‘No one has even seen… smelt… or sensed a social licence’: Animal geographies and social licence to operate

摘要: Abstract Traditionally, the concept of SLO has been applied to resource-based industries, when companies seek legitimacy because their practice is seen cause environmental and/or social harms. Recent use extended animal-based industries address animal welfare concerns. A framework for discussion such issues offered by considering in relation Australian thoroughbred racing industry, as an example sporting institution. We focus on visible issue whipping horses; exploring how visibility a factor impacts four key dimensions – legitimacy, trust (procedural), transparency and communication. Concluding, under threat, it often result tension between communication, which turn impact legitimacy. Furthermore, our findings illustrate that practices are ‘harm’ have potential trigger tipping point SLO. Our conclusions contribute understanding ethical human-animal relations constructed debates about limitations applying range industries.