It would not be controversial to say that the Christian Churches and their clergy have not been at the forefront in speaking out for animals. Despite the incompatibility between the way society treats animals and the essence of the Christian message, there has been a deafening silence from those who should know better.

One exception is retired Roman Catholic priest, Father Terry Martin. We speak to him about his 'Damascene' conversion, and how his faith compelled him to recognise that 'love thy neighbour' includes non-human animals.

A conference to inspire, a campaign against factory farming, and a new book on cultivated meat: join us for a round-up of the latest news. Meat: How the Next Agricultural Revolution will transform Humanity's Favourite Food by Bruce Friedrich is available on Amazon.

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When future generations look back, the work of Animal Justice Project will be regarded as having been pivotal in revealing to the public the grotesque reality of factory farming. We talk to Claire Palmer, its founder, about the vital work of its undercover investigators. Donate here: https://ko-fi.com/animalrightsdebate Join the WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LTGteTLZkwI9XUtB1Xxfen Find out more: https://linktr.ee/animalrightsdebate

The House of Lords has now approved Government changes to the Public Order Act, which will make it more difficult, if not impossible, to campaign effectively at research facilities that breed or use animals for research. Further trials have concluded in relation to the rescue of beagles from MBR acres, the focus of a long-running protest against animal experimentation. And we also discuss the remarkable change of heart of the CEO of the fur trade organisation, who has taken a dramatic step in turning his back on this most cruel of industries.

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Only a few years ago it would have seemed far-fetched to have considered that dogs and cats could be fed a healthy plant-based diet. However, Dr. Arielle Griffiths, a former vet, has shown just that, by creating a successful online business selling a wide range of nutritious and cruelty- free food for the nation's pets. We talk to Dr. Griffiths about what prompted her to reject traditional assumptions about how we should feed dogs and cats, and how we can make the world a better place. Go to justbekind.co.uk and give your pets a better life.

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Criminalizing protest is nothing new, but the animal rights movement is becoming more of a target. We talk to Dr. Liz Hicks of Melbourne University, who specialises in the law regarding animal rights and legal measures in Australia, the USA, and Europe, to restrict access to information and the right to protest.

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Animals have the status of objects in law, and so a dog is the property of his/her owner. Surely then, breaking into the owner's premises and taking the owner's dog without consent must then constitute theft? Not necessarily so. At Cambridge Crown Court recently, a jury found that defendants had not acted dishonestly in removing [some might say rescuing] beagles from MBR, a breeding facility where the dogs would be used in medical research.

We consider some of the legal issues arising out of the two trials that have taken place, each with a different outcome. We also discuss the amendment to legislation that will make it a criminal offence to interfere with the use or operation of an animal research facility, and the prospect of a legal challenge to the legality of such a provision.

We also acknowledge the contribution of the late Brigitte Bardot, the first celebrity to champion the cause of animal rights at a time else when no other public figure seemed to care.

A radical plan to improve the lives of animals, or empty promises that are bound to fail?

We consider the U.K. Government's recently published Animal Welfare Strategy, which acknowledges the moral dimension of our relationship with other animals, and the ways in which it seeks to address current shortcomings.