Best Animal Rights Podcasts (2025)

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Ep.376: Not All of Harvard's Scientific Research is Groundbreaking; Some are Just Cruel. 43:41

3d ago43:41

43:41

Harvard is in the news standing up for academic freedom tied to billions of federal dollars withheld for research. But not all science done at Harvard is groundbreaking or even worthwhile. Some of it is just cruel and wasteful. Animal experimenters like Harvard's Margaret Livingstone continue to spend your tax dollars on useless tests that only end…

1
Ep. 375: FDA Heralds The Coming of A New Era---With No Animal Testing 22:14

10d ago22:14

22:14

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration made a groundbreaking announcement—a move toward less cruelty toward animals in science. Much of this new direction is due to PETA scientists' work on monoclonal antibodies. Jeff Brown, PETA Science advisor, talks with Emil Guillermo. The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization, is 9 m…

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The Mink VIRUS Act featuring Devan Schowe 21:40

13d ago21:40

21:40

Mink fur farms are a virus’s favourite place. There’s lots of opportunity to transmit, mutate, and lead to more virulent strains that threaten public health. With the devastating economic impact of H5N1 or avian flu in the news, the reintroduction of the Mink Virus Act to the United States Congress is well timed. To share what this legislation is a…

1
Ep.374:SeaWorld Better? Don't Forget John Hargrove and "Blackfish." 55:55

16d ago55:55

55:55

Thinking SeaWorld has gotten better? Remember "Blackfish." We reprise the first of a two-part conversation with SeaWorld whistle blower John Hargrove. He was featured in the documentary, "Blackfish," and told his story in his New York Times best seller "Beneath the Surface,." In this conversation with host Emil Guillermo, Hargrove reflects on how h…

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Episode 236: The Fabric of Zoodemocracy with Pablo Castello 42:23

20d ago42:23

42:23

On this episode, we speak to Dr Pablo P. Castello, currently a Research Fellow of the Animal Law and Policy Program at Harvard Law School. Pablo is an interdisciplinary political theorist whose work has appeared in such diverse locations as the American Political Science Review, Biological Conservation, and the feminist philosophy journal Hypatia. …

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The Canmore cougar tragedy featuring John E. Marriott 1:01:24

20d ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Anyone who follows John E. Marriott or Exposed Wildlife Conservancy on social media knows that a cougar John had tracked for many years was killed near Canmore, Alberta, earlier this year. It led to two orphaned kits, a harrowing experience for John, and a clear mission: to share this story with the public and lead to change for wildlife in Alberta…

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Ep. 373: PETA: Sea World Death--Another Reason Not To Go 30:36

24d ago30:36

30:36

Need another reason not to go to Sea World? The park released the news that a dolphin had died recently in its San Antonio Park. One of the "founders," the dolphin was called. But it made no mention of the cruelty the animal endured during 50 years of imprisonment. PETA's Melanie Johnson, Sr.Manager of the Animals In Entertainment Campaign talks to…

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Ep. 372: Horse Racing Cruelty Costing Public Billions 24:54

1M ago24:54

24:54

The shaky underpinnings of horse racing in America were revealed in a recent New York Times article. The headline was stark: "Dead Athletes. Empty Stands. Why are We Paying Billions to Keep This Sport Alive?" Investigative reporter Noah Schactman asked the questions that have needed to be asked for a long time--and reveals why horse racing--at leas…

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The Case of the Cows, the Gas, and the Money with Kelsey Eberly and Skye Walker 50:55

1M ago50:55

50:55

FarmSTAND attorneys Kelsey Eberly and Skye Walker join us on this episode to discuss an absolutely infuriating case, Blumm v Northwest Natural Gas Company. They explain how an increasing number of dairy farms are more in the business of selling the methane being produced by their manure piles, or, as they call them, “lagoons,” than selling milk. No…

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A Dam Good Conversation: Ben Goldfarb on Beavers, Wetlands, and Rewilding the World 38:20

1M ago38:20

38:20

Fifty years ago this week, Canada officially made beavers one of our national symbols. In celebrating this anniversary – and the many ecological services and benefits provided by beavers – The Fur-Bearers have a bit of beaver fever. And who better to talk to about beavers than Ben Goldfarb, the journalist behind Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of…

