Joe Wills
@drjoewills.bsky.social
Associate Professor, University of Leicester. Research interests: animal rights law, human rights law, legal theory. 🌱
Reposted by Joe Wills
Hello from the Toronto Court of Appeal! ⚖️ Animal Justice is intervening in the case involving vegan firefighter Adam Knauff, who was denied plant-based meals on the job. The court will decide if he can appeal after his discrimination case was dismissed on a technicality.
November 7, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Hello from the Toronto Court of Appeal! ⚖️ Animal Justice is intervening in the case involving vegan firefighter Adam Knauff, who was denied plant-based meals on the job. The court will decide if he can appeal after his discrimination case was dismissed on a technicality.
This is simply outrageous.
November 5, 2025 at 11:38 AM
This is simply outrageous.
Reposted by Joe Wills
Some really big news dropped in animal rights world last week that was made possible only by extremely competent activism—a top breeder of dogs for lab experimentation will shut down. So I wrote about it and what it means and says about science, etc.
gift link: www.vox.com/future-perfe...
gift link: www.vox.com/future-perfe...
The secretive dog experimentation industry is crumbling
The US experiments on tens of thousands of beagles. After a shocking case, will it come to an end?
www.vox.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Some really big news dropped in animal rights world last week that was made possible only by extremely competent activism—a top breeder of dogs for lab experimentation will shut down. So I wrote about it and what it means and says about science, etc.
gift link: www.vox.com/future-perfe...
gift link: www.vox.com/future-perfe...
Reposted by Joe Wills
Are humans really the only rational animals? Our NEW PAPER 🎉 out in @science.org suggests otherwise! In a large collaboration led with my joint first author @hanna-schleihauf.bsky.social, we show that “Chimpanzees rationally revise their beliefs” 🧵
Chimpanzees rationally revise their beliefs
The selective revision of beliefs in light of new evidence has been considered one of the hallmarks of human-level rationality. However, tests of this ability in other species are lacking. We examined...
www.science.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Are humans really the only rational animals? Our NEW PAPER 🎉 out in @science.org suggests otherwise! In a large collaboration led with my joint first author @hanna-schleihauf.bsky.social, we show that “Chimpanzees rationally revise their beliefs” 🧵
Very sad to hear this act of compassion was deemed criminal by a jury. Telling though that she wasn't charged with theft/burglary - animals are 'property' right? AFAIA no animal rescuer has been convicted for theft or burglary since 2021 (for a 2018 rescue).
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
US woman who ‘rescued’ four chickens found guilty of trespassing and conspiracy
Zoe Rosenberg, 23, of San Francisco Bay Area does not deny taking animals, saying she was removing them from cruelty
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Very sad to hear this act of compassion was deemed criminal by a jury. Telling though that she wasn't charged with theft/burglary - animals are 'property' right? AFAIA no animal rescuer has been convicted for theft or burglary since 2021 (for a 2018 rescue).
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
This is the most stunning legal turn-around I'm aware of. AR activists are charged with burglary for freeing dogs from Ridglan. The charges are dropped. The activists succeed in getting a special prosecutor appointed to investigate Ridglan for animal cruelty. Now Ridglan will close. Incredible.
We are thrilled to report that beagle experimentation breeder Ridglan Farms will CLOSE. This follows the 2022 closure of Envigo, & leaves only one large breeder of beagles for experiments (Marshall Farms). Congratulations to everyone who helped achieve this goal. More details to come.
October 29, 2025 at 11:34 AM
This is the most stunning legal turn-around I'm aware of. AR activists are charged with burglary for freeing dogs from Ridglan. The charges are dropped. The activists succeed in getting a special prosecutor appointed to investigate Ridglan for animal cruelty. Now Ridglan will close. Incredible.
(a month ago) Six animal rights activists unanimously acquitted by jury for disrupting a grand national race. They were charged with public nuisance but raised the 'reasonable excuse' defence that they were trying to prevent the suffering and deaths of horses.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crim...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crim...
Six animal rights activists cleared over Grand National protests
Jury delivers not guilty verdicts after campaigners climbed onto track and disrupted race
www.independent.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 3:51 PM
(a month ago) Six animal rights activists unanimously acquitted by jury for disrupting a grand national race. They were charged with public nuisance but raised the 'reasonable excuse' defence that they were trying to prevent the suffering and deaths of horses.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crim...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crim...
