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Peter begins with hot news items including a mass bird killing at Chicago’s McCormick Place, Gavin Newsom signs a fur sale ban in California, a 17’ 2” Burmese python was captured and killed in the Everglades, hero dog in Lebanon saves dumped newborn human, and we say farewell to friend of animals Bob Barker. Lori […]
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Peter begins with the iconic Paul Watson, who continues to fight for animals and the seas. Now leading the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, his new book is titled, Hitman for the Kindness Club – High Seas Escapades and Heroic Adventures of an Eco-Activist. Paul discusses the roots of his activism, his role in virtually crushing […]
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Lori begins the show by taking on the still controversial topic of laws and regulations aimed at specific dog breeds, generally referred to as breed specific legislation. There are hundreds of such laws and regulations on the books across the US, which regulate or ban certain dog breeds. Breed specific legislation (BSL) typically targets pit bull […]
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We begin the show with a delightful romp across the animal kingdom and the animated creatures of renown with Lori and Peter. Apologies to Jim Henson. Then, learn about the early days of the Audubon Society, why and how it came to be, with Kate Kelly. Peter continues by welcoming Karen Menczer, Founder and Director […]
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Lori begins with a monologue about the state of the contemporary wind turbine industry, and their negative effects on animals. There is a lot of evidence that eagles are killed by wind turbines despite efforts of the companies to avoid being transparent. Lori favors efforts to move toward green energy but argues that animal protection […]
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During the summer heat, you may come across a situation where an animal, typically a dog, has been left alone in a car that is too warm for comfort or safety. Even though it’s no secret that leaving dogs in hot cars is dangerous and often illegal, it continues to happen too frequently. So, we […]
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The show kicks off with a talk about coyotes with Robert Reed, DVM, Medical Director at VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. Coyotes are one of the most maligned animals in the US. Yet, despite systematic abuse and eradication efforts, their range is bigger than ever. Coyotes have a long history living […]
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This season, there have been reports of dogs becoming sick and dying after exposure to ponds harboring the so-called blue-green algae. Especially frightening is that even clear ponds can sometimes have the blue-green algae growing in them and that exposure can cause rapidly progressive illness and sometimes death. Blue-green algae contain deadly bacteria called cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria […]
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What toxins and poisons would you guess are most commonly ingested by our dogs and cats? Well, the data on this question actually exists, thanks to the ASPCA. In 2020, the ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) helped more than 370,500 animals by providing lifesaving information and supplying safety guides. They compiled the top ten pet […]
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Lori begins the show with news about some aggressive urban squirrels in Queens, NYC, who are reportedly jumping onto people and attacking them. Authorities advise against hand feeding, which probably contributed to the bold behaviors these animals are displaying. Fortunately squirrels rarely harbor rabies, and no documented case of transmission of rabies to humans has […]
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This show begins with news about the Department of Transportation’s decision to ban emotional support animals from airliners. Also new is that for registered service animals, only dogs will be permitted to fly. Service animals are specifically trained to assist people with disabilities such as visual impairment, mobility limitations or a propensity to have seizures. […]
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Mosquitoes are disease vectors Lori begins the show speaking about those pesky and sometimes dangerous mosquitoes, because August 20th was World Mosquito Day! Mosquitoes carry malaria, yellow fever, West Nile Virus, Zika virus, and others. World Mosquito Day is intended to raise awareness about mosquitoes transmitting malaria and other diseases. The breakthrough in understanding malaria […]
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As the summer temperatures rise, you may come across a situation where an animal, typically a dog, has been left alone in a car that is too warm for comfort or safety. Even though it’s no secret that leaving dogs in hot cars is dangerous and often illegal, it continues to happen too frequently. So, […]
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Animal rights and welfare – a condensed history. Lori begins with something any animal advocate ought to know about: the history of the animal rights and welfare movements. We discuss the practices of ancient spiritual teachers of India, as well as the ideas of modern philosophers, plus much more. Lori hopes this condensed history will […]
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Why is the egg industry cruel? Lori begins the show with a discussion of the substantial cruelty that’s part of modern industrial egg production. France and Germany are leading Europe’s drive to improve industry practices, and we hope other countries will follow. Virtually all chickens start off life at industrial hatcheries. Male chicks, who will […]
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The history of the animal rights and welfare movements Lori begins with something any animal advocate ought to know about: the history of the animal rights and welfare movements. From the practices of ancient spiritual teachers of India, to the ideas of modern philosophers, Lori hopes this condensed history will inspire you to continue learning […]
