Dr Jo Swabe
@joswabe.bsky.social
Senior Director of Public Affairs for Humane World for Animals Europe (formerly Humane Society International). Advocate for animals. EU policy wonk. Erstwhile sociologist. Bird nerd & nature lover. Vegan foodie. Posting in EN & NL. Usual disclaimers apply.
Pinned
Dr Jo Swabe
@joswabe.bsky.social
· Nov 21
👋 Time for another quick introduction.
I’m HSI/Europe’s senior director of public affairs & will be primarily engaging here on animal agriculture, food policy, fur, wildlife protection, biodiversity & EU policy/political stuff. And posting the occasional bird pic!
I’m HSI/Europe’s senior director of public affairs & will be primarily engaging here on animal agriculture, food policy, fur, wildlife protection, biodiversity & EU policy/political stuff. And posting the occasional bird pic!
Only one hurdle now remains for a Polish ban on fur farming. Both the Sjem & Senate have voted overwhelmingly in favour.
Now President Nawrocki has 21 days to sign off on the legislation to make fur farming history in Poland.
Now President Nawrocki has 21 days to sign off on the legislation to make fur farming history in Poland.
❗️ Wchodzimy w PRZEŁOMOWY MOMENT. Projekt zakazu hodowli zwierząt na futra trafił do Prezydenta. Dalszy los ustawy zależy od jego decyzji.
Dlatego razem z Panem Janem Fryczem apelujemy do Prezydenta @karolnawrockipl.bsky.social o podjęcie historycznego kroku i podpisanie projektu.
Dlatego razem z Panem Janem Fryczem apelujemy do Prezydenta @karolnawrockipl.bsky.social o podjęcie historycznego kroku i podpisanie projektu.
November 7, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Only one hurdle now remains for a Polish ban on fur farming. Both the Sjem & Senate have voted overwhelmingly in favour.
Now President Nawrocki has 21 days to sign off on the legislation to make fur farming history in Poland.
Now President Nawrocki has 21 days to sign off on the legislation to make fur farming history in Poland.
Reposted by Dr Jo Swabe
🐟Our latest study has revealed a shocking number of #fish used for chemical testing in the #EU - despite rules to use #animaltesting only as a last resort. With the upcoming revision of EU's chemical law, #REACH, it's time to adopt #animal-free methods! Read more: www.humaneworld.org/en/news/hund...
November 7, 2025 at 2:02 PM
🐟Our latest study has revealed a shocking number of #fish used for chemical testing in the #EU - despite rules to use #animaltesting only as a last resort. With the upcoming revision of EU's chemical law, #REACH, it's time to adopt #animal-free methods! Read more: www.humaneworld.org/en/news/hund...
Reposted by Dr Jo Swabe
⚠️The #CITES Secretariat launched a fact-finding mission to the world's largest private #zoo in #India. It flags problems with the incredible number & species of #wildlife imported - contrasting India's Supreme Court's conclusions.
▶️ india.mongabay.com/2025/11/glob...
#WildlifeTrade #CITESCoP20
▶️ india.mongabay.com/2025/11/glob...
#WildlifeTrade #CITESCoP20
Global biodiversity assessment counters Supreme Court's clean chit to Vantara
A new CITES report highlights gaps in India’s due diligence on wildlife trade. It recommends India halt imports of endangered species till it reviews its import procedures and strengthens enforcement.
india.mongabay.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:03 PM
⚠️The #CITES Secretariat launched a fact-finding mission to the world's largest private #zoo in #India. It flags problems with the incredible number & species of #wildlife imported - contrasting India's Supreme Court's conclusions.
▶️ india.mongabay.com/2025/11/glob...
#WildlifeTrade #CITESCoP20
▶️ india.mongabay.com/2025/11/glob...
#WildlifeTrade #CITESCoP20
Reposted by Dr Jo Swabe
☠️ The “lethal dose” test was first introduced in 1927 to determine the amount of a chemical or substance that kills 50% of a group of animals. It is still in use despite progress in animal-free science. As the #EU prepares to update its chemicals law, REACH, we can end LD tests for good.
November 5, 2025 at 2:56 PM
☠️ The “lethal dose” test was first introduced in 1927 to determine the amount of a chemical or substance that kills 50% of a group of animals. It is still in use despite progress in animal-free science. As the #EU prepares to update its chemicals law, REACH, we can end LD tests for good.
