
The Animal Turn
Animals are increasingly at the forefront of research questions – Not as shadows to human stories, or as beings we want to understand biologically, or for purely our benefit – but as beings who have histories, stories, and geographies of their own. Each season is set around themes with each episode unpacking a particular animal turn concept and its significance therein. Join Claudia Hirtenfelder as she delves into some of the most important ideas emerging out of this recent turn in scholarship, thinking, and being.
Latest episodes

Apr 6, 2020 • 52min
S1E3: First Possession with Angela Fernandez
In this episode Claudia talks to Angela Fernandez about the legal concept of ‘First Possession’ also delving into the significance of historical research in considering animals and the law. Guest: Angela Fernandez is a Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, cross-appointed to the Department of History. She is the author of a book-length study on Pierson v. Post, the famous first possession case often used to begin the study of American (and sometimes Canadian) property law: Pierson v. Post, the Hunt for the Fox: Law and Professionalization in American Legal Culture (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2018). She is an Associate Editor (Book Reviews) for Law and History Review. She is on the Board of Directors for Animal Justice Canada, a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, and a member of the Brooks Animal Studies Academic Network (BASAN) with the Brooks Institute for Animal Law and Policy. Learn more about Angela here. Host: Claudia Hirtenfelder is a PhD Candidate in Geography and Planning at Queen’s University and is currently undertaking her own research project that looks at the historical relationships between animals and cities. Connect with her on Twitter (@ClaudiaFTowne)Featured readings: Pierson v. Post, the Hunt for the Fox: Law and Professionalization in American Legal Culture written by Angela Fernandez Bed Music created by Gordon Clarke (Instagram: @_con_sol_)Podcast Logo created by Jeremy John (Website)Sponsored by Animals in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Ethics – A.P.P.L.E (Website) Part of iROAR, an Animals Podcasting Network and the CFRC Podcast NetworkA.P.P.L.EAnimals in Politics, Law, and Ethics researches how we live in interspecies societies and polities.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showThe Animal Turn is hosted and produced by Claudia Hirtenfelder and is part of the iROAR Network. Learn more on our website. Leave a Review on Podchaser Check out The Animal Turn Merch. Support us on Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, and Buzzsprout.

Mar 19, 2020 • 54min
S1E2: Legal Subjects with Leslie Bisgould
Claudia talks with Lesli Bisgould about ‘Animal Subjects’. They consider what it means to be a subject of the law and the extent to which animals, particularly animals in Canada, could be considered as such.Guest: Lesli Bisgould is an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto and is also currently the Barrister at Legal Aid Ontario’s Clinic Resource Office where she assists caseworkers at Ontario’s community legal clinics with their complex appeals. She worked for several years at a Toronto litigation firm, then left to start her own practice in animal rights law. For ten years, she acted for individuals and organizations in a variety of animal-related cases in the first practice of its kind in Canada. She now works in the poverty and human rights fields as well. She has argued at every level of court and has deputed before government bodies and committees at every level of government. Bisgould is the author of Introduction to Animals and the Law (2011), the first Canadian law text on the subject, and a contributor to Canadian Perspectives on Animals and the Law (2015), both published by Irwin Law. Read more about Lesli here. Host: Claudia Hirtenfelder is a PhD Candidate in Geography and Planning at Queen’s University and is currently undertaking her own research project that looks at the historical relationships between animals and cities. Connect with her on Twitter (@ClaudiaFTowne)Featured readings:; Animals and the Law by Lesli Bisgould;Bed Music created by Gordon Clarke (Instagram: @_con_sol_ )Podcast Logo created by Jeremy John (Website)Sponsored by Animals in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Ethics – A.P.P.L.E (Website)Part of iROAR, an Animals Podcasting Network and the CFRC Podcast NetworkA.P.P.L.EAnimals in Politics, Law, and Ethics researches how we live in interspecies societies and polities.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showThe Animal Turn is hosted and produced by Claudia Hirtenfelder and is part of the iROAR Network. Learn more on our website. Leave a Review on Podchaser Check out The Animal Turn Merch. Support us on Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, and Buzzsprout.

Feb 24, 2020 • 1h 22min
S1E1: Animal Rights with Will Kymlicka
In this engaging discussion, Will Kymlicka, Canada Research Chair in Political Philosophy at Queen’s University, explores the intersection of animal rights and law. He unpacks misconceptions surrounding animal protection laws and critiques their impact on societal norms. Kymlicka delves into the philosophical foundations of state power and the nuances of governance concerning animals. The conversation highlights the need for intrinsic rights over property classifications and examines potential legal standing for animals, advocating for a profound paradigm shift in their treatment.