Our April Animal Advocacy Roundup

Change the world with us with our monthly round-up!

Welcome to our April update - giving you the lowdown on our recent work and other animal advocacy related news!

1. Updates On Our Recent Work

TAAP Objects to Pig Farming Factories in Norfolk

Cranswick plc - one of the largest pork producers in the UK - have submitted an

application to build a mega factory farm in West Norfolk that would house 870,000 chickens and 14,000 pigs. Alongside this, Cranswick is also operating a pig farm (Cherry Tree Farm) in Breckland, Norfolk, fairly close by, which houses 7,000 pigs. We have submitted letters objecting to planning permission that is being sought and have highlighted to the planning authorities the likely cumulative impacts on the environment from the two GIANT facilities being so close to each other.

We have also highlighted a host of other issues such as:

• In just four years the Breckland operation has led to 380 complaints to authorities about various issues.

• A Freedom of Information Act request submitted by us revealed that the operation has breached its environmental permit 12 times!

• Furthermore we are concerned, the factory is currently operating without having obtained permission for a variation in planning permission.

Our work has raised attention in the media with the Eastern Daily Press publishing a story about this issue based on information that we have found. For further information on our involvement in this project, please see here. 

If you would like to join our campaign to stop this new factory farm being built, please express your objection here! DO IT!!!!

New Research - FACTORY FARMS: The true impact (and it's terrifying) + a super helpful free guide for anyone working on planning and animal issues

We were recently awarded a grant by Sustain to research the environmental, social and economic impacts of intensive animal agriculture as part of a larger project - to create a guide for local councils to refer to when considering planning applications for proposed factory farms in their area. To read an overview of what our research uncovered, or to download the full report including the planning guide, you can do so here.

If you are involved in work objecting to planning applications relating to intensive animal agriculture - we think this guide could be super helpful for your work too! Please use it and if you have any questions - get in touch!

2. Keep Your Legal Purr-Spective Fresh: Helpful Animal Advocacy Cases & News Updates

Planning cases: Ward v Torridge - “In combination approach”

This case raises two issues. Firstly, an “in combination approach” must be taken to assess the interested parties’ other planning applications i.e. regard must be had to the impacts of other developments. Secondly, it is important to consider the necessary baseline for an adequate air quality assessment. To read an overview of this case and its implications, you can do so here.

Planning cases - R(Squire) v Shropshire Council - The importance of odour and noise impacts

In this case, the community managed to successfully judicially review a grant of planning permission on the basis that the farm’s environmental impact assessment failed to adequately assess the environmental effects of odour and noise. To read an overview of this case and its implications, you can do so here.

Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill - Third time lucky (and also an acknowledgement that this is a nuanced issue)

The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill (the “Bill”), introduced by Labour MP John Spellar, passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 22 March 2024 with the support of the Government. This is the third attempt in passing the Bill into law which aims to protect endangered species abroad. If successful, the Bill will ban the importation into the UK of hunting trophies from animals of conservation concern. For further information about the Bill, please click here.

One quick caveat - we HATE hunting trophies (ugh seriously what kind of human does?) but we are aware of the financial importance of revenue from hunting for some local communities in areas where this hunting takes place. Whilst this bill could have good outcomes for animals, it could have bad outcomes for people who are just trying to provide for their families. This is a nuanced issue and some activists have made some very important arguments highlighting this issue and have been vilified for it. The reality is that the big game hunters from the UK (vile individuals) will just go without their trophies - but local communities could lose a lot more. So whilst there are undoubtedly benefits to this bill - it's a difficult issue and we need to have conversations about it. Do you have any thoughts on this? Drop us an email!!!

3. Save The Date: Must-Attend Advocacy Events

UK Animal Law Conference 2024 (come say hi!)

When: 29 - 30 May 2024

Where: Birmingham City University (in person)

The conference will be hosted by the UK Centre for Animal Law and the Animals, Nature & Society Research Stream (Centre for Human Rights, Birmingham City University). Our trustees, Michelle Strauss and Maya Pardo will be hosting and presenting at the conference respectively. We would be delighted to see you there! For tickets and more information, please see here.

UK Environmental Law Association Annual Conference 2024

When: 11 - 12 June 2024 (online) and 14 - 15 June 2024 (in person)

Where: University Place, University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Against a backdrop of political change, this year’s conference offers a unique opportunity for UKELA members from a broad range of disciplines to engage in stimulating discussion, debate and collaboration under the conference theme ‘Environmental law within a shifting political landscape’. From artificial intelligence to the green energy transition, our conference will explore the myriad roles that environmental law can play in charting a more sustainable future. For tickets and more information, please see here.

4. Whisker-Licking Vegan Treats

Vegan Double Caramel Cookies

Did someone say 'vegan caramel cookies that taste like a syrup-soaked stack of pancakes?' We did! Click here to find out how to make them!

5. A Message From Us

We are so grateful for your support (you guys rock!). But to carry on our work we need money and we would be so grateful if you would consider making a donation. Each contribution, no matter how big or small makes a difference.

Your support is not just a donation; it is often a lifeline for the vulnerable and exploited. It enables us to continue our vital work in advocating for animals and striving for a world where animals are treated with kindness and respect. So please consider making a donation and changing the world with us.

THANK YOU!!!