The Hen Report: “Waiting for That Gotcha” | Ridglan Rescue, NYC Foie Gras Ban & the Politics of Animal Rights

In this episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann dive into the emotional and political landscape of animal advocacy — from the dramatic DXE rescue operation at Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin to a surprising New York Times piece on MAGA figures warming up to animal rights. They also celebrate a major legal win for the long-stalled New York City foie gras ban, discuss the complexities of maintaining friendships with non-vegans, and explore a new academic book asking whether animals, rivers, and, yes, AI can hold fundamental rights. Because apparently we needed to invent a sentient chatbot before we can start taking seriously the creatures who’ve been bleeding and suffering in front of us the whole time.

• Ridglan Farms rescue: DxE activists rescued 22 beagles from the infamous Wisconsin research facility, reigniting conversations about animal experimentation and the emotional toll of animal advocacy
• MAGA and animal rights: A New York Times article explores how figures like Anthony Bellotti (White Coat Waste Project) and Lara Trump are pushing against animal testing — a rare, unexpected alignment between conservative politics and animal protection
• NYC foie gras ban: An appellate court overturned a lower ruling, clearing a major hurdle for New York City’s long-delayed ban on the sale of foie gras
• Veganism and the “bigger tent”: Jasmin and Mariann reflect on navigating relationships with non-vegan allies — including a positive dinner at Rochester vegan restaurant Red Fern — and whether a more inclusive approach strengthens the movement
• New academic book — Fundamental Rights for Non-Humans: Edited by Cambridge scholars, this volume examines whether animals, AI, and nature can hold legal rights, and why animals are still being sidestepped in mainstream conversations about sentience and personhood

RESOURCES

• • • • • MAHAspital SNL skit
        • Culinary cruelty: NYC will soon enforce a ban on this ‘luxury’ food in NYC
        • Anthony Bellotti on Our Hen House Ep 204
        • Waste, Fauci and ‘Transgender’ Mice: How MAGA Is Warming to Animal Rights
        • Fundamental Rights for Non-humans
  •  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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Join hostesses Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan on this unique and fun award-winning podcast that focuses on changing the world for animals.

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