Yet another exposé of the horrors of animal transport from @eyesonanimals.bsky.social & @awf-germany.bsky.social.
And yet @ec.europa.eu’s proposal to improve welfare during animal transports is still being blocked by MEPs seeking to maintain status quo or weaken current rules.
nos.nl/l/2589248
And yet @ec.europa.eu’s proposal to improve welfare during animal transports is still being blocked by MEPs seeking to maintain status quo or weaken current rules.
nos.nl/l/2589248
Dierenleed bij vervoer 'restbiggen': 'Dit is geen transport, dit is overleven'
Elk jaar worden er honderdduizenden zogenoemde 'restbiggen', die ongeschikt zijn als vleesvarken in Nederland, naar Zuid-Europa vervoerd. Daarbij gaat veel mis, zien dierenorganisaties.
nos.nl
November 5, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Yet another exposé of the horrors of animal transport from @eyesonanimals.bsky.social & @awf-germany.bsky.social.
And yet @ec.europa.eu’s proposal to improve welfare during animal transports is still being blocked by MEPs seeking to maintain status quo or weaken current rules.
nos.nl/l/2589248
And yet @ec.europa.eu’s proposal to improve welfare during animal transports is still being blocked by MEPs seeking to maintain status quo or weaken current rules.
nos.nl/l/2589248
Reposted by Dr Jo Swabe
Dutch exit poll: centrist-liberal D66 leading.
October 29, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Dutch exit poll: centrist-liberal D66 leading.
Today we go to the polls here in the Netherlands. I have already done my civic duty.
All I can now do is hope that the majority of my fellow citizens also vote for political parties who can form a more progressive, social & humane government.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
All I can now do is hope that the majority of my fellow citizens also vote for political parties who can form a more progressive, social & humane government.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
October 29, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Today we go to the polls here in the Netherlands. I have already done my civic duty.
All I can now do is hope that the majority of my fellow citizens also vote for political parties who can form a more progressive, social & humane government.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
All I can now do is hope that the majority of my fellow citizens also vote for political parties who can form a more progressive, social & humane government.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
How NGOs die - Europe’s playbook for dismantling democracy.
This piece from @alemanno.bsky.social is chilling. Question is when will animal protection NGOs come under similar attack?
euobserver.com/EU%20Politic...
This piece from @alemanno.bsky.social is chilling. Question is when will animal protection NGOs come under similar attack?
euobserver.com/EU%20Politic...
How NGOs die — Europe's playbook for dismantling democracy
The playbook is brutally efficient: fabricate a scandal, delegitimise and defund organisations into dependency on philanthropic support, then criminalise their new funding as foreign influence — all w...
euobserver.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:43 AM
How NGOs die - Europe’s playbook for dismantling democracy.
This piece from @alemanno.bsky.social is chilling. Question is when will animal protection NGOs come under similar attack?
euobserver.com/EU%20Politic...
This piece from @alemanno.bsky.social is chilling. Question is when will animal protection NGOs come under similar attack?
euobserver.com/EU%20Politic...
Reposted by Dr Jo Swabe
At #COP30, Big Ag will be spreading a wave of bullshit, but no amount of buzzwords can hide the fact that industrial livestock farming is driving the climate crisis
Equip yourself with this wonderful guide from @desmog.com
#StopBigAg
www.desmog.com/2025/10/26/b...
Equip yourself with this wonderful guide from @desmog.com
#StopBigAg
www.desmog.com/2025/10/26/b...
Look Out for These 8 Big Ag Greenwashing Terms at COP30
Food and farming companies will claim agriculture is the solution to the climate crisis at the Brazil summit — even though food drives a third of global warming.
www.desmog.com
October 27, 2025 at 11:51 AM
At #COP30, Big Ag will be spreading a wave of bullshit, but no amount of buzzwords can hide the fact that industrial livestock farming is driving the climate crisis
Equip yourself with this wonderful guide from @desmog.com
#StopBigAg
www.desmog.com/2025/10/26/b...
Equip yourself with this wonderful guide from @desmog.com
#StopBigAg
www.desmog.com/2025/10/26/b...