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Ep. 371: Free Speech Matter: PETA's Right To Listen to Tortured Monkeys 29:04

1M ago29:04

29:04

The First Amendment is being applied to a basic animal rights issue that could end the torture at NIH laboratories. PETA's Chief Legal Officer Jeff Kerr explains it all to Emil Guillermo. For more info on the lawsuit against NIH, go to PETA.org The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization, is 9 million strong and growing. H…

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Canada's Most Distinct Species featuring Emma Kominek 31:12

1M ago31:12

31:12

Canada’s iconic wildlife include moose, beavers, and wolves. But of the many species of vertebrate, which are the most evolutionarily distinct? And why does that matter? A team of researchers from Simon Fraser University (emma Kominek, Olivia Cornies, Arne Ø. Mooers, and Wildlife Preservation Canada's Hannah McCurdy-Adams) explored these questions …

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Ep. 370: Cruel Lab Exposed! PETA Goes Undercover 30:39

2M ago30:39

30:39

It's too easy to escape scrutiny if you're a laboratory that harms animals routinely. It takes PETA to go undercover to get the 24-7 truth. Listen to what an investigator found what High Quality Research in Colorado was doing to dogs and cats. Take action. Send a message to one of the lab's biggest client, Colorado State University to end the cruel…

1
The Switch: Going Green for March Break Travel 2:59

2M ago2:59

2:59

Whether you’re heading south to escape the cold, across the provinces for an adventure, or just a town over for a quick getaway, there are a lot of choices we can make while travelling for March Break that reduce our impact on the environment – and can even improve it. SHOW NOTES Episode art photo by Petmal / Getty Images Want to suggest topics for…

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Ep 369: Peter Singer on his book, "Animal Liberation," 50 years later. 52:56

2M ago52:56

52:56

In 1975, philosopher Peter Singer argued for the end of tyranny by human animals over non-human animals. His book "Animal Liberation," has been an ethical compass for several generations of animal rights activists. In this conversation with Emil Guillermo, Singer talks about the changes in the last five decades, how his book helped bring about thos…

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Episode 235: Mammoth Blood with Charlotte Wrigley 34:44

2M ago34:44

34:44

This week's guest is Dr Charlotte Wrigley, who is a postdoctoral researcher at the Greenhouse Centre for Environmental Humanities at the University of Stavanger in Norway. She has a mixed academic background, but her PhD (at Queen Mary University in London) was in human geography. Her research expertise concerns the arctic, extinction, and climate …

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Takaya's Ongoing Legacy featuring Cheryl Alexander 26:41

2M ago26:41

26:41

The journey of Takaya the Lone wolf on Vancouver Island was one of hope, inspiration, and ultimately tragedy. Cheryl Alexander, acclaimed conservation photographer and Founding Executive Director of Takaya’s Legacy has shared her story countless times – but this past year the story took a new twist. An iconic photo of Takaya, taken by Cheryl, was u…

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Ep. 368: Wegovy and Ozempic? Dr. Neal Barnard tells Emil Guillermo the "Power Foods Diet," is Cheaper, Safer 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

Still wondering about Ozempic and Wegovy? We reprise our talk about "Power Foods." It's cheaper, safer, and works. Dr. Neal Barnard talks about his new book with Emil Guillermo on how you can let the good foods you eat do the heavy lifting in your weight loss fight. It's all in "The Power Foods Diet," now available wherever books are sold. The PETA…

1
The Case of the Frankenchicken with Edie Bowles 38:05

2M ago38:05

38:05

Edie Bowles, the Managing Director of UK law firm Advocates for Animals, joins us on this episode to help us understand what appears to be a groundbreaking decision in animal welfare law that involves one of the most widespread and egregious practices in industrial animal agriculture, the breeding of factory-farmed chickens raised for meat in ways …

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The Switch: Road Salt Solutions 3:32

2M ago3:32

3:32

Winter salt keeps sidewalks safe but harms Ottawa’s waterways. A five-year study shows toxic chloride levels in local streams year-round. Learn how to reduce salt use, protect aquatic life, and keep winter walkways safe. SHOW NOTES: Episode art photo by EyeEm Mobile GmbH / Getty Images Check out Ottawa Riverkeeper's work on salt monitoring and redu…

