In this thought-provoking interview, Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan speak with Liv Baker and Kristin Stewart from PAN Works about their groundbreaking “animal trusteeship” framework – a new approach that transforms how we advocate for wild animals in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Key Points:

• Wildlife Representation Framework: Pan Works has developed an innovative animal trusteeship model that gives wild animals direct representation in environmental decision-making processes
• Legal Innovation for Animal Rights: This framework builds on pet trust statutes that created the legal precedent for animals to be recognized as trust beneficiaries rather than merely property
• Decentering Human Interests: Unlike traditional conservation approaches that prioritize human needs, animal trustees focus exclusively on representing the wellbeing and interests of specific animal populations
• Practical Application in Conservation: The National Wolf Conversation demonstrated how animal trustees can effectively represent wildlife interests in major policy discussions
• Advocacy Tool for Environmental Decision-Making: The animal trusteeship approach provides a structured, transparent method for ensuring animal perspectives are considered in public hearings and policy development

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Kristin L. Stewart, JD, PhD, is an attorney, scholar, and founding board member of PAN Works, an independent think-tank dedicated to the wellbeing of animals. Her work bridges legal practice and ethical theory, with a focus on how we care for and represent animals in law and policy. Kris’s teaching includes graduate and undergraduate courses in animal law, policy, and ethics, and her writing on animal law appears in both scholarly and popular publications. She has also practiced animal law in a variety of contexts, alongside broader work in environmental law and government litigation. Her legal experience—including estate planning with pet trusts and a deep understanding of the limits of the Public Trust Doctrine—informed the co-authored article In Trust: A Framework for Animal Representation.

Dr. Liv Baker is a conservation behaviorist and expert in wild animal wellbeing. She is Chair of the Board of PAN Works, Research Director at Mahouts Elephant Foundation, and teaches at Sarah Lawrence College. Her work focuses on compassionate conservation and the ways animals shape their own lives and communities.

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.

_____________________________________________

The Veganic Summit is a free online event from November 7th-9th, 2025. You’ll learn how plant foods can be grown using techniques that are both vegan and organic, without any chemical fertilizers or any animal byproducts like manure or bonemeal. If you’d like to start your own veganic garden or learn about sustainable plant-based farming, sign up for the Veganic Summit today at https://veganicsummit.com/

_____________________________________________

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!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review!

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.

Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky.

The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.