Reposted by Dr Jo Swabe
A new report shows that the #fur industry not only causes immense animal suffering but it’s also contributing negatively to the #EU economy. The sector has seen fur sales collapse by 92% in the past decade and now relies on public subsidies to survive.
End of fur gains momentum in Parliament – but industry feels left out | Euractiv
Banned or restricted in 23 EU countries, fur farming continues in Finland, Poland, and Greece
www.euractiv.com
October 25, 2025 at 2:10 PM
@europarl.europa.eu calls for an end to all illegal trade in wild fauna & flore by 2030
www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pres...
www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pres...
Wild fauna and flora: Parliament calls for an end to all illegal trade by 2030 | News | European Parliament
MEPs push for better application of bans and restrictions globally and call on the EU to lead the global fight against illegal trafficking of wild animals and plants.
www.europarl.europa.eu
October 23, 2025 at 11:16 AM
@europarl.europa.eu calls for an end to all illegal trade in wild fauna & flore by 2030
www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pres...
www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pres...
The EP has just adopted its Resolution of CITES CoP20, rejecting all the dastardly far right attempts to weaken the text re. hunting trophy imports, positive lists for kept animals, ecocide & the Environmental Crime Directive!!
1) Awaiting the start of the EP Plenary debate on the EU’s strategic objectives for the upcoming CITES CoP20 in Uzbekistan.
Sent our joint NGO voting recommendations to MEPs earlier. Dastardly attempts are afoot from the far right to weaken the EP’s position.
www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/h...
Sent our joint NGO voting recommendations to MEPs earlier. Dastardly attempts are afoot from the far right to weaken the EP’s position.
www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/h...
Home | Plenary | European Parliament
Main page of the European Parliament’s plenary website. Live streaming, updated speaker list, plenary news, priority information and priority documents.
www.europarl.europa.eu
October 23, 2025 at 10:36 AM
The EP has just adopted its Resolution of CITES CoP20, rejecting all the dastardly far right attempts to weaken the text re. hunting trophy imports, positive lists for kept animals, ecocide & the Environmental Crime Directive!!
Following the Animal Welfare Intergroup meeting, which is focusing today on delivering cage-free legislation.
Good to hear @saskiabricmont.bsky.social addressing the issue of the impact of international trade on animal welfare.
Follow online: www.animalwelfareintergroup.eu/calendar/del...
Good to hear @saskiabricmont.bsky.social addressing the issue of the impact of international trade on animal welfare.
Follow online: www.animalwelfareintergroup.eu/calendar/del...
Delivering cage-free legislation: the road ahead | Intergroup
This session will explore the need to deliver on cage-free legislation for farmed animals in the EU, following the European Commission's commitment in light of the success European Citizens' Initiativ...
www.animalwelfareintergroup.eu
October 23, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Following the Animal Welfare Intergroup meeting, which is focusing today on delivering cage-free legislation.
Good to hear @saskiabricmont.bsky.social addressing the issue of the impact of international trade on animal welfare.
Follow online: www.animalwelfareintergroup.eu/calendar/del...
Good to hear @saskiabricmont.bsky.social addressing the issue of the impact of international trade on animal welfare.
Follow online: www.animalwelfareintergroup.eu/calendar/del...
1) Awaiting the start of the EP Plenary debate on the EU’s strategic objectives for the upcoming CITES CoP20 in Uzbekistan.
Sent our joint NGO voting recommendations to MEPs earlier. Dastardly attempts are afoot from the far right to weaken the EP’s position.
www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/h...
Sent our joint NGO voting recommendations to MEPs earlier. Dastardly attempts are afoot from the far right to weaken the EP’s position.
www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/h...
Home | Plenary | European Parliament
Main page of the European Parliament’s plenary website. Live streaming, updated speaker list, plenary news, priority information and priority documents.
www.europarl.europa.eu
October 22, 2025 at 6:43 PM
1) Awaiting the start of the EP Plenary debate on the EU’s strategic objectives for the upcoming CITES CoP20 in Uzbekistan.
Sent our joint NGO voting recommendations to MEPs earlier. Dastardly attempts are afoot from the far right to weaken the EP’s position.
www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/h...
Sent our joint NGO voting recommendations to MEPs earlier. Dastardly attempts are afoot from the far right to weaken the EP’s position.
www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/h...
