Our history Our history

Our history

The birth of a fight for their rights

We needed a radical association to defend animals, one that was uncompromising but obviously non-violent. Because One Voice is a single voice, for animals and the planet.

The origins of the association

Created by Muriel Arnal in 1995, One Voice, an association under the 1908 law, is fighting for changes in our relationship with living creatures and is striving to finally put an end to cruelty in all its forms. Initially called Aequalis, the association became Talis in 1998, then finally One Voice in 2000.

We are non-violent warriors, proud to be at the service of animals, this cause is so noble and so just. To serve is first and foremost to think of those for whom we are fighting. Our action must be part of a long-term process that will raise individual awareness and support collective action for a better world.
Muriel Arnal
Founding President of One Voice

A pioneering commitment

The year it was created, One Voice launched a resounding alert, which still marks a turning point in its history. This is how the infamous mad cow affair came to light in the media. One Voice quickly made a series of denunciations and, with the collaboration of numerous international experts, set up concrete actions against animal experimentation. This is how we were the first to denounce and put an end to certain cruel practices when they were still ignored by the “historic associations”: in circuses, in laboratories…

Théodore Monod, battalion commander committed to respect for all living beings

An indelible mark in the history of One Voice

A thought-leader and deeply committed humanist, Théodore Monod fought relentlessly for unity in his battles for animals, humans and the planet. And alongside One Voice as the association’s patron, Théodore has fought many battles: the abolition of hunting, the fight against animal experimentation, bullfighting… The fervour of his commitment has greatly contributed to building what One Voice is today.

The vision of a deeply altruistic man

A man of faith from a line of shepherds who travelled the desert, Theodore was quick to commit himself to defending the rights of humans and animals throughout the world. So it was only natural that he should set up a Natural History Society at the age of 15. Founder and then director of the Institut Français d’Afrique Noire in Dakar, a zoologist, botanist, oceanographer and laureate of the Académie des Sciences in 1973, Théodore devoted his life to fighting all forms of injustice and destruction.

We should be putting our gifts of heart and intelligence at the service of animals, respecting, protecting and caring for them - in short, treating them as God's creatures - but what are we doing? Are we not all too often cruel enemies and ruthless masters?
Théodore Monod