Episode Details

The World Federation for Animals (WFA) is a new membership organization that seeks to harness the collective strength of the animal protection movement to advocate for the inclusion of animals in global policy making. This week, CEO Dr. James Yeates and Policy Director Jessica Bridgers join us on the podcast for a conversation about how the organization is spearheading this global movement. While WFA was created by and for animal protection groups working at the regional, national, and global levels, they emphasize the importance of working at the international level to ensure countries everywhere take animals into consideration when drafting policy. Dr. Yeates and Jessica also outline WFA’s Animals’ Manifesto and how it’s helping member organizations elevate their work to the national level. 

*We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Jessica Bridgers & James Yeates.*

Jessica Bridgers is Policy Director at the World Federation for Animals. Previously she was Executive Director at World Animal Net. Her focus is on increasing consideration of animals in international policy. She achieves this by creating and supporting platforms for animal protection organizations to collaborate to influence policy. She holds an M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University and a B.S. in Biology with minors in Anthropology and Chemistry.

Dr. James Yeates is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Federation for Animals (WFA). James has over a decade of experience in advocacy for animal welfare. He was previously the CEO of NGO Cats Protection and the RSPCA’s Chief Veterinary Officer. As well as his CEO role at WFA, James is a member of both the Scottish Government Animal Welfare Commission and DEFRA Animal Welfare Committee, advising Scottish and English politicians on companion animal welfare. He is the author of four books and other publications, has veterinary and ethics degrees, a Ph.D. and MBA, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

“We have a real opportunity now for policymakers to finally recognize animals.” – Dr. James Yeates

“We wanted to create a big tent so everyone who cared about animals in the world could work together towards a common vision and a better life for animals everywhere.” – Jessica Bridgers

Highlights for Episode 666: 

• How the WFA found common ground amongst animal protection organizations worldwide 
• The organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, that WFA is appealing to in order to create international policy
• Why WFA takes the position that farm animals and wildlife policies are most likely to gain traction at a global level
• What the Animals’ Manifesto is and how it combines the main ideas and desires of the animal protection movement in response to COVID-19
• Who are the she signatories of the Manifesto?