Advancing the Interests of Animals, by Dr Bidda Jones

Presented Tuesday 28 June 2022

Presenter: Dr Bidda Jones AM BSc(Hons) GradDipPub PhD

Host: Dr Panos Loukopoulos DVM DipVSt PhD

Topic: ‘Advancing the Interests of Animals’

In This Talk: Australians care about animal welfare, and their level of concern is growing. But what does this mean for the systems in place that govern how we house, care for, and interact with animals? Do our laws, regulations, and animal welfare standards live up to community expectations, or match what contemporary science tells us about what animals need to experience in terms of good animal welfare? Dr Jones has devoted her career to improving the lives of animals through using science to affect policy change. In this talk, she reflects on her experiences as an animal advocate, and consider what reforms are needed to ensure the interests of animals are heard and respected.

About the Presenter: Dr Bidda Jones AM BSc(Hons) GDipPub PhD GAICD is the Director of Strategy and Research at the Australian Alliance for Animals. A zoologist specialising in animal behaviour and welfare, Dr Jones previously worked for RSPCA Australia as their Chief Science and Strategy Officer, establishing the organisation’s reputation as a trusted source of animal welfare science over her 25-year tenure. She has played an instrumental role in campaigns to end live exports and the use of battery cages for layer hens, and represented the interests of animals on multiple government and industry committees. Dr Jones is an Honorary Associate at the University of Sydney’s School of Veterinary Science, and has published over 35 articles, reports, and books, including Backlash – Australia’s conflict of values over live exports. In 2021, Dr Jones was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant services to animal welfare science and advocacy. Dr Jones lives with her family on a conservation property on Walbanja country in southern NSW.

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Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences: https://fvas.unimelb.edu.au