The International Effort to Save Wildlife ft. Emma Hurst | Because They Need Us | Episode 8 | Part 2

Part 2 of Episode 8 of the Because They Need Us Podcast continues an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Emma Hurst, diving into groundbreaking animal protection legislation, political strategy, and the growing global movement for animal rights.Emma shares her experience as an elected official in Australia and discusses several landmark laws she has helped pass, including bans on glue traps, fur sales, and forced swim and smoking experiments on animals. She also highlights legislation supporting the release and rehabilitation of animals used in medical research, as well as efforts that ultimately ended dolphinariums in New South Wales. Alongside Judie and Nickolaus, the conversation explores how state-level legislation can create ripple effects internationally, with California inspiring laws for banning wild animals in circuses and puppy mill-bred animals from pet stores.The discussion also turns to marine animal protection, including California’s historic legislation banning orca breeding and octopus farming. Judie reflects on California proactively prohibiting octopus aquaculture before the industry could begin in the state, while Emma explains the unique political challenges of advancing similar protections in Australia. The group also touches on emerging ethical concerns surrounding genetically modified animals, including proposed legislation addressing the breeding and sale of altered species such as glow-in-the-dark rabbits.Emma provides a candid look into ongoing efforts to reform the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales, discussing disturbing allegations involving live baiting, misconduct within the industry, and controversial licensing practices. She also shares details about advocacy efforts exposing a secret baboon breeding facility connected to medical experimentation. Throughout the episode, the conversation highlights the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the shared political realities animal advocates face across Australia and the United States.The episode concludes with a powerful discussion about international pressure campaigns targeting Australia’s kangaroo and koala killing industries. Emma explains how global attention and support from U.S. lawmakers and advocates can influence policy change abroad, emphasizing that international collaboration remains one of the most effective tools for protecting iconic species and advancing animal welfare worldwide. Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe