International Cooperation on Behalf of Animals with Dr. James Yeates & Jessica Bridgers

The World Federation for Animals (WFA) is a new membership organization that seeks to harness the collective strength of the animal protection movement to advocate for the inclusion of animals in global policy making. This week, CEO Dr. James Yeates and Policy Director Jessica Bridgers join us on the podcast for a conversation about how the organization is spearheading this global movement. While WFA was created by and for animal protection groups working at the regional, national, and global levels, they emphasize the importance of working at the international level to ensure countries everywhere take animals into consideration when drafting policy. Dr. Yeates and Jessica also outline WFA’s Animals’ Manifesto and how it’s helping member organizations elevate their work to the national level. 

*We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Jessica Bridgers & James Yeates.*

Jessica Bridgers is Policy Director at the World Federation for Animals. Previously she was Executive Director at World Animal Net. Her focus is on increasing consideration of animals in international policy. She achieves this by creating and supporting platforms for animal protection organizations to collaborate to influence policy. She holds an M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University and a B.S. in Biology with minors in Anthropology and Chemistry.

Dr. James Yeates is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Federation for Animals (WFA). James has over a decade of experience in advocacy for animal welfare. He was previously the CEO of NGO Cats Protection and the RSPCA’s Chief Veterinary Officer. As well as his CEO role at WFA, James is a member of both the Scottish Government Animal Welfare Commission and DEFRA Animal Welfare Committee, advising Scottish and English politicians on companion animal welfare. He is the author of four books and other publications, has veterinary and ethics degrees, a Ph.D. and MBA, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

“We have a real opportunity now for policymakers to finally recognize animals.” – Dr. James Yeates

“We wanted to create a big tent so everyone who cared about animals in the world could work together towards a common vision and a better life for animals everywhere.” – Jessica Bridgers

Highlights for Episode 666: 

• How the WFA found common ground amongst animal protection organizations worldwide 
• The organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, that WFA is appealing to in order to create international policy
• Why WFA takes the position that farm animals and wildlife policies are most likely to gain traction at a global level
• What the Animals’ Manifesto is and how it combines the main ideas and desires of the animal protection movement in response to COVID-19
• Who are the she signatories of the Manifesto?
• How the Manifesto provides guidance in the international policy space
• How to combat the many types of animal exploitation that can lead to human disease
• The Nexus Resolution, what it hopes to achieve, and how it differs from the Animals’ Manifesto
• How the climate crisis will affect global policy decisions on animal welfare

Resources:

• Mercy For Animals’ undercover investigation
• Our Hen House’s “Hail Seitan” T-shirt giveaway on Instagram
• Miyoko’s Creamery is offering our listeners 15% off!

Connect with World Federation for Animals:

• World Federation for Animals Website
• World Federation for Animals on Facebook
• World Federation for Animals on Twitter
• World Federation for Animals on LinkedIn

Connect with Our Hen House:

• Our Hen House Website
• Our Hen House on Facebook
• Our Hen House on Instagram
• Our Hen House on Twitter

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Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today.

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Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series.

The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

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This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org.