Amy Fitzgerald – The Conversation

Justice Minister Sean Fraser speaks during a news conference on bail reform in Ottawa on Oct. 23, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

November 4, 2025

I’m a criminologist and grieving aunt. Here’s why Ottawa’s bail reform won’t make Canada safer

Amy Fitzgerald, University of Windsor

A criminologist whose nephew died in prison awaiting trial explains why the federal government’s proposed bail reforms will reduce, not enhance, safety without big investments in correctional systems.

Disasters affect all, human and non-human alike. It is imperative that we consider the harms to non-human life and ecosystems as both a moral obligation and a realistic effort to preserve the ecosystem services upon which we all rely. (Jesse Brothers/Sioux City Journal via AP)

September 13, 2023

Why we must address the interconnected harms to people, animals and ecosystems in train derailments

Bridget Nicholls, University of Windsor; Amy Fitzgerald, University of Windsor, and Jennifer Halliday, University of Windsor

Focusing solely on humans at the expense of other life in the aftermath of train derailments limits the effectiveness of our disaster response management.

The cover of a new report about goat dairy operations planned for eastern Ontario prisons. (Jamie Neufeld)

February 1, 2021

The Correctional Service of Canada’s goat plans won’t help inmates

Amy Fitzgerald, University of Windsor and Amanda Wilson, Université Saint-Paul / Saint Paul University

Reopening prison farms is a great opportunity for Correctional Service of Canada to become a leader in innovative rehabilitation and reintegration. But a goat dairy operation isn’t the way.

Women may delay leaving an abusive partner if they co-own a pet. (Pexels)

June 16, 2020

People in abusive relationships face many barriers to leaving — pets should not be one

Amy Fitzgerald, University of Windsor; Betty Jo Barrett, University of Windsor; Deborah McPhee, Brock University; Patti Timmons Fritz, University of Windsor, and Rochelle Stevenson, Thompson Rivers University

Canada must consider funding programs that allow abuse victims and survivors to bring their pets with them when they leave their partners.

Abused women were concerned that their pets may also be harmed by their abuser. (Shutterstock)

June 26, 2017

Fears for pets can put abused women at further risk

Allison Gray, University of Windsor; Amy Fitzgerald, University of Windsor, and Betty Jo Barrett, University of Windsor

Concern for their pets’ safety can lead women to delay leaving their abusers. Better on-site pet services in women’s shelters would enable them to seek help without fear for their animals’ well-being.

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