Over the past decade, animal ethics has undergone a significant transformation known as the political turn, reframing animal justice not just as a moral concern but as a matter of political rights, institutional reform, and democratic inclusion. This shift calls on activists and organizations to move beyond individual ethics, consumer choices, or welfare reforms and instead engage with systemic change at the level of policy, law, and governance.

Since 2021, Animal Society has been dedicated to advancing this approach by translating theory into practical political advocacy, with a particular focus on representing animals within democratic institutions. Notably, we contributed to successful campaigns for the creation of a Commissioner for Animal Welfare in Germany and at the European Union level.

In this interactive session, Thomas will explore what it means to practice the political turn: how to understand animals as political subjects, how to approach political institutions effectively, and how to address the internal and external challenges this approach presents to the movement. We will also invite participants to share their experiences and perspectives, with the aim of building stronger, more politically grounded strategies to amplify animals' voices in our common political future.