Criminalise trade in illegally sourced wildlife, while boosting traceability.
Nice coverage by @euractiv.com of last week's EP roundtable event on 'Stolen Wildlife' & the need to close the loopholes in the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
www.euractiv.com/news/calls-t...
Nice coverage by @euractiv.com of last week's EP roundtable event on 'Stolen Wildlife' & the need to close the loopholes in the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
www.euractiv.com/news/calls-t...
www.euractiv.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Criminalise trade in illegally sourced wildlife, while boosting traceability.
Nice coverage by @euractiv.com of last week's EP roundtable event on 'Stolen Wildlife' & the need to close the loopholes in the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
www.euractiv.com/news/calls-t...
Nice coverage by @euractiv.com of last week's EP roundtable event on 'Stolen Wildlife' & the need to close the loopholes in the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
www.euractiv.com/news/calls-t...
45 meat and dairy giants emit more methane than EU and UK combined, study finds euobserver.com/green-econom...
45 meat and dairy giants emit more methane than EU and UK combined, study finds
Global meat and dairy production's environmental footprint dwarfs that of all EU member states and the UK combined, according to a new report.
euobserver.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:35 AM
45 meat and dairy giants emit more methane than EU and UK combined, study finds euobserver.com/green-econom...
ICYMI: Last Friday, members of Poland's Sjem voted overwhelmingly in favour of banning & phasing-out fur farming by 2033.
This bill still has to be voted on by the Senate & signed by the President, but this is a key step in the right direction.
www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Art...
This bill still has to be voted on by the Senate & signed by the President, but this is a key step in the right direction.
www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Art...
Poland votes to ban fur farming by 2033, with payouts for early closures
Poland’s Sejm passed a bill to ban fur farming by end-2033, offering compensation for closures by 2031. The vote split parties, but drew support from animal-rights activists.
www.polskieradio.pl
October 20, 2025 at 11:33 AM
ICYMI: Last Friday, members of Poland's Sjem voted overwhelmingly in favour of banning & phasing-out fur farming by 2033.
This bill still has to be voted on by the Senate & signed by the President, but this is a key step in the right direction.
www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Art...
This bill still has to be voted on by the Senate & signed by the President, but this is a key step in the right direction.
www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Art...
A thread from last Wednesday’s EP event ‘The True Cost of Fur’ jointly organised by @furfreealliance.bsky.social & @eurogroupforanimals.org.
As you will see from the photos, I was too busy moderating the event to post anything!
This 🧵 includes links to our #mustread report.
As you will see from the photos, I was too busy moderating the event to post anything!
This 🧵 includes links to our #mustread report.
📉🦊Does the production of fur contribute to the EU economy, or just the opposite? A new economic analysis gives the answers. Join this online event and follow our live posts to learn more.
Full report: griffincarpenter.org/reports/a-fu...
Watch live at: europeanparliament.webex.com/wbxmjs/joins...
Full report: griffincarpenter.org/reports/a-fu...
Watch live at: europeanparliament.webex.com/wbxmjs/joins...
October 20, 2025 at 8:20 AM
A thread from last Wednesday’s EP event ‘The True Cost of Fur’ jointly organised by @furfreealliance.bsky.social & @eurogroupforanimals.org.
As you will see from the photos, I was too busy moderating the event to post anything!
This 🧵 includes links to our #mustread report.
As you will see from the photos, I was too busy moderating the event to post anything!
This 🧵 includes links to our #mustread report.
Reposted by Dr Jo Swabe
🐟 #Zebrafish are the most widely used species for chemical safety testing under EU’s #REACH law. As the @ec.europa.eu prepares to revise REACH to phase out #animaltesting, our upcoming paper will reveal shocking stats on fish use & share ideas for advancing #animal-free science.
October 20, 2025 at 7:28 AM
🐟 #Zebrafish are the most widely used species for chemical safety testing under EU’s #REACH law. As the @ec.europa.eu prepares to revise REACH to phase out #animaltesting, our upcoming paper will reveal shocking stats on fish use & share ideas for advancing #animal-free science.
Now at the 18th EU Platform on Animal Welfare meeting.
I'll be participating in a panel tomorrow morning on animal welfare requirements at imports & will undoubtedly also be asking pointed questions regarding fur farming.
