Joyce Tischler
In 1979 attorney Joyce Tischler co-founded a pioneering group of fellow lawyers called Attorneys for Animal Rights. In 1984 the group became the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and Joyce was the Executive Director for twenty-five years. After transitioning to ALDF's general counsel, she became responsible for in-house legal matters, as well as writing, lecturing on, and promoting the field of animal law. She has been called a visionary, a leader, an inspiration, the "Mother of Animal Law" and a role model. As we sat down together at her home in Northern California, we were periodically joined by Deja, her daughter's affectionate rescued pit bull.
Interview Excerpts
Considering Animals
Considering the Interests of Animals
Early Influences That Led to Becoming a Vegan
Industrial Conditions for Animals
Growing Up With Animal Products
Buying Into Harming Animals
The Evolution of Vegan Alternatives
Representing the Interests of Research Animals
Types of Testing and Experiments Used On Animals
Toxicity Testing on Animals
Using Chimpanzees in Research
Considering Animals as Property
Using Animals For Entertainment
Wild Animals in Captivity
Arguments Against Animals Having Rights
How We Treat Animals and Each Other
Signs of Progress for Animal Interests
Stages of Social Movements
The US Navy Vs 500 Burros
Dangers of "Ag Gag" Laws
Practices in Dairy Farming
USDA Priorities and Practices
How the Law Views Religion & Animal Rights
On Becoming An Activist
Ramifications of Animal Research
Legal Attempts to get Care for Animals Used in Research
lternatives to Using Animals in Testing
Unnecessary Experiments on Animals
Parallels with Human Slavery
Performing Animal Training Methods
What Legal Rights for Animals Means
Fears About Animals Having Rights
Impacts of Industrial Animal Farming
What Makes a Successful Social Movement
Women in the Animal Right Movement
The rise of "Ag Gag" Laws
Harmful Practices That are Legal
The Life of a Female Calf
Obstacles to Offering Animals Rights