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Lori welcomes two special guests on this show: Inga Fricke, Director of Shelter Initiatives and Outreach for the Humane Society of the United States. Holly Sizemore, Chief Mission Officer, Best Friends Animal Society. Finding shelter and homes for ALL animals Over the past few decades, we have made great strides in reducing the number of […]
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In defense of pit bulls Lori begins with an impassioned discussion In defense of pit bulls on behalf of her favorite type of dog, the pit bull. More than other dogs these days, pit bulls are often seen in a negative light. This has led towns and communities to enact ordinances against specific dog breeds, […]
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Woman receives jail sentence for feeding cats News of an elderly Ohio woman being sentenced to jail for feeding outdoor cats has become the subject of great interest to animal lovers, the legal community and the general public. We begin today’s show asking legal expert Bob Ferber how this could happen, and if a jail […]
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Why exotic animals should not be pets Private ownership of wild animals like big cats, monkeys and bears typically leads to a life of neglect and cruelty for the animals, as well as presenting risks to the owners and the community. Fortunately, the practice is decreasing, but there remains far too many bad situations around […]
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The cruelty of horse racing Lori begins the show with an extended discussion about the cruelty of horse racing. This season, California’s Santa Anita Park has attracted significant media attention and activity on social media, as the number of horses who have died there keeps growing. Even Senator Diane Feinstein called for an immediate moratorium […]
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Hot Animal News We begin with this weeks’ top news: Captive beluga whales will be released into a large seaside sanctuary in Iceland, Cuvier’s beaked whale was shown to be the deepest diving whale, Donald Trump, Jr. continues his big game hunting activities, overweight dogs can die 2.5 years earlier than ideal weight dogs, a […]
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Hot animal news. We begin with animal news items from around the world, including the death of the fourth dolphin at Dolphinaris Arizona, salmonella risks posed by pet hedgehogs, new insights into the intelligence of dogs, sleeping with bed, the unremitting Norwegian whaling industry, and more. Suspicious activity at the Safari Club International Hunters’ convention […]
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Animals and mandatory evacuations in natural disasters We begin focusing on the impact of the recent Southern California fire on animals and their guardians. Known as the Woolsey Fire, this huge, destructive fire killed 3 people, destroyed 1,643 structures and prompted the evacuation of more than 295,000 people. Frequent guest Bob Ferber and his animals […]
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Fur farming in Europe We begin by welcoming Angela Grimes, Acting CEO of Born Free USA to tell us about their new report on fur farming in Europe. There is a very wide range of practices and laws across the continent, with Luxembourg, the UK, Austria, Slovenia Macedonia, and Croatia having total bans. Where farming […]
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WWF reports humanity is wiping out global wildlife. Lori begins with a shocking report from World Wildlife Fund, which demonstrates that humanity has wiped out 60% of all wild animal life on earth since 1970. Peter and Lori then continue with other news, including President Trump’s signing of much appreciated legislation to continue funding NOAA’s […]
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Who gets to keep the dog after a breakup? We begin with Lori speaking with attorney, Mark Momjian about a groundbreaking law just passed in California, which gives family court judges greater latitude when deciding pet custody disputes in divorce and legal separations. Not only does the law give family courts discretion to award sole […]
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Helping animals affected by Hurricane Florence. We begin with Robert Misseri, President of Guardians of Rescue, a New York-based organization that is providing relief and support to animals and people affected by Hurricane Florence. Robert reminds us to be prepared for disasters and to evacuate with your pets when advised! Dogs and cats living together […]
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In California, a bill is headed to Governor Brown’s desk, which will ban the sale of cosmetics if the final form of the product or any of its ingredients were tested on animals. Elizabeth Baker, Regulatory Policy Director for Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine, joins Lori to describe how the bill evolved and how the […]
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Have you thought about trying a plant-based diet? Well, if you have not yet adopted this healthful and compassionate practice, please listen to Lori’s persuasive argument for trying it now. The show continues with Veterinarian Dr. Robert Reed, giving us the latest on prevention and treatment of heartworm disease. Then, Peter is joined by Genevieve […]
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First, Lori welcomes Los Angeles based attorney Ken Phillips, who specializes in legal issues related to dogs. Ken is a nationally renowned authority who has made many media appearances. Dog parks can be wonderful places, but the risks and hazards to people and dogs in and around the parks are real. Ken shared his decades […]
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We begin with Lori’s interview with Dr. Douglas Kunz, discussing the problem of obesity being overweight in dogs and cats. It’s very common. Kunz is Medical Director, VCA Desert Animal Hospital in Palm Springs, California. Then, Lori reminds us how important it is that all animals in the family are microchipped, and how a chip […]
