WEXFORD, Ireland — Peter Brandt, a dedicated advocate for animal rights, has a passion for a unique area of law focused on farm animals. Brandt, who hails from a legal family in the Seattle area, speaks with a sense of bemusement about the historical oddities of animal prosecution, such as courts in France summoning mice for their alleged crimes of crop destruction.
His legal pursuits have guided him toward significant cases against large farming operations that violate environmental standards, as well as initiatives aimed at improving laws related to animal welfare. While navigating these complexities, Brandt’s journey has intertwined with personal milestones, including his marriage to fellow animal rights lawyer Becky Jenkins. Their story is one of love, activism, and the challenges posed by international borders.
Brandt and Jenkins met while they were both involved in legal studies — Jenkins was pursuing an advanced degree at Trinity College in Dublin, and Brandt was making a guest appearance at his own law school. Their initial meetings were at coffee shops in Portland, where Brandt admits he was initially oblivious to Jenkins’s interest in him. “I thought maybe she just had a lot of time to hang out,” he recalls, unaware that she had her eyes set on him.
Their relationship faced significant hurdles when Jenkins’s visa expired, leading her to relocate to Vancouver while Brandt made the trek back and forth. The couple faced logistical difficulties during the pandemic, ultimately resulting in a unique wedding ceremony at the U.S.-Canadian border in Peace Arch Park.
Eventually, they settled in Wexford, near Jenkins’s family. Adjusting to life in Ireland has brought its own set of challenges for Brandt, who notes that moving was often complicated. After a difficult first attempt at crossing the border to join his wife with their three cats, they spent a year living together in Vancouver before making the move to Ireland in November 2021.
Reflecting on their transition, Brandt expresses gratitude for the welcoming nature of the Irish community. “I’ve been very fortunate,” he said, noting the ease with which he has connected with locals. He appreciates the humor often found in Irish conversations, contrasting it with what he sees as a more literal approach to discussions in America.
Despite embracing his new surroundings, Brandt continues to work remotely for U.S.-based charitable organizations focused on animal welfare. He acknowledges the difficulties of maintaining a job across time zones, shifting his schedule to accommodate early morning meetings in the U.S., a change that has required adjustments to his daily routine.
Jenkins remains actively engaged in animal advocacy through organizations like Animal Rebellion Ireland, continuing her passion for activism alongside her pursuits in acting. Encouraged by Jenkins’s diverse interests, Brandt admires her determination and creativity, which drew him to her initially.
Since relocating to Ireland, Brandt has noticed a keen interest from friends and family back in the U.S. about moving overseas. He humorously reflects on the typical American fascination with Irish heritage while recounting anecdotes of his early days encountering various local accents. His adaptation process has not been without its challenges, as he navigates cultural differences and nuances in social interactions.
While Brandt is largely content with life in Ireland, he acknowledges that there are struggles, including access to mental health resources and the stigma sometimes surrounding these issues. He contrasts his experiences in the U.S., where mental health discussions are often more open, with the hush-hush attitude he perceives in some Irish communities.
Though Brandt and Jenkins strive to remain flexible in their plans, they have decided to call Ireland home for now. “I’m just happy to be here,” Brandt states, reflecting on his personal journey, his deepening connections in Wexford, and his commitment to animal law.
This article was automatically written by OpenAI, and while it aims to present factual content, the people, facts, and circumstances may be inaccurate. Any inaccuracies or requests for removal, retraction, or correction can be directed to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.