Animals have the status of objects in law, and so a dog is the property of his/her owner. Surely then, breaking into the owner's premises and taking the owner's dog without consent must then constitute theft? Not necessarily so. At Cambridge Crown Court recently, a jury found that defendants had not acted dishonestly in removing [some might say rescuing] beagles from MBR, a breeding facility where the dogs would be used in medical research.

We consider some of the legal issues arising out of the two trials that have taken place, each with a different outcome. We also discuss the amendment to legislation that will make it a criminal offence to interfere with the use or operation of an animal research facility, and the prospect of a legal challenge to the legality of such a provision.

We also acknowledge the contribution of the late Brigitte Bardot, the first celebrity to champion the cause of animal rights at a time else when no other public figure seemed to care.

A radical plan to improve the lives of animals, or empty promises that are bound to fail?

We consider the U.K. Government's recently published Animal Welfare Strategy, which acknowledges the moral dimension of our relationship with other animals, and the ways in which it seeks to address current shortcomings.

A look back over the year, with some positive developments and some not so good.

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Animal Zone is an animal welfare series concentrating on animal rescue and sanctuaries. Arthur von Wiesenberger joins us to talk about his award-winning work bringing animals closer to us, with the intention to educate, entertain, and inspire.

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Rescuing animals from factory farms and laboratories, openly, and inviting prosecution for such alleged 'crimes', is an effective tactic that has widespread support in the U.S.A. and in the U.K. We talk to Wayne Hsiung, a former law professor, who was instrumental in founding Direct Action Everywhere in the U.S., about the principle of direct action, how social change is achieved, and strategy for the future. He also co-founded The Simple Heart newsletter, which can be found at simpleheart@substack.com

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We pay tribute to the late Jane Goodall who revolutionised our understanding of chimpanzees , discuss the legal action action that has just been commenced against one of the largest poultry 'processors' in the U.K due to their alleged pollution of the River Wye, and welcome a development in the armed forces that shows ethical veganism is gaining momentum in unexpected places.

Join us for a round-up about what's happening in the news.

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What have the two largest world religions got to say about how we should treat animals? David and Martyn speak to Joyce D'Silva, the author of Animal Welfare in World Religion: Teaching and Practice, about the good and bad aspects of Christianity and Islam in relation to our relationship with animals.

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The world seen through the eyes of cats and dogs, cultivated meat, and the campaign against factory farming, are the focus of our discussion today. Join David and Martyn for a look at what's happening in the UK and elsewhere.

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