Harry Potter and the philosophy of nonhuman rights
Harry Potter and animal justice has for a long time been one of those niche but fascinating discussions, with author JK Rowling teasing nonhuman rights issues at various moments throughout the series. From the freeing of Buckbeak to subservient owls, Nina Copleston asks how Potter’s treatment of nonhumans reflects on all of us.
From hatchery to hope: Q&A with Susan Hargreaves, author of the ‘Veganza Animal Heroes’ book series
INTERVIEW: How does someone go from witnessing the horrors of a West Yorkshire hatchery to championing the rights of animals through powerful storytelling? We spoke to author and international campaigner Susan Hargreaves about reaching young minds and her graphic novel launch tour.
Why do Disney and Pixar always get animals so wrong?
DEEP DIVE: Two types of characters epitomise Disney like no other: princesses, and animals. But while Disney’s portrayal of female characters has left much to be desired with change only happening relatively recently, the studio giant’s treatment of animals is still sorely lacking, as Nina Copleston so deftly explains.
On the brink: Britain's pig crisis keeps getting worse
REPORT: Britain’s pig farm crisis is getting worse, driven by the perfect storm of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, the industry is proposing new ways to slaughter pigs on farms and launching desperate attempts to lure back migrant workers. Claire Hamlett updates us on the current situation.
The best books about veganism and animal rights for young adults
With more and more children and young people becoming interested in veganism, here is a selection of non-fiction books on veganism and animal rights for young adults, whether they are already vegan or considering a more plant-based lifestyle.
The decline of animals in fiction and what it says about our relationship with non-humans
CULTURE: According to a recent study, animals have been declining in fiction since 1835, running parallel to animal extinction in our world. As animals and natural habits vanish around us, is it any surprise that they have disappeared from books too? And as we live increasingly urbanised lives, does this lack of fictionalised animal friends have real-life consequences?
From fable to farmyard: what does children's literature tell us about animals?
Vegan parents are often faced with a dilemma when choosing children’s books. The classic stories are often rife with hypocrisy and cognitive dissonance, yet they reveal much about humanity’s relationship with animals, as Nina Copleston discusses.