The Legacy of a Champion for Animal Personhood

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music and iHeart

In this episode of the New York City Bar Association podcast, hosted by Sara Chekroun and sponsored by the Animal Law Committee, the spotlight is on Steven Wise’s pioneering legal career and his legacy with the Nonhuman Rights Project (NHRP). Guests Courtney Fern and Elizabeth Stein, both attorneys with NHRP, delve into Wise’s groundbreaking legal strategies that fundamentally altered the framework for animal advocacy. They discuss the application of writs of habeas corpus for non-human animals, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence in advancing animal rights cases. The conversation also covers current legislative efforts to secure bodily liberty for elephants and other animals, underscoring the impact Wise’s work has had on public and judicial perceptions of animal rights. The episode pays tribute to Steven Wise’s enduring influence in the realm of animal law.

Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/479Ng17

Read the City Bar Animal Law Committee’s recent report supporting an NYC local law regarding the keeping of elephants: https://bit.ly/46Mqwnm

Read the City Bar’s Report in Support of the Elephant Protection Act: https://bit.ly/3YzV7CE

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

00:36 Remembering Steven Wise’s Legacy

03:17 Understanding Habeas Corpus for Non-Human Animals

09:33 The Case of Happy the Elephant

23:59 Legislative Efforts for Animal Rights

27:46 Personal Memories of Steven Wise

31:31 The Evolution of Animal Rights Law

41:17 Conclusion and Call to Action