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Ep. 367: PETA TALKS WITH DR. JOHN GLUCK ON SCIENCE AND ETHICS 1:10:31

2M ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Dr. John P. Gluck was honored with PETA's Trailblazing Advocacy Award in 2021 for being a shining example of ethics in science. In this conversation with Emil Guillermo, Dr. Gluck-- a one-time animal experimenter who studied with the infamous Harry Harlow--describes his transformation from an animal experimenter to a compassionate bioethicist commi…

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Saving North Atlantic Right Whales featuring Sheryl Fink 18:32

2M ago18:32

18:32

North Atlantic Right Whales are at extreme risk of extinction, with only around 370 individuals and around 70 reproductive females. According to RightWhales.org, over 142 individuals have been injured or died since 2017 – a shocking 35% of the current population. Fortunately, individuals like Sheryl Fink of the International Fund for Animal Welfare…

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Ep. 366: PETA's Cargo Act Cuts Waste and Cruelty 15:20

2M ago15:20

15:20

CARGO Act stands for "Cease Animal Research Grants Overseas." When PETA uncovered the waste and cruelty, a bill was introduced by Democrats and Republicans that could save billions spent by NIH (National Institutes of Health) Take action on the CARGO act. Go to PETA.org. The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all…

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The Switch: Meal Planning to Reduce Food Waste 3:52

3M ago3:52

3:52

Canadians waste a ton of food - literally! Learn how meal planning can reduce food waste, save you money, and reduce your impact on emissions and climate change by listening now. SHOW NOTES: LoveFoodHateWaste.ca: https://lovefoodhatewaste.ca/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and The Switch? Reach out to us at [email protected], by vi…

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Ep. 365: Back From Obesity: A Vegan's Tale 33:12

3M ago33:12

33:12

She was 5-foot-8-inches and 264 pounds. She thought she was on the road to health. However, Stephanie was an obese vegan who needed to pay attention to the fat content in her diet. And she knew it was a matter of life and death. Find out how to go vegan and get your starter kit at PETA.org The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights or…

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Episode 234: Gender and animals with Chloë Taylor 34:08

3M ago34:08

34:08

This episode's guest is Professor Chloë Taylor, a scholar of gender studies and critical animal studies at the University of Alberta, as well as one of the editors of the Animal Politics book series at Sydney University Press, who are sponsors of Knowing Animals. We explore the 2024 Routledge Companion to Gender and Animals, which Chloë edited.…

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Biodiversity and Urban Connectivity feat. Dr. Thami Croeser and Dr. Holly Kirk 53:46

3M ago53:46

53:46

Enhancing biodiversity in urban areas is a critical step in improving our ecosystems, resilience against the climate crisis, and ensuring nature exposure for residents. But how do you increase biodiversity on pavement? According to two researchers, it can start with stepping stones. Drs. Thami Croeser and Holly Kirk tackled this issue and showed th…

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Ep.364: Don't Leave Them Out in the Cold: PETA Tips to Keep Animals Safe 34:46

3M ago34:46

34:46

Dogs are being reported dead in Michigan and Indiana. And that's just the ones that get reported. Don't leave your animal companions out in the cold. Simple tips that will show you care and keep your animals alive. Emil talks with Emily Allen of PETA's CAP program. If you see an animal out in the cold, contact peta.org. See the impact of the cold w…

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The Case of the Thirsty Elk: Saving Point Reyes’ Tule Elk with Chris Green and Rebecca Garverman 1:10:56

3M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

Chris Green and Rebecca Garverman join us this week to talk about a case that managed to catch the attention not only of the public at large but of a number of lawyers and, after a great deal of hard work, resulted in a historic victory. You may have heard about the plight of the Tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore. These extraordinary animal…

1
Dealing With Winter Drafts 3:16

3M ago3:16

3:16

Cold drafts in winter aren’t only unpleasant, they could be costing you money and wasting energy. Listen now to The Switch to hear how to quickly identify and deal with a draft. SHOW NOTES: Photo of a door equipped with two types of draft stoppers by AndreyPopov / Getty Images Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRa…

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Ep. 363: Halting Cambodian Monkey Trade for Lab Experiments 26:47

