Ep. 47: 40 Years of Animal Protection Law with Dr. Antoine Goetschel

My guest today is Dr. Antoine Goetchel, who is a Swiss attorney and leading expert in animal protection law. Since 1985, he has worked to advance legal protections for animals, helping to introduce the concept of the “dignity of the creature” into Swiss Federal Constitution and Animal Protection Act. He founded the Global Animal Law Association and the Foundation for Animals in Law, and has authored 13 books and more than 50 articles on animal law.  In this episode, we explore: How childhood pet guinea pigs led Antoine into the field of animal protection law Why strong mental health and tolerance for differing opinions make animal advocates more effective How to avoid overidentifying with animal suffering by working with a “warm heart and a cool brain” What Antoine does to stay grounded and mentally resilient Antoine’s perspective on what the next forty years may bring for animal protection Antoine's Resources:  Global Animal Law (GAL) Association website Antoine's website Online database on animals within the law, ethics, and society.  Article: Animal welfare as the basis of One Health: A UN convention on animal welfare, health, and protection poses a realistic solution to improved animal welfare and human health