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Animal Law Podcast #20: James Whitlock and Douglas Ruley and the Cherokee Bear Zoo Case

Mariann Sullivan 25 January 2017 5


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James Whitlock

Welcome to the 20th episode of the Animal Law Podcast! Today, Mariann is joined by Jamie Whitlock and Doug Ruley, who focus on environmental law at Davis & Whitlock, P.C., in Asheville, North Carolina. Jamie has litigated numerous environmental and land use cases in federal district courts nationwide, the state courts of North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas, and in local and administrative venues throughout the southeast. Doug has litigated cases involving the forests and biodiversity of the Appalachians, air and water pollution, and transportation and land use, among many others. 

Douglas Ruley

On today’s show, Jamie and Doug discuss the deplorable conditions at the Cherokee Bear Zoo for grizzly bears, who live out their lives in concrete pits begging for food from benighted tourists. Can this be legal? Jamie and Doug, who have brought a lawsuit seeking to free the bears, consider how the intersections between the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act open up the possibility of freeing them from their terrible lives. What does it mean to “harm,” “take” and “harass” captive wildlife? What is a “generally accepted” husbandry practice? We’ll consider these and other questions, and what the answers mean for these desperate animals.

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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. Special thanks to OHH’s Anne Green and Michael Harren. Don’t forget to also listen to the award-winning,  weekly signature OHH podcast — now in its eighth glorious year! 

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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.

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Animal Law Podcast #19: Bryan Pease and the Kapporot Case

Mariann Sullivan 28 December 2016

Welcome to the 19th episode of the Animal Law Podcast! Today, Mariann is joined by attorney Bryan Pease. Bryan’s law practice focuses on government transparency and freedom of speech and assembly, as well as the protection of animals, the environment, and consumers. …continue

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Proudly brought to you by: Mariann Sullivan 28 December 2016

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

K R Animal Law 26 March 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

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Proudly brought to you by: K R Animal Law 26 March 2025