When Advocacy Brings Backlash: Dr. Crystal Heath on Standing Strong

When animal advocates speak up—especially against powerful industry interests—they often face backlash. To be effecive, advocates have to prepare to face criticism and retaliation and use ut to strengthen their resolve.

Dr. Crystal Heath is a shelter veterinarian, animal welfare advocate, and founder of Our Honor, a nonprofit working to expose and end systemic harms in animal care systems. Known for challenging unethical practices both within and outside her profession, Dr. Heath has faced criticism, professional retaliation, and outright misinformation campaigns. In this episode, she joins us to reveal how real progress for animals requires both courage and strategic advocacy—plus a dash of ethical resilience.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why most farm animals in the US have virtually zero legal protections, and how state laws like California's Prop 12 are trying to fill the gap

• The disturbing industry practice of "ventilation shutdown"—what it actually means for animals, and why it's so controversial

• How animal welfare advocates inside veterinary medicine are often maligned, silenced, and targeted— and why Dr. Heath believes transparency and collaboration are the keys to change

• The truth about the Save our Bacon Act (f.k.a. the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression "EATS" Act) and the real public health risks it could worsen

• Why veterinarians are vital voices for both animal welfare and food safety—and how companion animal practitioners can support their farm animal colleagues

• What it takes to build "ethical resilience," prepare for criticism, and keep advocating even when faced with adversity

Dr. Heath shares hard-won lessons from her journey, including how to use Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to uncover industry strategies, and why connecting veterinarians and advocates is a powerful force for change.

Key Takeaway: Effective animal advocacy means being prepared for criticism, prioritizing truth, and supporting state-level regulations that protect both animal welfare and public health.

Resources mentioned:

• Learn more about Dr. Crystal Heath's work and support veterinarians speaking out: ourhonor.org. Their Motto: "Embrace your conscience. We'll back you up."

• FOIA Fridays with Dr. Heath: Discover how transparency tools can expose industry messaging (find episodes and info on YouTube)

• Find your Congressperson so that you can reach out to tell them to oppose the "Save our Bacon Act, HR4673 and the PURR Act (HR597).

Subscribe for more episodes on animal law, systemic change, and practical advocacy for every animal lover.

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Because compassion is great—but compassionate action is infinitely better.