Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation

Dive into the absurdities of the meat industry, from ridiculous claims linking AI to protein production to the troubling rollback of slaughterhouse waste regulations by the EPA. Explore how Temple Grandin's mythology serves as a smokescreen for industry practices, and marvel at a significant legal victory that empowers advocates to prosecute animal cruelty. The shocking rise in beef production per cow showcases a grim reality while the notion of AI reshaping livestock practices prompts vital questions about animal welfare.

What happens when a casual vegan dinner leads to one of the most significant open rescue cases in US animal rights history? This week, we’re joined by Adam Durand, who went from rule-following citizen to jailbird activist after exposing conditions at Wegmans Egg Farm back in 2004. Adam shares the wild journey of sneaking into a factory farm with a ragtag crew, rescuing hens who then lived long sanctuary lives, distributing DVDs via BitTorrent (oh, the early 2000s!), and ultimately facing down a vindictive judge who sentenced him beyond what the law allowed. All because he couldn’t unsee what he saw inside those dusty, forgotten sheds filled with living beings. In this episode: How a simple vegan dinner party in 2002 set Adam on his path to activism The shocking discovery of Wegmans’ “mechanical monstrosity” housing 750,000 hens The rescue of 13 birds, 11 of whom went on to live long lives at sanctuaries Adam’s experience facing felony charges that could have meant 21 years in prison What it was like serving time in jail, including being forced to serve eggs to inmates The concept of “vystopia” and how activists can care for themselves while fighting for animals Adam’s current work protesting Marshall BioResources, America’s largest breeder of beagles for experimentation Why animal sanctuaries remain vital to both rescue work and movement building Adam’s story reminds us that individual actions matter, courage is contagious, and sometimes the most effective activism comes from ordinary people willing to question “how it’s always been done.” ABOUT OUR GUEST Adam Durand is a videographer and animal rights activist with over two decades of history in the movement. He gained recognition in 2005 for exposing cruelty at Wegmans Egg Farm in a case where he spent 35 days in jail before being released by an appellate court. Adam’s advocacy has included open rescues, strategic campaigns, and support for farm animal sanctuaries such as Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary where he serves as a Lead Caregiver. His impact has been featured in national publications (including earlier this year in Vox) and cited by Our Hen House’s own Mariann Sullivan. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this week’s episode of The Hen Report, we welcome back our favorite constitutional law scholar and wingman Michael Dorf to dish about the viral saga of Peanut the Squirrel. What started as a heartbreaking story about a beloved social media star squirrel and his raccoon friend Fred—both killed by New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation under troubling circumstances—turned into a fascinating case study of how animal issues can transcend political divides. Episode Highlights: The Peanut Saga: How a rescued squirrel—and social media sensation—was seized and killed by New York authorities, sparking widespread outrage The surprising demographic of Peanut supporters who aren’t typically perceived as aligned with animal rights causes Activism Opportunities: How animal advocates might reach new audiences through individual animal stories Political Divisions: The challenges of building coalitions across political lines for animal causes Intersectionality Challenges: The potential costs and benefits of linking animal rights to broader social justice movements Philosophical Foundations: The problem with “they were bred for this purpose” arguments RESOURCES Dorf on Law blog If we didn’t eat them, they wouldn’t exist The Animals’ Lawsuit Against Humanity We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this week’s emotional rollercoaster of righteous indignation, Mariann dives headfirst into the meat industry’s latest shenanigans. From legal battles over lab-grown meat to the absurdity of milk being crowned official state beverage in 20 states (water, anyone?), to the heartbreaking reality of dairy farm fatalities, this episode serves up a buffet of reasons why the meat industry should be nervous. Episode Highlights: Federal Lawsuit Challenges Texas Cultivated Meat Ban – Texas faces legal action over legislation that could imprison people for up to a year for manufacturing or selling cell-cultured protein Dormant Commerce Clause at Center of Legal Battle – Unlike California’s Prop 12 animal welfare regulations, Texas’ ban appears designed primarily to protect its beef industry Rise For Animals Exposes “Lab Dog Lie” – Controversy over researcher’s claim that dogs are “born and bred to serve in research” following exposé at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Canada Milk Named Official State Beverage in 20 States – Including New York, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota, while Indiana wisely chose water Tragic Deaths at Colorado Dairy Farm – Six workers, including three family members and a 17-year-old, died from hydrogen sulfide exposure from a manure pit Dairy Industry Safety Concerns Highlighted – Similar fatalities documented across multiple states reveal regulatory gaps, including OSHA standards that don’t cover agricultural confined spaces We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In her eye-opening book, Rethinking Rescue, journalist Carol Mithers examines how poverty and economic inequality create