My Work
My research focuses on how various types of law (e.g., criminal, civil, regulatory, etc.) are used to prevent, manage, and sanction harmful conduct toward animals. Below is a list of recent publications.
01
2023. “Addressing the Interconnected Harms between People, Animals, Ecosystems and Train Derailments.” The Conversation. Lead author, co-written with Jennifer Halliday and Amy Fitzgerald.
In response to the media coverage of recent and tragic train derailments, myself and two co-authors wrote a media piece calling for the inclusion of animals and the environment in our discussions and policy responses to disaster management.
This piece can be found in the Conversation
02
2022 © Copyright We Animals Media
Coulter, K., Nicholls, B., & Fitzgerald, A. (2022). “Animal Protection: Organizational Constraints and Collaborative Opportunities.” Journal of Community Safety and Wellbeing, 7(1): 16-19.
This paper examines the landscape of animal cruelty investigations in Canada. Building on six years of mixed-methods research, we first outline the enforcement organizations and investigations process. Then we identify three challenges for jurisdictions across the country: the unevenness of forensic veterinary expertise, differing levels of Crown awareness and engagement, and relative availability of community-based programs and services to solve problems and prevent harm. We argue that further development of all three areas, including through strengthened multi-sector collaboration, will increase the effectiveness of animal protection, better protect vulnerable people, and augment public safety.
This article can be found in the Journal of Community Safety and Wellbeing.
03
Parker, L., Deckard, N.D., Stewart, B., & Nicholls, B. (2021). Hiding in Plain Sight: Navigating Fractured Identities as Women in the Neoliberal Academy.New York: DIO Press
Our chapter uses a collaborative autoethnographic approach to interrogate moments of negotiating newness, performing professionalism, and (en)countering competitiveness, interweaving our lived experiences to create a narrative of our first year at the University. The book can be purchased on hard cover, soft cover, & eBook.
04
2022 © Copyright We Animals Media
Nicholls, B. (2019). Animal Cruelty Officers and the Intersections of Daily Labour and The Law.
My MA thesis explores the relationship between animal cruelty investigation work and the legal terrain. Specifically, using a case study, I analyze how Ontario’s animal cruelty investigation officers understand and navigate the legal requirements of their work. This study grounds the findings in solutions and proposes ways to strengthen anti-cruelty work.
You can find my MA thesis in the Brock Depository