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Our first guest Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL). Thanks to her tireless efforts, Governor Jerry Brown has just signed into law a bill that will curtail the flow of puppy mill dogs into the state. Pet stores that want to sell dogs, cats and rabbits will have to get […]
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The show begins with Lori’s chat with Jeff Dorson of the Humane Society of Louisiana, first broadcast last fall, about disaster preparedness for pets. Make sure you have a plan! Plus, we recognize National Dog Day with surprising facts about how much we love our canine companions. Peter then welcome Best Friends Animal Society attorney, Richard […]
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The show begins with Meera Gajjar, an attorney with the Wildlife Whistleblower Program of the National Whistleblower Center. Legal action to counter illegal wildlife trafficking continues to be weak, despite strong laws that are in place. With the Wildlife Whistleblower Program, Gajjar and colleagues expect to change that by providing a clearinghouse of information and […]
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Lori’s first guest is Animals Today legal analyst, Bob Ferber, who discusses the recent Tennessee law, which protects good Samaritans from legal retaliation when they break into hot cars to rescue imperiled animals Then, Joe Meile with Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting returned to explain yet another twisted variety of captive or canned hunting. Unusual forms of […]
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Peter begins by welcoming Bobbi Brink, from Lions, Tigers and Bears, a sanctuary for wild animals in Southern California. Brink says there is no excuse for the recent killing of three lions, three tigers and five bears by the owners of a Colorado sanctuary, and goes on to explain what’s involved in operating a top […]
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Lori first welcomes Professor Hal Herzog, one of the world’s most influential Anthrozoologists. In a recent Psychology Today article, Herzog criticized much of the research about the value of using animals in the treatment of emotional, mental and physical diseases. His recent book is titled, Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat – […]
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Lori begins by recognizing International Beaver Day! This large mammalian herbivore is the national animal of Canada. Plus, it’s Respect Your Cat Day. No kidding. The show continues with Lori talking about micro chipping for cats and dogs, including a happy reunion of a dog and guardian due to the chip. Then Lori and Peter […]
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Is your dog or cat overweight or obese? This problem has become all too common in the US. Lori is joined by Dr. Douglas Kunz who explains. Then, Lori and Peter talk about their kittie, Elton, who they thought might be overweight but, as it turns out, it not. The segment continues with our reviews […]
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We begin with news from Alaska with legal expert Bob Ferber, who tells us about a newly enacted law there that tells judges to take into consideration the best interest of companion animals in cases such as divorce. Alaska is the first state to pass such a law, and it will be very interesting to observe […]
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We begin with a revealing discussion with Anthony Bellotti, who leads White Coat Waste, which is working to determine how our tax dollars are used in research involving dogs and other animals. Mr. Bellotti wants to radically revamp the US system of animal experimentation, where most of the research is funded by tax dollars. White […]
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The show begins with our rescue of an injured hawk, and many practical tips on how to aid birds who may be in need of assistance. The first key is to learn which birds need to be left alone. Then, to commemorate Adopt a Rescue Bird Month, Peter describes the ideal ways to acquire a […]
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This show features a fascinating discussion about religion and animals with former Pastor Frank Hoffman, founder of All Creatures, www.all-creatures.org. Lori introduces the show by exploring the many contradictions we have in our relationships with animals, such as the hunter who loves his hunting dogs but has no problem blasting ducks out of the sky. […]
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The holidays are here, and we have food on our minds! So we thought it would be an ideal time to talk about plant-based, or vegan, diets. In segment one, Lori explains why vegan diets are so healthful, and shoots down a few of the prevalent myths surrounding them. Make a resolution to improve your […]
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This show features a fascinating discussion about religion and animals with former Pastor Frank Hoffman, founder of All Creatures, www.all-creatures.org. Lori introduces the show by exploring the many contradictions we have in our relationships with animals, such as the hunter who loves his hunting dogs but has no problem blasting ducks out of the sky. […]
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August 20th is World Mosquito Day, which recognizes the discovery of the connection between mosquitos and Malaria. Lori reviews some of this fascinating history, including the very controversial story about DDT. Will there be any role for DDT in the US if disease from the Zika virus becomes more widespread? Lori then continues by recollecting […]
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We begin with attorney Elizabeth Baker, Senior Science Policy Specialist at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, PCRM, who joins Peter to discuss the problems and limitations of using nonhuman animals in testing for drugs being developed for use in humans. PCRM is working on many fronts to move the government, industry, and academia toward more […]
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The show begins with Lori’s impassioned discussion about the fatal mauling of zookeeper Stacey Konwiser at the Palm Beach Zoo, by a Malayan tiger. This tiger was part of a breeding program purported to help prevent the extinction of the species, and the woman who tragically perished was known as a tiger whisperer. Lori explains […]
