Animal Justice

Camille and Peter explain groundbreaking criminal charges laid against a Montreal-area zoo, and the zoo industry ‘clearing’ itself of animal cruelty in another case out of the Cherry Brook Zoo in Moncton. There’s a new pet custody case out of Maine, and the Australian Capital Territory is bringing in strong new animal laws, addressing sentience and giving citizens the right to rescue dogs from hot cars. Finally, the hosts take a look at a case making global headlines right now—a vegan firefighter asking for ethical veganism to be declared a “creed” that is protected by human rights law in Ontario.

Camille and Peter explain groundbreaking criminal charges laid against a Montreal-area zoo, and the zoo industry ‘clearing’ itself of animal cruelty in another case out of the Cherry Brook Zoo in Moncton. There’s a new pet custody case out of Maine, and the Australian Capital Territory is bringing in strong new animal laws, addressing sentience and giving citizens the right to rescue dogs from hot cars. Finally, the hosts take a look at a case making global headlines right now—a vegan firefighter asking for ethical veganism to be declared a “creed” that is protected by human rights law in Ontario.

Camille and Peter discuss the rise of direct action animal advocacy in Canada, the legal issues raised, and the potential for legal pushback by industry and legislators. The hosts go over two recent high-profile cases: Ontario prosecutors withdrawing criminal charges against activist Jenny McQueen for rescuing a piglet, in a case that had been dubbed the #PigTrial2; and the #MeatTheVictims action in Abbotsford, B.C., where activists occupied an industrial pig farm that had been exposed for horrific pig abuse.

Camille and Peter discuss the rise of direct action animal advocacy in Canada, the legal issues raised, and the potential for legal pushback by industry and legislators. The hosts go over two recent high-profile cases: Ontario prosecutors withdrawing criminal charges against activist Jenny McQueen for rescuing a piglet, in a case that had been dubbed the #PigTrial2; and the #MeatTheVictims action in Abbotsford, B.C., where activists occupied an industrial pig farm that had been exposed for horrific pig abuse.

Camille and Peter explain how humans can seek justice when a companion animal is wrongfully injured or killed. The law has been slow to recognize the value of animals to their guardians, and still treats animals like property. Damage awards have typically been limited to the cost of replacing an animal, which doesn't even begin to account for the sense of loss that people feel when they lose a beloved animal through negligence or other tragic means. Slowly, damages for mental distress at the loss of a pet are creeping into Canadian judgments, and this area is ripe for evolution.

Camille and Peter explain how humans can seek justice when a companion animal is wrongfully injured or killed. The law has been slow to recognize the value of animals to their guardians, and still treats animals like property. Damage awards have typically been limited to the cost of replacing an animal, which doesn't even begin to account for the sense of loss that people feel when they lose a beloved animal through negligence or other tragic means. Slowly, damages for mental distress at the loss of a pet are creeping into Canadian judgments, and this area is ripe for evolution.

Camille is joined by guest co-host Rebeka Breder, one of the country's leading animal lawyers in private practice. Rebeka opens up about her path to becoming an animal rights lawyer, and two of her current high-profile cases—one lawsuit on illegal exports of horses shipped internationally slaughter, and an intervention to protect "dangerous" dogs potentially facing the death penalty.

Camille is joined by guest co-host Rebeka Breder, one of the country's leading animal lawyers in private practice. Rebeka opens up about her path to becoming an animal rights lawyer, and two of her current high-profile cases—one lawsuit on illegal exports of horses shipped internationally slaughter, and an intervention to protect "dangerous" dogs potentially facing the death penalty.

Camille interviews Jake Kamins, a district attorney in Oregon dedicated exclusively to prosecuting animal cruelty offences. Jake fills our listeners in on how his unique position helps him make a difference for animals.

Camille interviews Jake Kamins, a district attorney in Oregon dedicated exclusively to prosecuting animal cruelty offences. Jake fills our listeners in on how his unique position helps him make a difference for animals.