“I hope this case will shine light on what these animals experience every moment of their lives. So much of what happens in factory farms is happening behind closed doors in the dark. No one ever gets to see it, no one ever gets to hear these animals’ stories.” www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
She took chickens from a slaughterhouse. Was it a rescue or a crime?
Zoe Rosenberg, a California student, is on trial over a tactic that animal rights activists consider a moral imperative. Critics say it’s a threat to the food supply
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:43 PM
“I hope this case will shine light on what these animals experience every moment of their lives. So much of what happens in factory farms is happening behind closed doors in the dark. No one ever gets to see it, no one ever gets to hear these animals’ stories.” www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Joe Wills
Book Launch for International Protection of Socio-Economic Rights (Routledge 2025) by Dr Aristi Volou.
20 November 2025, 12.15-2:00 pm (UK), Leicester Law School (room TBC) or online (see comments for link).
Presentations from Aristi Volou, Helen Flynn, Katie Boyle & Rory O’Connell.
Open to all.
20 November 2025, 12.15-2:00 pm (UK), Leicester Law School (room TBC) or online (see comments for link).
Presentations from Aristi Volou, Helen Flynn, Katie Boyle & Rory O’Connell.
Open to all.
October 28, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Book Launch for International Protection of Socio-Economic Rights (Routledge 2025) by Dr Aristi Volou.
20 November 2025, 12.15-2:00 pm (UK), Leicester Law School (room TBC) or online (see comments for link).
Presentations from Aristi Volou, Helen Flynn, Katie Boyle & Rory O’Connell.
Open to all.
20 November 2025, 12.15-2:00 pm (UK), Leicester Law School (room TBC) or online (see comments for link).
Presentations from Aristi Volou, Helen Flynn, Katie Boyle & Rory O’Connell.
Open to all.
Reposted by Joe Wills
BREAKING: We submitted a habeas corpus petition on behalf of five elephants imprisoned at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Existing laws regulate care, but do not address their freedom. #FreeThePittsburghElephants 🐘 Join us as we fight for their right to liberty: bit.ly/4ovht20
Savanna, Tasha, Angeline, Victoria, and Zuri
A client page for the elephants confined in the Pittsburgh Zoo in Pennsylvania, including the elephants' stories and a court case timeline.
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 3:26 PM
BREAKING: We submitted a habeas corpus petition on behalf of five elephants imprisoned at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Existing laws regulate care, but do not address their freedom. #FreeThePittsburghElephants 🐘 Join us as we fight for their right to liberty: bit.ly/4ovht20
Reposted by Joe Wills
Video recordings from our European Animal Rights Law Conference 2025 are now up on #YouTube! 📺
This year's Conference was on the theme "Animal Rights in Legislation" and featured political representatives, government officials, prominent academics, and lawyers from around the world. (1/2)
This year's Conference was on the theme "Animal Rights in Legislation" and featured political representatives, government officials, prominent academics, and lawyers from around the world. (1/2)
October 24, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Video recordings from our European Animal Rights Law Conference 2025 are now up on #YouTube! 📺
This year's Conference was on the theme "Animal Rights in Legislation" and featured political representatives, government officials, prominent academics, and lawyers from around the world. (1/2)
This year's Conference was on the theme "Animal Rights in Legislation" and featured political representatives, government officials, prominent academics, and lawyers from around the world. (1/2)
Michigan Court of Appeals denies that animals can be 'persons' in law because they cannot participate in the social contract. Again with that tired old chestnut?
www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/c...
www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/c...
October 23, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Michigan Court of Appeals denies that animals can be 'persons' in law because they cannot participate in the social contract. Again with that tired old chestnut?
www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/c...
www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/c...
Reposted by Joe Wills
HUGE: Poland has voted 339 to 78 to ban #FurFarming!
This bill will end the suffering for millions of animals who are bred for their #fur (like here). 🥹
It now just needs Senate & Presidential approval. Congrats to @otwarteklatki.bsky.social for their advocacy on this. Massive step for animals. 🧡
This bill will end the suffering for millions of animals who are bred for their #fur (like here). 🥹
It now just needs Senate & Presidential approval. Congrats to @otwarteklatki.bsky.social for their advocacy on this. Massive step for animals. 🧡
October 22, 2025 at 1:36 PM
HUGE: Poland has voted 339 to 78 to ban #FurFarming!
