Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 08/10/2026The Superior Court of Pennsylvania issues a terse decision denying a petition to free five elephants from zoo captivity. The two paragraph judgment contains these chilling sentences: www.nonhumanrights.org/wp-content/u... 030
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 07/10/2026The brief is available here: www.nonhumanrights.org/wp-content/u...nonhumanrights.org 000
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 07/10/2026Just filed: a UK legal experts' amicus brief in support of Asian elephants Mari and Vaigai before the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. The brief argues that elephants have the right to contest their confinement through a common law writ of habeas corpus. 130
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Happy Birthday Steve. What could be better than excess cupcakes? 010
Reposted by Joe WillsAnimal Justice @animal-justice.bsky.social · 25/09/2026✨ What if we didn't wait for legal change to start building compassionate futures for animals? At #ALAC2026, Elan Abrell, Iselin Gambert, M.H. Tse, & Matthew Liebman discuss prefigurative animal law & multispecies coexistence. 👉 bit.ly/4hsfSYM 054
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Courts and legislators across the US, Canada, Australia and NZ have expressly recognised that companion animals in possession disputes are more than mere property and that their welfare matters. The UK lags behind the rest of the common law world, no legislative provisions and scarce case law. 111
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Illinois becomes the first US state to legislate to require courts to consider the wellbeing of companion animals in possession disputes even where the parties are not married. aldf.org/article/illi...aldf.orgIllinois Law Expands "Pet Custody" Principles Beyond MarriageEffective July 1, 2026, Indiana’s House Enrolled Act 1165 grants full civil and criminal immunity to members of the public who rescue endangered animals from locked vehicles, modernizes animal cruelty... 141
Reposted by Joe WillsPeter Singer @petersinger.info · 22/09/2026Imagine being lowered into a gas chamber while fully conscious. The gas causes pain as it dissolves into the moist tissues of your eyes, nose, mouth and lungs. Breathing becomes extremely painful. And you may remain conscious for up to 60 seconds before finally blacking out. 1136
Reposted by Joe WillsThe Nonhuman Rights Project @nonhumanrights.bsky.social · 18/09/2026Granting animals legal rights isn’t about giving them all of the rights humans have—it’s about recognizing who they already are. Hawaiʻi attorney & founding chair of the HSBA #AnimalLaw Section, Savannah Sherman, breaks down the NhRP’s case for elephants Mari & Vaigai: bit.ly/4hg85NS 096
Reposted by Joe WillsInternational Centre for Animal Rights and Ethics @icareanimals.bsky.social · 11/09/2026What does it mean to talk about animals having rights in law? ⚖️🐾 🎓 In Module 1 of our free, self-paced CIARL On-Demand Course, Dr Silvina Pezzetta explores animal rights vs welfare, sentience, current legal protections and key global challenges. 🔗 Apply: icare-animals.org/ciarl-ondemand 033
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 10/09/2026Spotted in the wild: books by @katiecmoliver.bsky.social and @stevecooke.org! at @housmansbookshop.bsky.social 060
Reposted by Joe WillsAnimal Justice @animal-justice.bsky.social · 04/09/2026🚨 BREAKING: Animal Justice has filed to take Ontario’s dangerous ag gag law to the Supreme Court! Much of the law was restored in June, undoing our legal victory & effectively silencing whistleblowers & journalists. We won't stop fighting for animals & freedom of expression! 🐮🐷🐥 #StopAgGagLaws 1106
Reposted by Joe WillsThe Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience @lseanimalsentience.bsky.social · 03/09/2026📢 Abstract submissions are now open for SENTIENCE: Science, Ethics, Law, a new conference exploring the scientific, philosophical, ethical, policy-relevant, and legal aspects of animal sentience. Full details and submission link: www.lse.ac.uk/asset-librar... 0148
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 03/09/2026The tribunal couldn't read s.24 compatibly with Convention rights and lacks the power to issue a declaration of incompatibility under the HR Act. It's now down to the appellate courts to issue such as declaration and Parliament to respond by abolishing s.24 or (more likely) narrowing its scope. 010
