Jennifer O'Connor

Norfolk

Senior Writer at PETA

Articles

Is Pig Racing Cruel? The Problem With Pig Races

3 weeks ago | peta.org | Jennifer O'Connor

Published June 5, 2025 by . 2 min read The state and county fair circuit is rife with exploitative animal displays, including cruel pig racing. During these races, these piglets are surrounded by screaming crowds and blaring loudspeakers with no chance of escape and no understanding of what is happening to them. Exhibitors need a constant supply of piglets for these races, so they routinely buy from breeders.
Jim Irsay Was a Man of Action and Compassion

1 month ago | peta.org | Jennifer O'Connor

Published May 21, 2025 by . 2 min read Jim Irsay, the well-respected owner of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, was not known for sitting by idly. On and off the field, Irsay championed causes near to his heart. Inspired by his beloved mixed-breed dog Drake, Irsay donated $1 million to develop Drake’s House, an Indianapolis shelter dedicated to providing animals in need with care and love.
Massachusetts High Court To Weigh In on Forfeiture-for-Solicitation Provisions in Era of Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act | JD Supra

Mar 14, 2025 | jdsupra.com | Jennifer O'Connor |Adam Paine

On Monday, March 3, 2025, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”) heard argument in Miele v. Foundation Medicine, Inc., regarding whether the Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act, G. L. c. 149, § 24L (the “MNAA”), applies to a forfeiture-for-solicitation provision contained in a termination agreement.
Remembering Rep. Raúl Grijalva’s Animal Advocacy

Mar 14, 2025 | peta.org | Jennifer O'Connor

Published March 14, 2025 by . 2 min read Animals have lost a stalwart advocate with the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Mr. Grijalva was appalled to learn about an aging elephant named Nosey who was being hauled around the country and used for rides, even though she was sick and her broken body riddled with osteoarthritis.
EEOC Issues Guidance on Wearable Technology in the Workplace | JD Supra

Feb 28, 2025 | jdsupra.com | Kyle Madley |Jennifer O'Connor

On December 19, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued a fact sheet titled, “Wearables in the Workplace: Using Wearable Technology Under Federal Employment Discrimination Laws” which highlights risks wearable technology may bring to the workplace. This guidance addresses a new and growing concern amongst employers and legislators about the possible pitfalls of using wearable technology in the workplace.
New Jersey’s Minimum Wage Set to Increase Beginning January 1, 2025 | JD Supra

Dec 17, 2024 | jdsupra.com | Jennifer O'Connor

New Jersey’s new mandatory minimum wage requirement will be effective January 1, 2025. For most employers, the 2025 minimum wage for compensating employees will increase by $0.36 to $15.49 per hour (up from $15.13 per hour in 2024). For tipped employees, the minimum cash wage the employer must pay is $5.62 per hour (up from $5.26 per hour in 2024), with the maximum tip credit employers are able to claim remaining at $9.87.
Commentary: People for the ethical treatment of animals

Nov 23, 2024 | dailyrepublic.com | Jennifer O'Connor

When I was offered an internship at a sanctuary for farmed animals some years ago, I jumped at the chance. I’ve always had an affinity for animals, and I imagined myself cuddling cows and brushing goats – and I did get to do those things. But what took me most by surprise was meeting the turkeys. I had given little thought to these birds, other than being reminded every Thanksgiving how many are slaughtered. Then I met Fern.
Primates Belong in the Wild, Not at Walmart

Oct 22, 2024 | peta.org | Jennifer O'Connor

Published October 22, 2024 by . 2 min read A 3-year-old child was scratched by a Java macaque monkey inside a Walmart store in Bedford, Indiana. The diapered, leashed monkey was apparently an “emotional support animal,” although paperwork the owner reportedly provided was actually registered to a dog.
Conditions Are Deadly at Animal Haven Zoo

Sep 12, 2024 | peta.org | Jennifer O'Connor

Published September 12, 2024 by . Last Updated September 24, 2024. 5 min read Animal Haven Zoo is a decrepit roadside zoo in Weyauwega, Wisconsin, with a long list of Animal Welfare Act (AWA) violations dating back at least a decade. In 2024 alone, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has already issued the facility a dozen citations. These failures mean animals there have been denied water and veterinary care and some have sustained life-threatening injuries.
What Happened to Chance, the Chimpanzee Seen in Chimp Crazy?

Sep 9, 2024 | peta.org | Jennifer O'Connor

Published September 9, 2024 by . 4 min read As seen in the recent docuseries Chimp Crazy, young chimpanzees and other primates need the comfort and care of their families in order to thrive. But Chance the chimpanzee was denied that. Instead of learning life skills from his mother, he was sold as a baby—ripped away from the life he deserved—and thrust into a world of exploitation. Chance became a Hollywood pawn.