This bill will end the suffering for millions of animals who are bred for their #fur (like here). 🥹
It now just needs Senate & Presidential approval. Congrats to @otwarteklatki.bsky.social for their advocacy on this. Massive step for animals. 🧡
This bill will end the suffering for millions of animals who are bred for their #fur (like here). 🥹
It now just needs Senate & Presidential approval. Congrats to @otwarteklatki.bsky.social for their advocacy on this. Massive step for animals. 🧡
Bitterly disappointing ECJ ruling: “The Montréal convention clearly refers to persons and baggage. It therefore follows from the clear wording of this provision that the term ‘persons’ covers ‘passengers’, such that a pet cannot be considered a ‘passenger’.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/oct...
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/oct...
Pets on flights can be classed as baggage, top EU court rules
European court of justice asked to intervene after dog was lost on journey from Buenos Aires to Barcelona
www.theguardian.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Bitterly disappointing ECJ ruling: “The Montréal convention clearly refers to persons and baggage. It therefore follows from the clear wording of this provision that the term ‘persons’ covers ‘passengers’, such that a pet cannot be considered a ‘passenger’.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/oct...
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/oct...
Reposted by Joe Wills
It's good to be on a platform where people express normal human empathy and dismay at the horrific synagogue attack rather than on one where they weaponise it for their grubby, divisive purposes and try to turn a tragedy into an opportunity
October 2, 2025 at 5:08 PM
It's good to be on a platform where people express normal human empathy and dismay at the horrific synagogue attack rather than on one where they weaponise it for their grubby, divisive purposes and try to turn a tragedy into an opportunity
Reposted by Joe Wills
Goodall was such an icon because she did & said things that were heresy in the scientific community. Her work on animals' capacities represented not just an abstract finding but a practical ethic that led her to advocate for veganism &vocally oppose animal experimentation
www.vox.com/future-perfe...
www.vox.com/future-perfe...
Jane Goodall’s most radical message was not about saving the planet
The conservationist used her stature to advocate for one of the most important, yet most unpopular, causes in the world.
www.vox.com
October 2, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Goodall was such an icon because she did & said things that were heresy in the scientific community. Her work on animals' capacities represented not just an abstract finding but a practical ethic that led her to advocate for veganism &vocally oppose animal experimentation
www.vox.com/future-perfe...
www.vox.com/future-perfe...
Reposted by Joe Wills
“The behaviour depicted is wholly unacceptable & clearly breaches the values, standards & animal welfare practices that we uphold across our business.“ - would be more convincing if this wasn‘t the third time they‘ve been exposed *since May*. The cruelty is systemic.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Third Cranswick pig farm faces animal abuse allegations
Animal Justice Project filmed employees at Mere Farm, Barton upon Humber, North Lincolnshire.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 2, 2025 at 8:33 AM
“The behaviour depicted is wholly unacceptable & clearly breaches the values, standards & animal welfare practices that we uphold across our business.“ - would be more convincing if this wasn‘t the third time they‘ve been exposed *since May*. The cruelty is systemic.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Anybody who watches this video and doesn’t shed a tear has a heart of stone:
youtu.be/bCVmfDuRpBc?...
youtu.be/bCVmfDuRpBc?...
Jane Goodall Releases Chimp
YouTube video by Chuck Brown
youtu.be
October 1, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Anybody who watches this video and doesn’t shed a tear has a heart of stone:
youtu.be/bCVmfDuRpBc?...
youtu.be/bCVmfDuRpBc?...
Reposted by Joe Wills
"I stopped eating meat some 50 years ago," wrote Jane Goodall, "when I looked at the pork chop on my plate and thought: this represents fear, pain, death."
Best as I can tell, not one obituary or article on her passing mentions this fact. It's worth knowing. news.janegoodall.org/2017/04/28/w...
Best as I can tell, not one obituary or article on her passing mentions this fact. It's worth knowing. news.janegoodall.org/2017/04/28/w...
October 1, 2025 at 7:59 PM
"I stopped eating meat some 50 years ago," wrote Jane Goodall, "when I looked at the pork chop on my plate and thought: this represents fear, pain, death."
Best as I can tell, not one obituary or article on her passing mentions this fact. It's worth knowing. news.janegoodall.org/2017/04/28/w...