impossible choices for pet owners who love their animals but lack resources to keep them. Through the remarkable story of Lori Wiese, who pioneered community-based animal care in Los Angeles’ most underserved neighborhoods, Mithers demonstrates not only that we can’t adopt our way out of shelter overcrowding, but that we must address the socioeconomic barriers that force beloved pets from their homes in the first place. With veterinary costs skyrocketing, housing in short supply, and judgment sometimes replacing compassion, Mithers challenges us to see animal welfare through a social justice lens and recognize that keeping pets with the families who love them is both more humane and more effective than traditional rescue models. Key Points: Rising veterinary costs have outpaced human healthcare, making even basic care unaffordable for many Housing insecurity and “no pets” policies are major drivers of animal surrender Reclamation fees at shelters often prevent low-income owners from retrieving lost pets Community-based veterinary clinics and support services keep animals in homes they already have Spay/neuter access remains critical but requires culturally sensitive approaches Animal care can be an entry point for addressing other social needs, like legal problems and mental health issues The myth of the “ideal pet home” (suburban, middle-class) ignores diverse positive human-animal bonds ABOUT OUR GUEST Journalist Carol Mithers has written extensively about extraordinary people and cultural movements for over three decades, with work appearing in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine, and numerous other publications. Her latest book, “Rethinking Rescue: Dog Lady and the Story of America’s Forgotten People and Pets”—praised as “revelatory and provocative” by the Washington Post and selected as an NPR Book of the Day—chronicles how Lori Weise’s groundbreaking work created a safety net for both people and pets in LA’s struggling neighborhoods, demonstrating that social justice and animal welfare are intrinsically connected. Mithers previously co-authored “Mighty Be Our Powers” with Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee (a Dayton Literary Peace Prize finalist) and wrote “Therapy Gone Mad” about a 1970s psychotherapy cult. Her recent Capital & Main piece on pet ownership and eviction earned an L.A. Press Club Award. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this eye-opening episode of The Hen Report, hosts Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan welcome back Jan Dutkiewicz, professor of political science at Pratt Institute and co-author of the forthcoming book Feed the People: Why Industrial Food is Good and How to Make it Even Better. The conversation centers on a problematic New York Times article about animal rights activism in Sonoma County, which Jan critiques as “journalistic malpractice” for its misrepresentation of Direct Action Everywhere (DXE) and its failure to mention key investigations into factory farming operations hiding behind a “humane” facade. Jan explains how the article reinforces harmful myths about small-scale farming while dismissing legitimate animal welfare concerns, and discusses how these issues connect to his upcoming book’s examination of food systems, environmental impacts, and the impossibility of scaling “humane” animal agriculture to meet current consumption demands. Episode Highlights: Media Criticism: Jan provides a detailed critique of a recent New York Times article that misrepresents animal rights activism in Sonoma County and fails to mention crucial investigations by DXE that exposed factory farming operations. The Reichert Duck Farm Case: Discussion of how the article completely omits mention of the Reichert Duck Farm investigation, which exposed inhumane factory farming conditions hidden behind a “humane” marketing facade. Sonoma County’s Self-Image: Analysis of how the article uncritically accepts Sonoma County’s self-portrayal as a haven for humane farming despite voters rejecting a ballot initiative to ban factory farming. Legal Injustice: Examination of how courts in Sonoma County refused to allow animal rights activists to present the necessity defense or show evidence of animal suffering, unlike in Utah where similar evidence led to acquittals. Food System Myths: Jan discusses his forthcoming book “Feed the People,” explaining how small-scale “regenerative” farming is neither environmentally superior on a per-animal basis nor scalable to meet current consumption demands. Environmental Impact: Explanation of the “cow not the how” principle – that the environmental impact of animal agriculture depends more on what animals are raised rather than how they’re raised. Book Preview: Jan shares insights from his upcoming book (available February 17th) about industrial food systems, environmental impacts, and the need for more plant-based food production at scale. Media Responsibility: Discussion of how journalists should approach stories about animal rights activism with proper context, explaining both normative positions and factual investigations rather than reinforcing stereotypes. RESOURCES A California County Embraces Humane Farming. These Animal Activists Demand More. Preorder “Feed the People” We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this week’s episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan examines several developments causing concern within the meat industry. From evolving shareholder activism tactics to questionable comparisons between cultivated meat and lab-grown diamonds, the episode reveals how animal agriculture interests are responding to various challenges while continuing to rely on government support and biased media coverage. This episode explores: The evolution of shareholder activism tactics as reported by the Animal Agriculture Alliance How the meat industry is responding to cultivated meat through questionable comparisons and claims British meat industry’s ridiculous statements about UK mega-farms  The shortage of animal agriculture veterinarians and the government’s helpful response The spread of unfounded bankruptcy rumors about Beyond Meat and what it reveals about media coverage of plant-based alternatives   We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

