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Dr Jo Swabe

@joswabe.bsky.social
2.4K followers 999 following 1.2K posts

Senior Director of Public Affairs for Humane World for Animals Europe (formerly Humane Society International). Advocate for animals. EU policy wonk. Erstwhile sociologist. Bird nerd & nature lover. Vegan foodie. Posting in EN & NL. Usual disclaimers apply.

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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
It was a privilege to observe red deer at the National Park De Hoge Veluwe this weekend. Noticed that one female was collared. Not sure if a tracking device was attached.
Red deer stagRed deer hindsYoung red deer stagRed deer stag with hind in the background
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The fur industry costs European governments and taxpayers money, is opposed by most European citizens, and — through this exemption — continues to add to the Russian economy during its war against Ukraine. So why is Europe still allowing it to continue? 👉🏻 europeancorrespondent.com/en/r/were-st...
europeancorrespondent.com
We're still farming fur for what?
Europe has been turning its back on fur for a while now. As consumer demand has fallen, the fur industry has shrunk sharply over the past decade. The number of…
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Dr @joswabe.bsky.social, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Humane World for Animals Europe, explained: "The EU cannot credibly maintain sanctions on Russian luxury goods while carving out exemptions for the raw materials that allow luxury fur manufacturing to continue inside Europe."
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A new article from @eurcorrespond.bsky.social exposes a glaring contradiction in EU policy: in April, the EU banned imports of tanned fur pelts from Russia as part of a sanctions package. Just three months later, in July, EU governments allowed an exemption for Russian sable fur pelt imports.
europeancorrespondent.com
We're still farming fur for what?
Europe has been turning its back on fur for a while now. As consumer demand has fallen, the fur industry has shrunk sharply over the past decade. The number of…
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
As the EU considers the future of fur farming, the evidence is clear: there is no humane future for an industry built on animal suffering. It’s time for the EU to ban fur farming. 🇪🇺🦊 @furfreealliance.bsky.social #HumaneWorld #EndAnimalCruelty #FurFreeFuture #FurFree
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Sage Furs, the world’s largest fur auction house, even introduced a new, larger size category this year for fox pelts — despite years of promises that these cruel breeding practices would end.
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Despite years of industry promises, “monster foxes” are still being bred for fur in Finland. New footage from @project1882.org shows foxes bred on Finnish fur farms to grow unnaturally large, suffering from extreme skin folds, severe eye infections, untreated injuries and impaired mobility.
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Vantara works with lobbyist tied to Trump Jr. and pro-hunting groups news.mongabay.com/2026/09/vant...
news.mongabay.com
Vantara works with lobbyist tied to Trump Jr. and pro-hunting groups
Checkmate Government Relations, a lobbying firm founded by a hunting friend of Donald Trump Jr., recently represented Vantara, a controversial private Indian zoo that has been in the spotlight over th...
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
While EU citizens demand a ban on fur farming and fur sales, the EU is still propping up the industry and allowing Russian fur imports. europeancorrespondent.com/en/r/were-st...
europeancorrespondent.com
We're still farming fur for what?
Europe has been turning its back on fur for a while now. As consumer demand has fallen, the fur industry has shrunk sharply over the past decade. The number of…
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Ahead of the @ec.europa.eu’s decision on the ‘Fur Free Europe’ ECI, zoonotic disease experts and academics are warning that fur farming poses a preventable public health threat following lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic. www.brusselstimes.com/2301765/euro...
brusselstimes.com
European Commission delays proposal on fur ban amid Ombudsman inquiry on transparency
“Fur farming is an unnecessary and preventable public health threat.”