Best as I can tell, not one obituary or article on her passing mentions this fact. It's worth knowing. news.janegoodall.org/2017/04/28/w...
RIP to Jane Goodall whose pioneering work in primatology led to a paradigm shift in how we understand animals. Her work on animal subjectivity, emotions and relationships was intially dismissed as ‘anthropomorphic’ by the male-dominated field but now has widespread support. youtu.be/bCVmfDuRpBc?...
Jane Goodall Releases Chimp
YouTube video by Chuck Brown
youtu.be
October 1, 2025 at 7:30 PM
RIP to Jane Goodall whose pioneering work in primatology led to a paradigm shift in how we understand animals. Her work on animal subjectivity, emotions and relationships was intially dismissed as ‘anthropomorphic’ by the male-dominated field but now has widespread support. youtu.be/bCVmfDuRpBc?...
Reposted by Joe Wills
This is great. It naturally follows that Musk can only get out of our politics if politicians and political journalists stop using the social media site he controls.
Strong words from Ed Miliband at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool...
"Elon Musk: Get the hell out of our politics and our country"
"Elon Musk: Get the hell out of our politics and our country"
October 1, 2025 at 10:56 AM
This is great. It naturally follows that Musk can only get out of our politics if politicians and political journalists stop using the social media site he controls.
Reposted by Joe Wills
A groundbreaking legal victory has just seen 6 people found not guilty of public nuisance, after disrupting the Grand National horse race in 2023! #grandnational #protest
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
A groundbreaking legal victory has just seen 6 people found not guilty of public nuisance, after disrupting the Grand National horse race in 2023! #grandnational #protest
Reposted by Joe Wills
In the interview, Raffael discusses his book More Equal Than Others: Humans and the Rights of Other Animals? (2024). 📙
Read the interview here:
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anim...
Want to check out the book? Go to global.oup.com/academic/pro... (2/2)
#AnimalRightsLaw #PsychologyToday
Read the interview here:
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anim...
Want to check out the book? Go to global.oup.com/academic/pro... (2/2)
#AnimalRightsLaw #PsychologyToday
Granting Rights to Animals Doesn't Undermine Human Rights
In proposing the Species Membership Approach, Raffael Fasel argues against the misplaced fears that granting legal rights and personhood to nonhumans would weaken human rights.
www.psychologytoday.com
September 22, 2025 at 1:05 PM
In the interview, Raffael discusses his book More Equal Than Others: Humans and the Rights of Other Animals? (2024). 📙
Read the interview here:
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anim...
Want to check out the book? Go to global.oup.com/academic/pro... (2/2)
#AnimalRightsLaw #PsychologyToday
Read the interview here:
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anim...
Want to check out the book? Go to global.oup.com/academic/pro... (2/2)
#AnimalRightsLaw #PsychologyToday
Reposted by Joe Wills
Hey, look! A piece on the connection between wonder, moral motivation, & justice for animals, published at @justiceeverywhere.bsky.social and based on my paper in @the-joap.bsky.social - justice-everywhere.org/general/usin...
Using wonder to achieve animal rights
In this post, Steve Cooke, (University of Leicester) discusses his article recently published in the Journal of Applied Philosophy on the experience of wonder as a route towards justice for nonhuma…
justice-everywhere.org
September 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Hey, look! A piece on the connection between wonder, moral motivation, & justice for animals, published at @justiceeverywhere.bsky.social and based on my paper in @the-joap.bsky.social - justice-everywhere.org/general/usin...
Reposted by Joe Wills
People who know reptiles well say they don't only experience fleeting pains and pleasures, but also lasting emotional states: happiness & sadness, or at least good & bad moods.
But how do you show this in a scientific way?
My latest for @nytimes.com on a clever @coldbloodedcog.bsky.social study:
But how do you show this in a scientific way?
My latest for @nytimes.com on a clever @coldbloodedcog.bsky.social study:
Do Reptiles Have Moods, Too?
www.nytimes.com
September 18, 2025 at 11:45 PM
People who know reptiles well say they don't only experience fleeting pains and pleasures, but also lasting emotional states: happiness & sadness, or at least good & bad moods.
But how do you show this in a scientific way?
My latest for @nytimes.com on a clever @coldbloodedcog.bsky.social study:
But how do you show this in a scientific way?
My latest for @nytimes.com on a clever @coldbloodedcog.bsky.social study: