A group of theologically conservative American Christian leaders is joining with animal rights defenders to advocate against cockfighting.

An eco-campaigner and former actress will be lifting the lid on intensive pig farming in a television investigation to be screened tonight. The Marchioness of Worcester has campaigned for years for quality food.

A conference at Oxford University this week, will examine the links between animal abuse and human violence.

The Rev Professor Andrew Linzey, the first person to hold a chair in theology specifically related to animal issues, has been made inaugural director of the Ferrata Mora Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics (OCAE) - a pioneering academic institution in a hotly contested area.