He looks at the value of bees, honey bee history, how dangerous bees can be,
he examines in depth and width negligence in both principle and action by
bees, beekeepers, farmers, neighbors and the like. He talks of pests, crime
against bees, and finally searching for the soul of a bee...it is one of the
best histories of keeping bees I’ve run across. What happened when and why,
and what happened because of it shape much of the legal issues bees,
beekeepers and the world we inhabit together enjoy, or endure, depending on
which side you are on.
-
Kim Flottum,
Editor, Bee Culture Magazine
Undoubtedly the most important bee book of the year by an expert in all
forms of animal law. Will become the classic work on the subject and needs
to be read by all those who have anything to do with bees.
- John Phipps, Editor, The Beekeepers Quarterly
This is a fabulously interesting book: the final chapter considers
neonicotinoids and concludes that law is the only moral system that can now
save bees. Highly recommended for anyone who cares for bees and the future.
- Bees for Development
Sweeney has the rare gift of explaining technical law in a way which is
accessible to lay people and students, without trying the patience of
experts by adopting sluggish pace. There are sufficient ideas in each page
to captivate any audience’s attention; the cocktail of perspective analysis,
humour and whimsical detail is reminiscent of the work of the late, great
tort and comparative lawyer Tony Weir. Even those who think that they have a
reasonable level of background knowledge about either bees or private law
are likely to be surprised by new discoveries... It is highly recommended.
- Reverend Dr Helen Hall
My legal practice as a barrister involves complex and serious cases for
the prosecution and defence. The areas I cover include animal abuse, armed
robbery, discrimination, drug-dealing and murder.
Since its introduction, I have taken a special interest in the Human Rights
jurisprudence because of its impact on all areas of English Law. It has a
direct relevance to the welfare and ‘rights’ of all of us and no less on
whether an animal has a right to live.
I have lectured and written widely on the subjects relating to my practice.
I have had a long-term interest in animal law, especially their legal role
and status. Animals are treated as our ‘property’ as a matter of law. While
ecologists and philosophers and environmentalists raise valid issues, the
only method of changing the position of animals within our society is by
law. Only the law can change their status so animals are accepted and valued
in their own right with a 'legal personality' as living creatures.
Rights, whether they relate to humans or animals, run with life itself.
Living a life minus rights is a synonym for being shackled by the bonds of
birth.
The Black Lives Matter movement gathered momentum following the murder of
George Floyd. Yet when we say ‘All Lives Matter’, we limit the idea to
humans. Yet animal rights is the major moral crusade of the 21st century.
Animals are secondary to human interests because they do not have the
ability to resist those intent on harming them: us. We make money
subjugating animals much as slavers made money subjugating people. Animals
are hamstrung by the lack of a human tongue to boldly speak the truth that
Animals' Lives Matter too.
The universal crisis of climate change has highlighted the significance of
bees to our planet. Although small in size, their rise and fall mirrors the
health of our planet as bees are a bellwether for us and a lodestar for our
law. While the world can exist without us, it cannot continue to thrive let
alone survive without bees.
My main interests outside of law are music and poetry and wielding a saw. I
have collaborated with the legendary prescient musician, Liberation Drummer,
on several songs with an animal rights theme. I am keen on woodwork and have
passed the time by making a carriage clock and a mahogany pendulum wall
clock. Most of my writing is done at a pedestal desk with a defined grain.
It is a bespoke desk I made of solid American black walnut.
Walking helps my ideas to ferment as there are so many wild sights to
satisfy a restless mind while hiking beneath a silvery Somerset
sky. Countryside rambles are often the catalyst for my writing as the images
which unfurl prove that by saving a single life you can save the entire
world.
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