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Dutch News @dutchnewsnl.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Sixteen Dutch rabbit farms could face criminal prosecution after undercover footage showed bunnies being lifted by the ears and thrown into crates, and sick animals beaten to death. www.dutchnews.nl/2026/09/rabb...
dutchnews.nl
Rabbit farms face prosecution over abuse footage - DutchNews.nl
Sixteen Dutch rabbit farms could face criminal prosecution after undercover footage showed bunnies being lifted by the ears and thrown into crates, and sick animals beaten to death, junior…
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
If the EU is serious about One Health, it must ban fur farming. Read more 👉🏻 www.humaneworld.org/en/news/scie... #FurFreeEurope #FurFree #OneHealth #BanFurFarming
humaneworld.org
Leading scientists and experts in The Lancet urge EU to ban fur farming over public health risks
Fur farms create preventable risks for zoonotic disease spillover, experts warn
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
A genuine One Health approach recognises that the health of people, animals and our wider environment are interconnected. Surveillance and welfare tweaks cannot remove the fundamental risks created by fur farming.
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Species such as mink, foxes and raccoon dogs are kept in intensive conditions where dangerous viruses can spread and adapt, potentially spilling over to people. Past outbreaks involving SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1 on fur farms across Europe have already demonstrated the risks.
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
As the @ec.europa.eu considers its final response to the Fur Free Europe European Citizens’ Initiative, the authors warn that fur farms create preventable risks for zoonotic disease spillover.
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Co-authored by Dr @joswabe.bsky.social, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Humane World for Animals Europe, alongside leading experts in zoonotic disease and public health, the commentary calls on the European Union to ban fur farming rather than introduce new welfare standards.
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
🗣️ Fur farming is a preventable public health threat. That’s the warning from leading zoonotic disease experts and academics in a new commentary published by The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Losing my will to live following @tweede-kamer.bsky.social debate on wolves in NL. So much hate & ignorance about these remarkable large carnivores. I was fortunate to observe them in the wild a couple of weeks ago in Finland. At no point did I experience fear, just complete awe.
WolfWolfWolfWolf
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Nice @euractiv.com scoop today exposing how the fur industry is fracturing due to internal squabbles on its bogus animal welfare scheme & levy agreements. www.euractiv.com/news/exclusi...
euractiv.com
EXCLUSIVE: Fur industry fractures as Brussels weighs sector’s future | Euractiv
The sector is facing internal divisions over welfare certifications
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
In this @thelancet.com comment, my co-authors & I argue that if @ec.europa.eu is serious about One Health, it must ban fur farming. www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
sciencedirect.com
If the EU is serious about One Health, it must ban fur farming
All content on this site: Copyright © 2026 Elsevier B.V., its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. For all open access content, the relevant licensing terms apply.
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Last night I had the privilege of observing wolves in the wild for the very first time. Should add it was from the safety of a hide in a remote part of Eastern Finland. Absolutely amazing experience!
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Spotted this elegant pair of common cranes in the vicinity of Koli National Park, Finland. 🪶
2 cranes walking next to waterCranesCranes
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Read the full interview 👇 euperspectives.eu/2026/08/brus... #EndTheCageAge #AnimalWelfare #EUPolicy
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
As Dr Swabe notes, some Member States have already moved towards cage-free egg production, while others continue to rely heavily on cages. The real test will be whether the European Commission delivers measures that drive meaningful change for animals, farmers and the environment.
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
In a new interview with EUPerspectives, @joswabe.bsky.social, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Humane World for Animals Europe, explains why progress will depend on strong legislation, practical support for farmers transitioning to higher-welfare systems, and a level playing field across the EU.
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
The European Commission’s new Livestock Strategy includes a renewed commitment to improve the welfare of farmed animals, including proposals to phase out cages for hens and pigs. But commitments alone will not improve animals’ lives.
euperspectives.eu
Brussels promises fewer cages. Farmers wait for proof - EU Perspectives
The EU's new Livestock Strategy promises animal welfare reforms, but critics warn the details could protect the status quo instead.
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
It is truly despicable that an exemption has been granted to import Russian sable pelts to the EU. Read my comment in the thread below. 👇
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Impressive photo exhibition at the European Parliament today featuring marine wildlife of the Azores. Organised by Portuguese MEPs.
