Animal Matters

Shakespeare said "A rose by any other word would smell as sweet", but how much weight does a name really hold? Last month, the Vegan Society marked World Vegan Month by investigating consumer attitudes towards ‘plant-based’ and 'vegan' terminology, and why those attitudes were held. This week, Will Appelbe and Courtney White discuss their reckons on the matter, and what impacts using these terms might have for the vegan movement. They also discuss the news that 90% of Brits accept farmed animals really aren't all that different from companion animals, and yet another interesting development in the Greyhound Racing Industry saga.

Is the bell finally tolling for greyhound racing in New Zealand? If conversations and media stories with Racing Minister Kieran McAnulty are to be believed, the industry’s days may very well be numbered. After yet another horror weekend on Auckland’s race tracks, a ban couldn’t come fast enough. This week, Will Appelbe and Courtney White get back behind the mics to chat what the future looks like for greyhound racing, with McAnulty confirming the industry could be shut down (pending the results of an upcoming Racing Integrity Board report, due in a matter of weeks). They also discuss the impact fireworks continue to have every November, and a worrying new development in New Zealand’s Salmon farming industry.

The ‘end of the cage age’ has been a hot topic in New Zealand media over the past few days. Unfortunately, though the end of 2022 will bring with it a ban on battery cages, colony cages will remain legal. While they’re marketed as a ‘kinder’ option, what difference do these cages make to the lives of the hens kept locked inside them? Jessica Chambers, SAFE’s Head of Campaigns, joins Will Appelbe and Courtney White to talk through all the nuance missed in media stories and what the SAFE campaigns team is up to in order to free hens from cages once and for all. Not ones to miss a trick, Will and Courtney also pick Jess’s brain on the Melbourne Cup, as well as the exciting campaign to call for a Commissioner for Animals – a call quickly gaining traction across the country.

Why do we consider some animals as pests and others as pets? Why do some vegans choose not to date meat eaters? What’s the connection between animal oppression and certain types of human oppression? This week, Will Appelbe and Courtney White are joined by Annie Potts from the New Zealand Centre of Human-Animal studies, to discuss these tricky topics and the relationship between humans and animals.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has dominated the news cycle of late, so it's time to catch up with the latest (and not so great) animal yarns. Will fills Courtney in with the latest revelations from the greyhound racing industry and live export trade. The Jane Goodall Institute has made a strong statement in regards to pest control, and the Aussies and Kiwis might be keen on more plant-based food at their favourite eateries.

After a brief hiatus, Will Appelbe and Courtney White are back behind the mic's! This week they unveil 0800 EXPOSE, SAFE's newest programme aiming to assist those who have witnessed animal cruelty to report it, safely. They also discuss the call for McDonald's to address their stake in intensive winter grazing, also known as 'mud farming', and add a much-needed bright spot to your day with some welcome news for kittens.

Will Appelbe and Courtney White are joined by SAFE Campaigns Officer, Emma Brodie, to discuss a little-known practice taking place behind slaughterhouse doors across the country. They also discuss concerns about the response from MPI into sheep welfare on a farm in Christchurch, green-washing in bottom-trawling, the absent referent in discussions about live export and trade, and PETA’s request to rename a roundabout in the UK – vegan pie, anyone?

Will Appelbe is joined by new co-host Courtney White, to discuss live export, the recent High Court decision on rodeo, and the SPCA's call to ban the long term chaining of dogs.

Last week, the New Zealand Animal Law Association and SAFE challenged the legality of rodeo at the High Court. This is the second time the two organisations have taken the Government to court, and the results of that first court case has caused headaches for the pork industry in recent weeks. And a new Oat Milk chocolate causes controversy when it’s revealed it actually contains zero oat milk. Who would have thought that false advertising may make people grumpy.