No Fellow Animals Should Be Considered Property, Not Just 'Pets'...
Edition #78 12th April 2025
Welcome to the seventy-eighth edition of our weekly curated articles newsletter.
Below, you will find a 110-word AI-generated summary of each article and a link to the full text.
This week’s articles:
Hong Kong Sees Significant Drop in Illegal Wildlife Trade Due to Stricter Penalties
Campaign Seeks Legal Reform to Recognise Pets as Family Members in the UK
FDA to Transition from Animal Testing to AI and Lab-Based Methods in Drug Development
Majority of Brazilians Open to Reducing or Eliminating Meat from Their Diets, Study Finds
Vegan Grocery Prices Show Wide Variations Across U.S. States, Revealing Market Disparities
Animal Rights Groups Criticise Grand National Following Heartbreaking Death of Celebre d'Allen
Exploring the Cultural Significance of Veganism: An Anthropological Perspective
French Health Agency Endorses Plant-Based Diets for Health Benefits and Disease Prevention
Animal Rights Activists Criticize Grand National Following Disturbing Fall of Broadway Boy
Hollywood Bowl Introduces Beyond Burger Nationwide for Easter, Meeting Growing Plant-Based Demand
Hong Kong Sees Significant Drop in Illegal Wildlife Trade Due to Stricter Penalties
Hong Kong has reported a significant decline in smuggling cases involving endangered species products, such as ivory, pangolin scales, and rhino horn, attributed to stricter penalties enacted since 2021. According to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, there have been no notable seizures of ivory or pangolin scales since then, with only one recent case of rhinoceros horn smuggling.
Increased prosecutions and enhanced legal measures, including the revised Organised and Serious Crime Ordinance, have strengthened enforcement capabilities. While the government cites these factors as crucial in reducing illegal wildlife trade, animal rights organizations also acknowledge the impact of broader international efforts.
Campaign Seeks Legal Reform to Recognise Pets as Family Members in the UK
A new campaign has been launched by Cooper & Co Solicitors, advocating for legal reforms that recognize pets as family members rather than property in court cases. The petition aims to reform outdated laws, particularly concerning pet custody disputes and negligence claims.
Public sentiment strongly supports this change, with recent surveys indicating that 99% of dog owners view their pets as family. The campaign also responds to a significant rise in pet custody cases and concerns about the welfare of animals during legal disputes.
Supporters are encouraged to join the movement using the hashtag #FamilyNotProperty and participate in outreach efforts to lawmakers.
FDA to Transition from Animal Testing to AI and Lab-Based Methods in Drug Development
The FDA plans to phase out animal testing in drug development, particularly for monoclonal antibodies, by adopting AI models and lab-based systems such as organ-on-a-chip technologies. This initiative follows the 2022 FDA Modernization Act, which permits non-animal alternatives in preclinical testing.
The new framework aims to enhance drug safety, lower R&D costs, and reduce drug prices. While the full implementation timeline is unclear, immediate changes will affect investigational new drug submissions.
Analysts view this as a gradual shift rather than an immediate regulatory overhaul, noting potential impacts on companies relying on animal testing. The scientific community welcomes this development for its potential to improve research practices.
Majority of Brazilians Open to Reducing or Eliminating Meat from Their Diets, Study Finds
A recent survey by the Brazilian Vegetarian Society and Datafolha Institute indicates that 74% of Brazilians are open to reducing or eliminating meat from their diets. Out of over 2,000 respondents, 43% would consider this change for environmental reasons, while 42% cite animal welfare as a motivating factor.
These findings reflect a societal shift towards more ethical and sustainable eating practices, especially as Brazil prepares to host the UN climate summit, COP30, in November. Additionally, the Brazilian plant-based market is expected to grow significantly, with a reported 38% increase in retail sales of meat and seafood alternatives from the previous year.
Vegan Grocery Prices Show Wide Variations Across U.S. States, Revealing Market Disparities
A study by CashNetUSA analysed vegan grocery prices at Walmart across U.S.
states, revealing significant price variations. Arkansas was identified as the most affordable state, with costs about 3.
8% below the national average, while Hawaii had the highest prices, 31.8% above average.
The study highlighted fluctuations in prices, with Arizona seeing a 3.4% decrease, yet Alaska experiencing an 11.
94% rise in vegan grocery costs since 2023. Factors such as local wages also influence affordability, with Massachusetts being notably accessible.
Walmart's new private label, "bettergoods," offers premium vegan products, although prices vary by state, and the company is focused on maintaining low pricing amid potential future tariffs.
Animal Rights Groups Criticise Grand National Following Heartbreaking Death of Celebre d'Allen
Animal rights organizations have condemned the Grand National and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) following the death of Celebre d’Allen, a 13-year-old horse that collapsed during the race. After initially showing signs of improvement, his condition worsened, leading to his death days later.
Critics, including Animal Aid and Animal Rising, argue that the race is excessively demanding and driven by profit, pushing horses beyond their limits. The BHA has announced plans to analyze the incident to enhance safety measures, stating their commitment to reducing avoidable risks.
Aintree Racecourse expressed sadness over Celebre d’Allen's passing, emphasizing the bond between caretakers and horses.
Exploring the Cultural Significance of Veganism: An Anthropological Perspective
The article "Veganism as a Cultural and Identity Phenomenon: An Anthropological Perspective" examines veganism beyond dietary choices, framing it as a significant cultural and identity-related movement. Utilizing an anthropological approach, the study explores how veganism serves as a symbolic system encompassing ethical, environmental, and social values, marking social distinctions and reshaping consumption norms.
It discusses how vegan practices challenge existing social norms and propose redefined cultural boundaries, critiquing dominant consumption models while emphasizing issues of social justice and sustainability. The research highlights veganism's transformative potential, influencing public policies and fostering new dynamics of belonging and identity in contemporary society.
French Health Agency Endorses Plant-Based Diets for Health Benefits and Disease Prevention
The French health and safety agency, Anses, has endorsed vegetarian and vegan diets, citing their potential to lower the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases. This review marks the first focused analysis of plant-based diets in France, where 2-5% of the population currently identifies as vegetarian or vegan.
Anses found that these diets could reduce the risk of heart disease and several types of cancer, although deficiencies in nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and B12 were noted as potential risks. The findings aim to inform public health recommendations and food policies in France, supporting the growing interest in vegetarianism among younger demographics.
Animal Rights Activists Criticize Grand National Following Disturbing Fall of Broadway Boy
Animal rights advocates have criticized the Grand National following a distressing incident involving a horse, Broadway Boy, who suffered a severe fall during the race. Spectators described the fall as "sickening," and although the horse was later able to walk onto a veterinary ambulance, the incident raised significant concerns about horse welfare in the racing industry.
Another horse, Celebre D’Allen, also collapsed during the event. Activists accused the racing industry of prioritizing profit over animal welfare and expressed outrage at the lack of timely information regarding the horses' conditions after the race.
Public reaction on social media has been predominantly negative, with calls for greater accountability in horse racing.
Hollywood Bowl Introduces Beyond Burger Nationwide for Easter, Meeting Growing Plant-Based Demand
Hollywood Bowl has introduced the Beyond Burger at all of its UK locations, effectively launching it during the Easter school holidays. Available since April 2, the plant-based burger aims to meet the increasing demand for vegetarian options among families and groups.
Priced at £6.79, the burger is served in a brioche-style bun with lettuce and tomato, accompanied by fries (which are not vegan) unless swapped for tortilla chips.
Additional toppings and an extra burger patty can be added. This launch reflects Hollywood Bowl’s commitment to evolving its menu to cater to customer preferences for flavourful, sustainable dining choices.