Photo exhibit at European Parliament featuring marine wildlife of the AzoresSperm whaleCaught shark
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Check out our response to the animal welfare commitments made earlier this week as part of the @ec.europa.eu's 'EU Strategy on Livestock'. 👇
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Greenpeace EU @greenpeace.eu · 09/07/2026
Methane heats the planet equally whether it comes from a cow or a pipeline (and heats it a LOT) Rebranding methane from farmed animals as "natural" just to avoid cutting the massive climate pollution from livestock is wishful thinking This is a scandalous move from the EU Commission
politico.eu
The EU’s paradigm shift on cows
Europe’s plan to support livestock farmers recasts a climate problem as a strategic asset.
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Our Hungarian @furfreealliance.bsky.social colleagues Una Terra Foundation have published this advertorial in a leading news outlet to increase the pressure on Commissioner Várhelyi to deliver an EU ban on fur farming. Worthwhile read (with Google Translate)! hvg.hu/pr_cikkek/20...
hvg.hu
Várhelyi Olivér döntésén múlhat, hogy az EU véget vet-e a prémfarmokon tartott állatok szenvedésének
Miközben több mint 1,5 millió uniós polgár követeli a prémtenyésztés betiltását, az állatok továbbra is ketrecekben szenvednek a prémfarmokon. A 2022-ben indult Fur Free Europe kezdeményezés kampányát...
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
1) The 'EU Livestock Strategy' has been released by @ec.europa.eu. Need to read it thoroughly but it does provide a new timeline for targeted revisions of the current EU animal welfare legislation. Key info on commitments pasted in this thread ⬇️ agriculture.ec.europa.eu/overview-vis...
agriculture.ec.europa.eu
EU Livestock Strategy
Livestock farming is at the heart of Europe's food security, economy and rural communities. Discover how the EU Livestock Strategy will help build a more resilient, competitive and sustainable livesto...
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Compassion in World Farming UK @ciwf.org.uk · 02/07/2026
“There’s been a huge increase [in emissions], and it’s simply because there are so many more livestock now.” Peter Stevenson, chief policy adviser, speaking to the @theguardian.com.
theguardian.com
Global boom in livestock farming since 2006 is piling pressure on nature, report finds
Wildlife at risk as demand for cropland and water grows to feed 50% rise in farmed animals, campaign alliance says
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The Great Train Gods are once again not smiling graciously upon me in my attempt to get back from Brussels to A’dam. Made it to Breda, but the local & IC trains, which I was re-routing on, are also up the creek. 😫
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Listening to @europeanspod.bsky.social’s exposé of the intensive chicken farming industry. Here’s a link to the original article ‘Why did the Frankenchicken cross the road’. Definitely worth a read!! fellowship.balkaninsight.com/2026/04/09/w... open.spotify.com/episode/36Gr...
open.spotify.com
The Frankenchicken is coming to a village near you
The Europeans | European news, politics and culture · Episode
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
At an EP event on ‘The True Cost of Animal Disease: Animal Welfare, Public Health & Sustainability in the EU’, which has been jointly organised by the FVE & Animal Advocacy & Food Transition. Important discussion hosted by MEPs @tillymetz.bsky.social & Paulo do Nascimento Cabral.
Event Programme: The True Cost of DiseaseEP committee room
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Humane World for Animals Europe @humaneworldeurope.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
1.4 million citizens spoke up for animals. The European Commission promised action. That was 5 years ago. The Commission must deliver a clear legislative proposal to end cages for farm animals! We are not letting the Commission forget its commitment. We need action.Share the video to push for change
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Took nearly 6 hours & 5 trains to get from Amsterdam to Brussels today. Looks like the trains running south of Rotterdam will still be up the creek until Thursday evening. Going to be fun getting home on Thursday… 😬 nos.nl/l/2620893
nos.nl
Tot zeker donderdagavond treinverkeer tussen Rotterdam en zuiden verstoord
Op het spoor tussen Rotterdam en Zwijndrecht zijn kabels beschadigd en het herstel duurt veel langer dan gedacht.