3M ago26:47

26:47

With PETA’s help an international trade org is stopping the Cambodian Monkey trade, a move that would protect an endangered species and lead to an end to lab experimentation. Dr. Lisa Jones Engel explains in this conversation with Emil Guillermo. The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all its global entities, is …

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Tizzy and Me: Fifteen Ways To Love A Mink feat. Dr. Nadja Lubiw-Hazard 32:17

3M ago32:17

32:17

One day at school, 7-year-old animal loving Georgia discovers her best friend is wearing a coat made with mink fur; with the companionship of her dog Tizzy, Georgia and her friend begin to learn about animals that live in fur farms – and that they must stand up for them. Tizzy and Me: Fifteen Ways to Love A Mink is the lovely chapter book by NML Ha…

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Ep. 362: Emil talks with Dominck Thompson About Going Vegan 29:49

3M ago29:49

29:49

Are you keeping your New Year's resolution to go vegan? If you're struggling, you need some inspiration: "Eat Like Elephants Eat," by Dominick Thompson. He learned how to be vegan in prison. Part II of Emil's conversation with Dominick. The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all its global entities, is 9 million …

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Season 11 Coming Soon! 1:14

3M ago1:14

1:14

I’m excited to announce season 11 of Defender Radio and The Switch is going live this month! You’ll be hearing long-form interviews from expert scientists around the world talking about wildlife behaviour, population dynamics, and the environment. We’ll be exploring ways you can reduce your impact on the climate crisis and become more resilient thr…

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Ep.361: Plant-based Journey Begins in Prison--Dominick Thompson's "Eat What Elephants Eat." 24:47

4M ago24:47

24:47

Dominick Thompson's gang life caught up with him and he served hard time in federal prison. But it was there that he found his true self as a vegan. In part 1 of our conversation, he talks about how taking responsibility for his bad choices changed his life. Thompson's book, "Eat What Elephants Eat," shares his story and his recipes. It's now avail…

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Episode 233: Animals and the climate crisis with Richard Twine 35:40

4M ago35:40

35:40

This episode features a returning guest: someone who first appeared on Knowing Animals nearly nine years ago, in February 2016. Dr Richard Twine is a Reader in Sociology at Edge Hill University in the UK. He’ll be well-known to lots of regular listeners of this podcast for the work he’s done championing the discipline of critical animal studies. Hi…

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Ep. 360 "Chimp Crazy," is Rolling Stone's Top True Crime Series for 2024; But made it happen? A PETA Whistleblower. 57:58

4M ago57:58

57:58

"Chimp Crazy" was just named by Rolling Stone as the No.1 True Crime docu/series for 2024. So in honor of that and the New Year, we hear again from Angela Scott, who tells the story of how a 19-year-old girl with a passion for chimpanzees was able to expose the cruelty and criminality that drove the narrative in "Chimp Crazy." It's the power of the…

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The Case of the Cultivated Chicken with Paul Sherman 1:05:17

4M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Paul Sherman, senior attorney with the public interest law firm The Institute for Justice, joins us this week to discuss the legal battle over cultivated meat in Florida. Paul is leading the landmark lawsuit brought by UPSIDE Foods, challenging Florida’s controversial statute that criminalizes (criminalizes!) the production and sale of USDA-approve…

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Ep. 359: Captain Paul Watson is Free, But Not Yet the Whales and Orca 52:42

4M ago52:42

52:42

Captain Paul Watson was freed from a Danish prison in Greenland after five months in custody for attempting to save whales. The Japanese whaling industry advocated for his arrest and extradition. But Denmark finally refused and let Watson free. Hear Watson's passion in this reprise of our conversation on his book, "Orcapedia." Other related PETA Po…

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Ep. 358: Alpha Genesis? PETA Whistleblower Exposes South Carolina Company's Cruelty and Mismanagement 21:28

5M ago21:28

21:28

When 43 monkeys escaped from Alpha Genesis, a monkey supplier in South Carolina, the company went silent, and the news stopped. Now, a whistleblower has given PETA hundreds of pages of documents exposing the company's mismanagement and cruelty to animals. Will the company be shut down now? What you need to know about Alpha Genesis. And why it's imp…

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Ep. 357: Don't Leave Them Out in the Cold: PETA's Tips to Keep Your Animal Companions Safe and Warm 34:53