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Important recent ruling. The Upper Tribunal rules that s.24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act - which prohibits meaningful transparency around animal experimentation - disproportionately interferes with animal advocates' free speech rights under the ECHR. www.iclr.co.uk/document/202...iclr.co.ukCruelty Free International v Information Commissioner & AnorICLR.4 171
Reposted by Joe WillsJoe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 01/09/2026New video from @animalrising.org. Heart breaking, gut wrenching, essential viewing. www.youtube.com/watch?v=efbU...youtube.comWhat Happens to a Mother Pig Inside a UK Factory Farm? | Hidden Camera InvestigationYouTube video by Animal Rising 011
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 01/09/2026In some Indian animal rights cases, the judges do not mince their words: indiankanoon.org/doc/14951894... 000
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 01/09/2026New video from @animalrising.org. Heart breaking, gut wrenching, essential viewing. www.youtube.com/watch?v=efbU...youtube.comWhat Happens to a Mother Pig Inside a UK Factory Farm? | Hidden Camera InvestigationYouTube video by Animal Rising 011
Reposted by Joe WillsContempraInn 🌹 @contemprainn.bsky.social · 01/09/2026The amazing rufous hornero bird building its iconic, oven-shaped clay nest on a tree branch. It’s waterproof and cozy 20167291369
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 20/08/2026"Rather than allow compassion for animals to become another tool in the right’s system of hierarchical politics, the left has... a duty... to elevate a moral framework for animal rights that objects to violence against humans and nonhumans alike on universal grounds." newrepublic.com/article/2137...newrepublic.comHow MAGA Stole Animal Rights from the LeftAnd how we can steal it back. 031
Reposted by Joe WillsThe Nonhuman Rights Project @nonhumanrights.bsky.social · 06/08/2026It’s official: The Hawai'i Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in our case for Mari & Vaigai, two elephants held captive at the Honolulu Zoo, on 11/9/26. ⚖️ The hearing will be open to the public + livestreamed. Donate now & support their case: bit.ly/4z3RnJx 0115
Reposted by Joe WillsMarina Bolotnikova @mbolotnikova.bsky.social · 03/08/2026Rare, amazing opportunities for someone based in the UK to report or edit factory farming stories at the Guardian: workwithus.theguardian.com/job-search/e... workwithus.theguardian.com/job-search/e...workwithus.theguardian.comReporter, Animals FarmedJoin our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journ... 055
Reposted by Joe WillsNico Müller @nicodmueller.bsky.social · 03/08/2026"This article argues that the law’s ignorance of the harm of killing leads to its trivialization in practice and, consequently, undermines the ethical legitimacy of deadly animal research projects." #animalresearch #3rs #animalethics doi.org/10.1007/s11019-026-10382-y 162
Reposted by Joe WillsThe Animal Law Foundation @animallawfdn.bsky.social · 31/07/2026Last night, The Animal Law Foundation had the great pleasure of bringing together organisations, lawyers, and advocates who work hard to improve animal protection and celebrate the progress made for animals under the law. 🧵 121
Reposted by Joe WillsBarbara J. King @bjking.bsky.social · 30/07/2026This article and video about Julie, an elephant formerly forced to perform in a circus and now residing at the expansive Pangea Elephant Sanctuary in Portugal, brought tears to my eyes. These are good people, helping her, and soon, others. #elephants #animalwelfare #animalrights #Portugalgood.isAfter 40 years in a Portuguese circus, elephant retires to become the first resident of a new sanctuaryJulie the elephant starts a new life. 0285
Reposted by Joe WillsAdvocates for Animals | Solicitors @animallawyersuk.bsky.social · 29/07/2026The High Court has granted @animalaid.org.uk permission to apply for judicial review of the Public Order Act 2023 (Interference With Use or Operation of Key National Infrastructure) Regulations 2026. 115
Reposted by Joe WillsAdvocates for Animals | Solicitors @animallawyersuk.bsky.social · 28/07/2026@joeycarbstrong.bsky.social investigation on Norfolk Free Range Harford Farm site captured a farm worker beating a pig to death. The farm pleaded guilty and was convicted and fined for the actions of its employee. See www.advocates-for-animals.com/post/norfolk... 174
