberg in 1989
– Worked as a lecturer and researcher at the Universities of Vienna, Heidelberg, and Cambridge
– Transitioned to full-time animal rights advocacy in 1997
– Animal rights advocacy:
– Became active in the animal rights movement in 1985
– Participated in a protest supporting animal rights activist Barry Horne in 1998
– Played a key role in adding a clause about non-human animals to Austria’s constitution in 2004
– Helped establish animal solicitors in each province in Austria
– Contributed to outlawing chicken batteries in Austria after January 1, 2009
– Achievements in animal protection legislation:
– By 2006, Austria had banned battery farms for chickens
– Implemented bans on trading dogs and cats in pet stores
– Prohibited public display of dogs and cats for sale
– Made it illegal to kill any animal without good cause
– Mandated appointment of animal solicitors in each province financed by the state
– Legal challenges and activism:
– Jailed without charge in May 2008 under a law aimed at organized crime
– Responded with a hunger strike while in custody
– Released in September 2008
– 13 animal protection activists, including Balluch, put on trial in February 2010
– All activists were found not guilty in May 2011 after a lengthy trial
– Recognition and political involvement:
– Invited to run as a Green Party candidate in September 2008
– Notable for his role in advancing animal rights legislation in Austria
– Received recognition for his efforts in animal protection
– Advocated for the welfare and rights of animals through political engagement
– Instrumental in uniting animal advocacy groups for legislative change
Martin Balluch (born 12 October 1964) is an Austrian physicist, philosopher, vegan and prominent animal rights activist. He co-founded the Austrian Vegan Society in 1999, and has been president of the Austrian Association Against Animal Factories since 2002. The philosopher Peter Singer has called Balluch "one of the foremost spokesmen in the worldwide animal rights movement for pursuing the nonviolent, democratic road to reform."