Agenda & webstreaming link are here:
food.ec.europa.eu/document/dow...
I'll be participating in a panel tomorrow morning on animal welfare requirements at imports & will undoubtedly also be asking pointed questions regarding fur farming.
Agenda & webstreaming link are here:
food.ec.europa.eu/document/dow...
food.ec.europa.eu
October 16, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Now at the 18th EU Platform on Animal Welfare meeting.
I'll be participating in a panel tomorrow morning on animal welfare requirements at imports & will undoubtedly also be asking pointed questions regarding fur farming.
Agenda & webstreaming link are here:
food.ec.europa.eu/document/dow...
I'll be participating in a panel tomorrow morning on animal welfare requirements at imports & will undoubtedly also be asking pointed questions regarding fur farming.
Agenda & webstreaming link are here:
food.ec.europa.eu/document/dow...
Seriously? @euractiv.com's main takeaway from our fur farming event yesterday was that the fur industry threw their toys out of the pram because they weren't invited to participate in the panel.
www.euractiv.com/news/end-of-...
www.euractiv.com/news/end-of-...
End of fur gains momentum in Parliament – but industry feels left out | Euractiv
Banned or restricted in 23 EU countries, fur farming continues in Finland, Poland, and Greece
www.euractiv.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Seriously? @euractiv.com's main takeaway from our fur farming event yesterday was that the fur industry threw their toys out of the pram because they weren't invited to participate in the panel.
www.euractiv.com/news/end-of-...
www.euractiv.com/news/end-of-...
Reposted by Dr Jo Swabe
During a @euractiv.com Policy Triangle discussion, experts, including our Jay Ingram, emphasized the urgency of aligning regulations with scientific innovation, particularly regarding the expected roadmap of @ec.europa.eu to phase out animal testing. Watch the video: www.euractiv.com/video/can-eu...
Can Europe future proof chemical testing and seize the shift away from animal models? | Euractiv
In this Policy Triangle, supported by Humane World for Animals, we explore how Europe can modernise its chemical testing framework as part of the upcoming revision of REACH.
www.euractiv.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:28 PM
During a @euractiv.com Policy Triangle discussion, experts, including our Jay Ingram, emphasized the urgency of aligning regulations with scientific innovation, particularly regarding the expected roadmap of @ec.europa.eu to phase out animal testing. Watch the video: www.euractiv.com/video/can-eu...
Reposted by Dr Jo Swabe
Download the report here: www.prowildlife.de/wp-content/u...
October 13, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Download the report here: www.prowildlife.de/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Dr Jo Swabe
The EU remains a major hub for wildlife trafficked from vulnerable habitats across the world. Join us online for an event presenting our latest report, produced together with @prowildlife.bsky.social, @ifaweu.bsky.social, @fourpawsint.bsky.social, and @wcs.org.
Follow the link to register ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Follow the link to register ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Stolen Wildlife
Closing the loopholes in the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations
www.eventbrite.de
October 13, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The EU remains a major hub for wildlife trafficked from vulnerable habitats across the world. Join us online for an event presenting our latest report, produced together with @prowildlife.bsky.social, @ifaweu.bsky.social, @fourpawsint.bsky.social, and @wcs.org.
Follow the link to register ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Follow the link to register ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Singularly unhelpful of @ns.nl to send me a notification this am that my 10.03 train to Brussels had been cancelled.
Rushed to A’dam Zuid to attempt an alternative route via Rotterdam, only to discover that the Eurocity Direct WAS running after all.
Too much stress for a Monday morning. 😩
Rushed to A’dam Zuid to attempt an alternative route via Rotterdam, only to discover that the Eurocity Direct WAS running after all.
Too much stress for a Monday morning. 😩
October 13, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Singularly unhelpful of @ns.nl to send me a notification this am that my 10.03 train to Brussels had been cancelled.
Rushed to A’dam Zuid to attempt an alternative route via Rotterdam, only to discover that the Eurocity Direct WAS running after all.
Too much stress for a Monday morning. 😩
Rushed to A’dam Zuid to attempt an alternative route via Rotterdam, only to discover that the Eurocity Direct WAS running after all.
Too much stress for a Monday morning. 😩