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 25/07/2026Absolutely wonderful news! “Plans for the world's first commercial octopus farm have been abandoned in a big win for animal welfare after years of sustained pressure from NGOs, scientists and the public.” www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/news/...worldanimalprotection.orgVictory! World's First Octopus Farm Plans ScrappedPlans for the world's first commercial octopus farm have been abandoned after years of sustained pressure from NGOs, scientists and the public. 051
Reposted by Joe WillsPeter Singer @petersinger.info · 24/07/2026open.substack.com“KEY OUT”: When a Chimpanzee Asks to Be FreeSeven chimpanzees are confined in a Michigan roadside zoo. One state Supreme Court Justice says the law should reconsider whether they have a right to freedom. 074
Reposted by Joe WillsRaffael Fasel @raffaelfasel.bsky.social · 21/07/2026Published a while back but still well worth reading: former New York Supreme Court Judge Barbara Jaffe reflects on the ridicule she faced for bravely allowing a hearing on a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of two chimpanzees held in a research lab: thefulcrum.us/rule-of-law/....thefulcrum.usBeyond Death Threats: Justice Jaffe on the Judicial Courage Required to Stand Up to Ridicule in the Chimpanzee Rights Case.While some believe that being a judge is an easy gig that requires only a dartboard, it is a challenging position that takes courage, especially when a judge must render an unpopular decision. There a... 163
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 18/07/2026The dissent rejects the lower appeals court’s anachronistic appeals to 18th century jurisprudence and selective reading of social contract theory and theology. The work of Peter Singer and Andrew Linzey is cited to indicate the need for a more inclusive approach to legal rights. 040
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 18/07/2026Michigan Supreme Court denies Nonhuman Rights Project’s habeas appeal on behalf of chimpanzees in a roadside zoo. 1 dissent by Justice Welch argues the court should consider scientific evidence about chimps to determine if habeas rights should be expanded. www.courts.michigan.gov/4a099b/sitea... 121
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 17/07/2026The European Court of Human Rights affirms that veganism is a protected belief and the failure to provide an effective procedure to consider requests for vegan diets for prisoners violates their right to an effective remedy hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng#{%22item...hudoc.echr.coe.intHUDOC - European Court of Human RightsThe HUDOC database provides access to the case-law of the Court (Grand Chamber, Chamber and Committee judgments and decisions, communicated cases, advisory opinions and legal summaries from the Case-L... 073
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 16/07/2026Some lawyers and political actors in the UK are starting to champion legal personhood and rights for ecosystems like rivers. Then why not for sentient, highly intelligent, social and emotional beings like pigs? open.substack.com/pub/lawyersf...open.substack.comIf a stretch of chalk stream can be a person in law, why can't a pig?In 2017, New Zealand's Parliament did something remarkable: it passed a law making a river a legal person. 0105
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 15/07/2026@raffaelfasel.bsky.social - this article uses your and Sean's 'thin/thick' rights distinction but does not credit you! 110
Reposted by Joe WillsThe Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience @lseanimalsentience.bsky.social · 15/07/2026In Argentina, two goldfish have recently been recognised as legal ‘subjects of rights’ - a new case highlighting legal attention to animal sentience www.i24news.tv/en/news/inte...i24news.tvTwo goldfish just won a court case - and it could change how we think about animals forever - i24NEWSAn Argentine court just ruled that two fish in a sushi restaurant window are "sentient beings" with legal rights. Here's what that actually means, and why it matters far beyond the fish tank 153
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 15/07/2026@visakurki.bsky.social gives this year's Tom Regan Memorial Lecture. To my mind it addresses one of the most important questions for animal law scholars: how to produce research that is practically useful whilst also challenging the status quo. Worth a watch! www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6j3...youtube.comThe Tom Regan Memorial Lecture 2026YouTube video by Culture & Animals Foundation 042
