Animal Law Podcast #32: The Case of the Enslaved Elephants

by Mariann Sullivan January 31, 2018

On this episode of the Animal Law Podcast, Mariann will be speaking once again with Steven Wise, who heads up the Nonhuman Rights Project, and who was last on the podcast on Episodes 1 and 2 to tell us about the litigation brought in New York State trying to free several chimpanzees living in New York.

Today, Steve will be updating us about that case, but primarily he’ll be talking about the NHRP’s latest habeas corpus petition, Matter of Nonhuman Rights Project o.b.o. Beulah, Minnie and Karen v R.W. Commerford & Sons. This matter, brought in Connecticut on behalf of three elephants, has recently been rejected by a Connecticut court in a rather peculiar decision, which pointed out, among other things, that the elephants’ owners were in a better position to litigate on their behalf than the Nonhuman Rights Project. Pretty strange, right?

Steve is, of course, the founder and president of the NhRP. He has practiced and taught animal protection law for 30 years throughout the US and is the author of four books: Rattling the Cage – Toward Legal Rights for Animals; Drawing the Line – Science and the Case for Animal Rights; Though the Heavens May Fall – The Landmark Trial That Led to the End of Human Slavery; and An American Trilogy – Death, Slavery, and Dominion Along the Banks of the Cape Fear River.

***

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. Don’t forget to also listen to the award-winning, weekly signature OHH podcast — now in its eighth glorious year!