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Having fun getting to Brussels today. Stuck at Rotterdam & looks like I’ll be going nowhere fast…
Timetable showing 9.04 train to Brussels cancelled
Timetable showing next two trains from Rotterdam to Brussels cancelled.
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
If you were following the livestream & it suddenly went off, we were all evacuated from the EC building due to a fire alarm. After 30 mins or so frying outside & having to go back through security, the meeting has resumed…
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
At the 19th Meeting of the EU Platform on Animal Welfare. Have been a member since its inception. You can follow the proceedings online via this link: food.ec.europa.eu/animals/anim...
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FOUR PAWS @fourpawsint.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Marilena D'Auria, European Policy Office Specialist, represented FOUR PAWS in calling on the EU to #StopTransportSuffering "While policymakers are bickering, EU citizens have been clear. They expect political leaders to base decisions on societal values & scientific evidence".
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Glad to see that @envi.europarl.europa.eu MEPs voted down the cynical attempt to undermine plans to restrict the use of lead in fishing tackle. www.birdlife.org/news/2026/06...
birdlife.org
Press release: Members of the European Parliament vote to restrict lead in fishing tackle
Today, in the Environment Committee, MEPs sided with nature and voted against the objection to the restriction proposal on lead in fishing tackle. The objection was tabled by MEP Pietro Fiocchi (ECR)…
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Published today 'Back in the Crosshairs: Wolf poaching in the Netherlands' This is the first systematic investigation into the nature, scale, and drivers of wolf persecution in the Netherlands. It is a fascinating & shocking read. www.ecojust.eu/back-in-the-...
ecojust.eu
BACK IN THE CROSSHAIRS: NEW REPORT REVEALS SYSTEMATIC WOLF POACHING IN THE NETHERLANDS | EcoJust
EcoJust | Authors: Pauline Verheij (EcoJust) and Naomi Louchouarn (Humane World for Animals) EcoJust today publishes Back in the Crosshairs: Wolf poaching in the Netherlands — the first systematic inv...
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Ariel Brunner @arielbrunner.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Politics as an extention of family business. www.euractiv.com/news/italian...
euractiv.com
Italian MEP takes aim at EU lead-shot ban | Euractiv
Heir to Fiocchi ammunition dynasty objects to proposed restrictions
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
This weekend, Iceland resumed its commercial whale hunt. Shame on them! www.scmp.com/news/world/e...
scmp.com
Iceland resumes whale hunt amid protest
It is one of the only three countries – alongside Japan and Norway – that still openly permit whaling.
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Today the AGRIFISH Council are going to discuss an information note from Romania and Slovakia, which is effectively seeking to lower strict protections for bears in the EU. data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document...
data.consilium.europa.eu
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Rediscovering The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy’s album from 1992. Listening to the track Television, the Drug of the Nation’, I wonder what Michael Franti’s scathing commentary on today’s social media would be? Take a listen. open.spotify.com/track/57fiDl...
open.spotify.com
Television The Drug Of The Nation
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy · Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury · Song · 1992
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Encountered an unusual obstacle during today’s cycle ride: a tree that had literally fallen victim to last night’s violent storm. Solution: bikes were lifted over & cyclists had to crawl under. Heaven forbid anyone actually considered making a detour!
A fallen tree blocking a cycle path
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Dr Jo Swabe @joswabe.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Questions over Russian fur auction money and fur industry lobbying in Brussels. www.furfreealliance.com/questions-ov...
furfreealliance.com
Questions over Russian fur auction money and fur industry lobbying in Brussels - Fur Free Alliance
BRUSSELS, 16 JUNE 2026 – A new POLITICO Europe report has raised serious questions about the fur industry’s lobbying in Brussels, after internal documents reportedly showed that Russian fur auction mo...
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