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 14/07/2026UK Supreme Court rules in favour of anti-dairy protestors! Public nuisance charge against them for obstructing a dairy site is dismissed because obstructing access to private premises does not interfere with any public rights. supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2...supremecourt.ukR (Respondent) v McCafferty and others (Appellants) - UK Supreme CourtDoes obstructing access to, and exit from, a private site by blocking a private road leading up to it involve an interference with “rights that may be exercised or enjoyed by the public at large” for ... 010
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Really welcome news. The government had no electoral mandate to roll back jury trials and the effects of doing on the criminal justice system would have been dramatic, especially for cases involving protest, civil disobedience and direct action. www.lbc.co.uk/article/andy...lbc.co.uk'Lynchpin of a fair society' Andy Burnham to scrap plans to curb jury trials | LBCAndy Burnham is reportedly preparing to remove controversial plans to curb jury trials from David Lammy’s courts bill. 020
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 10/07/2026Useful blog on the legal black hole animals bred and used for scientific experiments are trapped in. Of all the areas of UK animal law, the position of animal research subjects is the grimmest. For all intents and purposes they have no protections at all. open.substack.com/pub/lawyersf...open.substack.comThe Law That Lets a Beagle Farm Cook in a Heatwave, and Why No One Can Take It to CourtCambridgeshire spent days over 30°C last week, and right now, it is experiencing similar temperatures. 031
Reposted by Joe WillsRaffael Fasel @raffaelfasel.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Glad to see my review in @thetls.bsky.social of @lsiraganian.bsky.social‘s The Problem of Personhood. Unfortunately, it is not without its own problems: www.the-tls.com/philosophy/c...the-tls.comAn argument against non-human rightsIn March 2022, Idaho passed a law that banned the granting of legal personhood to “environmental elements, artificial intelligence, nonhuman animals, and 031
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Really great to have an organisation who will focus on - and develop expertise around - private prosecution of animal welfare violations in commercial settings. We know there’s a huge enforcement gap in this area, it’s high time the animal protection movement took matters into their own hands 020
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Lawyers for Animals are prosecuting a commercial pig farm and their Farm Manager for 30 alleged animal welfare offences. The charges follow an undercover investigation into the farm in 2024 and a subsequent expert veterinary review. lawyersforanimals.substack.com/p/cranswick-...lawyersforanimals.substack.comCranswick Farm and Farm Manager Face 30 ChargesCranswick Country Foods PLC subsidiary and Farm Manager charged with animal welfare offences at Lincolnshire’s North Moor pig farm 123
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Read this thread for a summary of one of the most effective and inspirational animal rights campaigns of recent times. Activists, lawyers, politicians and rescue organisations all worked together to shut down the second-largest U.S. breeder of beagle puppies for laboratory experimentation. 011
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Hearing the news that many thousands of sentient beings died in extreme suffering and thinking 'what a waste of resources!' is so indicative of all that is wrong with how humans view the other animals. 030
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Quite apart from anything else, it would be nice if the media didn't adopt hackneyed neologisms from the worst corners of the internet. 020
Reposted by Joe WillsOur Hen House @ourhenhouse.org · 26/06/2026An appeals court overturned two convictions — but avoided answering the main question: does animal suffering count as a legal emergency? New Animal Law Podcast breaks down why this case is bigger than one verdict. Listen on your fav podcatcher, watch on YouTube, or check out ourhenhouse.org/alp133 053
Joe Wills @drjoewills.bsky.social · 26/06/2026100s of 1000s of exploited birds die from heatstroke This happens every time there’s a heatwave An inevitable outcome of the industrial farming system It barely makes a dent in the news People turn a blind eye. Governments, industry, consumers. All to blame. www.reuters.com/business/env...reuters.comHeatwave kills hundreds of thousands of poultry in FranceExtreme heat in France has killed hundreds of thousands of poultry, overwhelming carcass collection services and prompting authorities to consider on-farm burial in the two biggest poultry-producing ... 041