This episode of the Animal Law Podcast features Christopher Berry, Executive Director of the Nonhuman Rights Project, discussing a groundbreaking court case that recognizes companion animals as family members in certain legal contexts. Mariann and Christopher explore how this New York decision challenges decades of precedent that treated beloved pets as mere property rather than family, potentially opening new doors for animal legal rights. This episode explores: The absurd legal status of companion animals in tort law, including a Texas case where a taxidermied dog would receive more legal protection than a living one The facts of a landmark New York case involving a family dog killed in a crosswalk accident How courts are beginning to recognize companion animals as family members in negligent infliction of emotional distress claims The perverse incentives created by current laws that often make it “better” to kill than injure an animal The broader implications for animal rights and the Non-Human Rights Project’s work on procedural rights for animals This compelling conversation highlights how the legal system’s treatment of companion animals reflects deeper inequities in our relationship with all animals, and how common law evolution can help change the world for animals through the legal system. ABOUT OUR GUEST Christopher Berry is Executive Director of the Nonhuman Rights Project, where he leads the organization’s groundbreaking legal effort to secure fundamental legal rights for nonhuman animals. Before joining the NhRP in 2024, he spent over a decade at the Animal Legal Defense Fund focusing on civil enforcement of animal protection laws and elevating animal legal status through strategic litigation.   We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. ********** You can listen to the Animal Law Podcast directly on our website (at the top of this page) or you can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would consider making a donation or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Don’t forget to also listen to the award-winning,  weekly signature OHH podcast — now in its fifteenth glorious year!

In this week’s Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann weave through a tapestry of topics with their signature blend of wit and passion. From Rochester’s unseasonably cold August weather to the legal victory against “Alligator Alcatraz,” the conversation takes delightful detours while tackling serious issues like the persistent protein myths still plaguing vegans and the complexities of meat reduction trends worldwide. This episode explores: An important legal victory for the Center for Biological Diversity against environmentally destructive prison construction in the Everglades The persistent myths about protein that vegans continue to face, despite decades of nutritional evidence West Hollywood’s groundbreaking ban on the sale of all animals, not just dogs and cats The growing trend of meat reduction and “flexitarianism” among consumers worldwide Ethical questions surrounding Farm Kind’s controversial “meat offset” program that allows meat-eaters to donate to animal causes RESOURCES Challenging “Alligator Alcatraz”: The Legal Fight to Protect the Everglades with Elise Bennett Rethinking Rescue on Bookshop.org Where Are the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and What’s RFK’s Beef With Beans? The Self-Importance of Luxury Dining Plant-based meat has been relentlessly — and unfairly — attacked as “ultra-processed.” Can the industry save itself? Beyond Meat now just Beyond: what it means for poultry Your Excuses For Eating Meat Are Predictable And Wrong, Study Finds Another Lifesaving Law! Is West Hollywood America’s Most Animal-Friendly City? Nearly A Quarter Of Consumers Identify As ‘Meat Reducers’ Or Flexitarians Denver’s ‘Eat Less Meat’ campaign sparks backlash from ag community, praise from activists Oscar Mayer Debuts Pack Of Plant-Based And Animal-Based Hot Dogs For ‘Everybun’ An unorthodox idea for solving one of the world’s most underrated problems We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this week’s episode of Rising Anxieties, we examine the meat industry’s growing concerns. From water scarcity issues affecting livestock-heavy regions to unexpected anti-vax policy changes impacting animal agriculture, Mariann walks listeners through the headlines that have industry executives worried. The episode covers everything from depleting aquifers in agricultural states to the prosecution of mink liberation activists, while also exploring challenges to backyard chickens and public criticism of marine mammal captivity. This episode explores: The terrifying depletion of vital underground water reservoirs in states with heavy livestock production including California, Texas, and Kansas How the cancellation of $776 million in avian flu vaccine funding is creating anxiety throughout the poultry industry The ongoing legal case against the “Northumberland Two,” who face multiple charges for releasing mink from a fur farm The poultry industry’s surprising campaign against backyard chicken keeping and their contradictory messaging about animal care A revealing look at PETA’s correspondence with a performer scheduled to appear at SeaWorld and the reaction it generated We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.