5M ago34:53

34:53

Don't leave your animal companions out in the cold. Simple tips that will show you care and keep your animals alive. Emil talks with Emily Allen of PETA's CAP program. See more about the CAP program on PETA.org The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all its global entities, is 9 million strong and growing. This i…

1
Episode 232: Postanimal companion species with Liza Bauer 37:25

5M ago37:25

37:25

Dr Liza Bauer is the scientific manager of the Panel on Planetary Thinking project at the University of Giessen in Germany, having recently completed a PhD on literary animal studies at the same institution. In this episode, we discuss her book Livestock and Literature: Reimagining Postanimal Companion Species, which was published by Palgrave Macmi…

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Ep. 356: PETA'S Vegan Thanksgiving Without Turkey Or Ozempic--Thanks to Dr. Barnard's Power Foods 42:58

5M ago42:58

42:58

Happy Thanksgiving! We give thanks for good information. You don't need Turkey or Ozempic, or even Wegovy to enjoy the traditional holiday meal. Dr. Neal Barnard talks about power foods that are vegan, and avoids all those drugs. Not to mention a turkey on the table. See more about turkeys this season here. The truth about turkeys. A Butterball inv…

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Animal Law Podcast 114: The Case of the Not-So-Clean Water Act 1:00:53

5M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Emily Miller of Food and Water Watch joins us to talk about Food and Water Watch v EPA, which involves the Clean Water Act and why, when it comes to one particular industry (guess which one!), it is so ineffective in guarding our water from being polluted with outright filth. Whether it comes to the failure to require factory farms to get permits o…

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Ep. 355: Oreos Vegan But Not Cruelty Free? PETA Wants To Change the Food Industry 23:05

5M ago23:05

23:05

Oreos may be vegan, but they aren't cruelty-free. Parent company Mondelez is now under pressure from PETA. Dr. Frances Cheng, PETA scientist, explains the ridiculous experiments being done on animals and how you can stop them. Cheng also owns a small vegan restaurant and says if you prefer cruelty-free products like cosmetics, you should check out …

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Ep. 354: PETA Plan To Save Loose South Carolina Monkeys 28:58

5M ago28:58

28:58

The PETA plan to save the monkeys running loose in South Carolina is on the table. But will Alpha Genesis,the company contracted to NIH, concede and allow the monkeys to be saved. PETA monkey expert Dr. Lisa Jones-Engel in conversation with Emil Guillermo. Learn more about the South Carolina monkey situation. Go to PETA.org The PETA Podcast PETA, t…

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Ep. 353: PETA Pressure Ends Upcharge on Vegan Milk at Starbucks 25:46

6M ago25:46

25:46

PETA campaign forces Starbucks to end upcharge on vegan milk starting Nov. 7. Emil Guillermo talks with PETA's Amanda Brody. Learn more about the upcharge protest, and go vegan. Go to PETA.org The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all its global entities, is 9 million strong and growing. This is the place to fin…

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Episode 231: The edge of sentience with Jonathan Birch 36:00

6M ago36:00

36:00

This episode features Professor Jonathan Birch of the Department of Philosophy, Logic, and Scientific Method at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Jonathan is a philosopher of science who will be best known to an animal studies audience for his work on the science of sentience. This includes his 2021 report Review of the Evidence…

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Ep.352: With PETA Assist, First City In Nation Bans "Tortured Breeding" 31:09

6M ago31:09

31:09

The City of Ojai, California, became the first in the U.S. to ban tortured breeding. With PETA's help, the Companion Animal Protection Ordinance is a reality, following the example in many European countries. The new law stops the growth of BIBs and keeps breeders at bay so that animal suffering can end. What's a BIB? Listen now. The PETA Podcast P…

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Animal Law Podcast 113: The Case of the Cows Who Sought Sanctuary 1:19:00

6M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

Wayne Hsiung and Justin Marceau are joining us on this episode to talk about the criminal prosecution of Tracy Murphy, founder and director of Asha’s Farm Sanctuary in Newfane, New York, for supposedly stealing two cows who wandered onto her property seeking, you guessed it, sanctuary. You have probably heard of this case, but maybe, like me, you d…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Animal Rights Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen