When I recorded this episode with animal liberation legend John Curtin, I didn't realize I'd be uploading it while he sat in a jail cell. But just as he predicted in this conversation just a day earlier, John was arrested, likely in connection with a rescue of 8 beagles from MBR Acres a week ago. Camp Beagle was also locked down and searched by police for a time but it's my understanding that protesters have finally been allowed to return. John denied any involvement in the beagle liberation and it's pretty clear from video and this conversation that he didn't know what was going on until the rescue had already taken place.

When I last had John on my podcast, it was 3 1/2 years since he and a small group of people set up a 24/7 camp outside MBR Acres, a notorious beagle breeder in the UK. Now 5 years in, the struggle continues, and the camp has been locked down. Surely Marshall BioResources CEO Scott Marshall, who admits "the writing is on the wall" as his puppy breeding empire comes under further scrutiny, is feeling the pressure and this flurry of activity from activists and authorities is only further evidence of that.

There may be some joy in witnessing the downfall of Marshall BioResources, but it's no consolation to the thousands of animals still suffering needlessly at their facilities. For John, it makes it all the worse for those still there.

Despite the grim topic, John is a real joy to speak with, among my favorite guests, which is why I invited him back. He's honest, candid, raw, and funny. And you can feel that every word comes from the heart. I can't wait to invite him back to celebrate the inevitable and permanent closure of Marshall Farms. I am calling for John's release, and the release of all the animals from Marshall BioResources.

This conversation is also available on YouTube.

Links:

Our first conversation

John's IG

The Camp Beagle IG

Camp Beagle FB

The Camp Beagle

Jill Phipps doc

Watch Earthlings

Watch Dominion

John's book recs:

The Dreaded Comparison

The Bloodless Revolution

Eternal Treblinka