In this eye-opening episode, Mariann Sullivan speaks with three pioneering advocates who are successfully preventing octopus factory farming across the United States. Amanda Fox (Executive Director of Animal Rights Initiative), Allie Taylor (President of Voters for Animal Rights), and Brenna Anderst (Senior Policy Advisor at The Humane League) share how their coalition has already secured bans in Washington and California, with legislation pending in seven more coastal states. The conversation reveals why octopuses – highly intelligent, venomous, escape-prone animals who require live prey – are particularly unsuited for aquaculture, and how preventing new forms of animal exploitation before they become entrenched is a powerful strategy for animal protection.

This episode explores:

• How the Animal Policy Alliance is connecting local advocacy groups across the country to share resources and strategies for legislative success
• The ecological dangers of octopus farming, including massive consumption of wild-caught crustaceans and potential parasite spread
• Why preemptively banning harmful practices before they become economically established is more effective than trying to regulate existing industries
• The growing opposition from aquaculture interests as more states consider octopus farming bans
• How grassroots legislative campaigns can achieve meaningful victories for animals even when federal action seems unlikely

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Amanda Fox is a dynamic leader serving as the Executive Director of the Animal Rights Initiative, where she pioneers legislative advocacy efforts and orchestrates impactful campaigns. With a keen eye for strategy and a passion for social change, Amanda navigates the complexities of lobbying while also coordinating engaging educational events, cementing her reputation as a dedicated advocate for animal liberation and social justice.

Brenna Anderst is the Senior Policy Advisor at The Humane League, where she provides support to members of the Animal Policy Alliance through local, state, and federal policy research, model legislation drafting, and legislative and campaign strategy development. Prior to joining The Humane League, Brenna directed the legislative campaigns, lobbying efforts, and educational initiatives of an animal protection organization and farmed animal sanctuary in Washington state and was a founding member of the Animal Policy Alliance. In this role, Brenna led or was involved in the advancement of 20+ state and local-level laws protecting animals. Her extensive policy experience includes working with organizations and advocates locally and across the country on issues related to companion and farmed animal protections, animal cruelty enforcement reform, retail pet sales regulations, plant-based food procurement, and more.

Allie Taylor is the president of Voters For Animal Rights (VFAR). She has led numerous legislative campaigns in New York City, including efforts to ban foie gras, end the sale of guinea pigs, prohibit the use of wild animals in circuses, crack down on backyard breeders, and eliminate the sale of fur.

We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview.

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The Animal Policy Alliance, established by The Humane League, is a powerful collective of local and state-level animal advocacy groups throughout the United States. We serve as a trusted resource, providing knowledge, strategies, connection opportunities, and grants to our member organizations. We lead with purpose, empowering alliance members to build toward our shared vision of a world without animal abuse.

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Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content!

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Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series.

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