Animal Concern is very excited to bring Annie Barber into our team as our Policy & Research Lead, using her extensive skills and experience to further our campaign objectives. Working with the Campaign for Freedom of Information Scotland, with an undergraduate degree in Scots Law with English Law and experience with the Scottish legislative process, we’ve no doubt her contributions will be invaluable.

Please meet Annie Barber!

I’m Annie, and I’m joining Animal Concern as the Policy & Research Lead. I wanted to give an introduction to myself, my work, and what I hope I can achieve while working with the charity.

My love for animals…

Ever since I was very young, I have always loved being around animals. Some of my earliest memories are of being on holiday in Italy surrounded by kittens. My favourite part about going on holiday is still getting to see cats — some things never change! I credit my upbringing on the Isle of Lewis, surrounded by animals and nature, as the reason for my affinity with animals of all kinds.

This strong love for and bond with animals translated into a deep awareness of animal welfare issues. Having been brought up vegetarian, then becoming vegan while at university, I have always been conscious of how my actions impact animals.

My work…

I am a researcher, campaigner, journalist, and photographer, with extensive experience of working in the third sector. I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Scots Law with English Law and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and Human Rights, both at the University of Aberdeen. While studying, I started working with the University’s Anti-SLAPP Research Hub, and contributed to a document which was part of the reason why the Scottish Government launched a consultation into Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

I have volunteered within the third sector for a number of years, working on US death penalty and juvenile cases, as a service provider for people facing homelessness, and a researcher on freedom of expression and violence against women.

Currently, I work part-time with the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland, assisting with the organisation’s aim of securing Freedom of Information reform. Alongside my work in the third sector, I am also a music & culture journalist and photographer. I really like being able to do both the legal and policy work I am engaged in, as well as tap into my creative side.

What I hope to achieve…

I wanted to work with Animal Concern as I feel that their work provides a vital function of advancing animal’s rights, a cause which I strongly believe in. The charity’s 150 years of work has proved to be both impressive and worthwhile, and I am delighted to be joining them at such an exciting stage in the the organisation’s history.

As I embark on my journey with Animal Concern, I have some goals which I hope to achieve. By researching into existing animal welfare issues and legislation, as well as engaging with MSPs and supporters alike, I hope that I will be able to identify areas for improvement and secure positive and sustainable change that will benefit animals.

Animals deserve to live free from harm caused by humans and to be recognised as sentient beings that deserve our care. I hope that my work with Animal Concern will lead to better protections for all sorts of animals.

I look forward to working with the team at Animal Concern and the charity’s supporters to advance new and existing campaigns. I hope you’re all as excited as I am about what’s to come!

Animal Concern Welcomes New Policy & Research Lead!

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