When I first heard that these chimps, who had been trapped in research facilities in the US for their whole lives, were not going to sanctuary, I was very disappointed. The sanctuary movement for chimpanzees has grown by leaps and bounds to accommodate all of these extraordinary individuals who are, at long last, emerging from hell. Then, when I heard that they were being sent, instead, to a zoo in England, where they would be put on display and most likely bred, I was confused. How the hell was that happening?
But when I heard the full story, which is still unfolding and whose final chapter has yet to be written, I was furious. You will be too, and you will also be fascinated by the legal battle that is being waged to get the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to require that these chimpanzees end up where they belong — in a sanctuary that will care for them and look out for their best interests, and will not try to make a buck (or a pound) off of them.
That battle is being waged by one of the finest lawyers in the animal law movement, Katherine Meyer, a founding partner of the extraordinary public interest law firm of Meyer, Glitzenstein and Eubanks. You will not want to miss the exciting, convoluted and, yes, infuriating legal tale of the efforts to get these animals to safety, using the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Freedom of Information Act.
Before Kathy joins me, I’ll be talking about some of the latest developments for emotional support animals. Yes, I know that all of us get emotional support from animals, but the whole question of who qualifies legally as such, and exactly what that means for whether those animals can stay in their homes, is a complicated and, increasingly, a controversial one.
***
You can listen to our podcast directly on our website (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content!
The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren. The graphics for the OHH podcasts are created by the wonderful Laurie Johnston of Two Trick Pony. Audio editing is provided by Eric Milano of Love Loft Studio. Special thanks to OHH’s Jasmin Singer, Anne Green, and Michael Harren. Don’t forget to also listen to the award-winning, weekly signature OHH podcast — now in its seventh glorious year!
Join Animal Law professor and longtime activist Mariann Sullivan as she unpacks the latest updates, cases, and news from the burgeoning world of animal law.
I am so excited about Episode #12 of the Animal Law Podcast! This episode features the the Humane Society of the United States’ Nick Arrivo, and he will be talking about his efforts to protect some iconic American predators, including Grizzly …continue
Proudly brought to you by: 27 May 2016
Alene Anello of Legal Impact for Chickens joins us once again, this time to talk, not about chickens, but about cows. Of course, the laws affecting farmed animals are often the same regardless of species and Legal Impact for Chickens …continue
Proudly brought to you by: 30 April 2025
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 …continue
Proudly brought to you by: 26 March 2025
