Episode 442: Elise Desaulniers

Mariann talks to Elise Desaulniers about her work with the Montreal SPCA, including the process by which a rescue organization adopts practices and policies regarding other animals, and trying to connect dog and cat lovers to larger animal rights issues. She also tells us about the recent lift of Montreal’s pit bull ban, and where to get great vegan food in Montreal. Élise Desaulniers is the Executive Director of the Montreal SPCA, Canada’s first animal welfare organisation. She’s also an independent researcher and animal rights advocate. She is namely one of the instigators of the Animals are not things manifesto which led to an amendment to the Civil Code of Quebec explicitly recognizing animals as sentient beings. She has also published three essays on food ethics, translated into English, Italian, Catalan and Spanish.
Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the role of civility when discussing animal rights issues and how that relates to their disappointment around the new film Eating Animals.

As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.

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.
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The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren, who is also OHH’s Director of Communications! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast.