Dylan has been with Animal People since 2015, starting out as Archivist and Photo Editor and becoming Editor in 2018. In 2018 he received a Masters of Arts in Anthropology from The New School for Social Research, focusing on efforts to open the discipline to an expanded understanding of social worlds as always more than human. Perhaps the most surprising thing to him about this sentiment is that it would be considered so radical in many academic settings. Dylan has been joyously aware of the multispecies nature of the world around him since childhood, and today considers this attention towards nonhuman others to be an integral component of his intellectual, political, and emotional life. His work with Animal People brings his commitment to toppling human exceptionalism together with a passion for writing and activism. Click to see author's profile.
We already know that food aversions based in disgust can be very persistent, and arise out of evolutionary adaptations in the brain that cause us to avoid food that may make us sick. Since this trait is hard-wired into our brains and can be extremely effective at making us avoid certain foods, might we be able to use disgust to convince people to give up meat?
Various studies and statistics have demonstrated a strong link between animal cruelty and other violent crimes, such as domestic abuse and homicide. The report aims to increase awareness of that link among law enforcement officers and equip them with tools to more effectively address animal abuse.
The Oregon Zoo tops the list due to the use of bullhooks, unethical breeding practices, and animal welfare violations. One elephant named Chendra has been shunned by the others and walks in circles all day. Exploitation of these sensitive, emotional, and intelligent animals must stop!
The OIVFF will launch its inaugural screenings as the world’s first vegan film festival on October 14. It will not only showcase the talents of extraordinary filmmakers, but also serve as a crucial link connecting a global community of vegans and inspiring non-vegans to make kinder, more informed food choices. Learn more and view the trailer here!
The authors conclude that “Reconciling future oil palm development and primate conservation in Africa will be very challenging,” especially if palm oil demand skyrockets, as it is predicted to.
There has been increased attention in recent years to small cetacean hunts in specific regions, such as dolphin hunts in Taiji, Japan, made famous by the 2009 documentary The Cove. However, the often-held assumption that small cetacean hunts are rare or only occur in a few regions is unfortunately far from correct.
It may be surprising to learn that a large component of most veterinary training involves harmfully using animals. These animals are used as models for learning various veterinary procedures, many of which are highly invasive and potentially painful. The animals used are often killed at the end of practice surgeries.
For those who have not considered this topic, this book could serve as an enlightening lesson on the importance of animals in human history. For the more initiated reader, particularly those already concerned with animal liberation, the half-formed ethical and philosophical ideas Fagan puts forth leave much to be desired.
Towan was born in Woodland Park Zoo in 1968, and he remained there until he died. If you’ve visited the orangutans at the zoo in Seattle, you’ve likely seen him, and you’d probably remember him for his big, soulful, searching eyes, which were often aimed at the humans who trailed by his enclosure. I had the pleasure of seeing Towan spend many days doing two of the things he did best: creating art, and connecting with humans in a way that changed them forever.
Chai’s life was tragic and characterized by deprivation. As those who knew her in Seattle and beyond mourn her loss, we also hope that her story inspires others to continue the fight to phase out elephant programs in zoos, so that not one more elephant suffers or dies simply to entertain humans.