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To begin this show, Lori shares news out of Mississippi, where important anti-animal cruelty legislation was recently signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves. The new law fixes deficiencies statewide, where the old law did not allow for multiple charges when multiple animals were harmed, and where it did not take into account repeat offenders. […]
By Kaitlyn Garrison From the Antarctic penguins to the Western Bluebirds, birds can be found in every geographical climate of the world. Possible explanations for the undoubtedly resilient Class Aves’ (birds) evolution is a highly debated topic among the scientific community because the only existing evidence of their evolution comes from small fragmented remnants of […]
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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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Lori begins the show discussing the many problems with private ownership of big cats, with guests Tracie Letterman, Vice President of Federal Affairs at Humane Society Legislative fund and Lisa Wathne Senior Strategist, Captive Wildlife, Humane Society of the United States. The Rise of Joe Exotic Netflix hosted a popular show called Tiger King, which […]
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To begin, Lori Welcomes back to the show, Richard Schwartz, President emeritus of Jewish Veg, formerly Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA). A coalition of Jewish organizations is urging that the ancient, largely forgotten Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah L’Maaser Biheima (New Year’s Day for Tithing Animals) be renewed into a modern New Year for […]
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In recognition of International Orangutan Day, August 19, 2020, Lori and Peter kick off discussing some of the fascinating facts about these great apes. These gentle creatures are the largest tree-dwelling animals on earth. Indeed they even sleep in the trees, fashioning leafy nests each evening for that purpose. Orangutans are native to only 2 […]
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Lori and peter kick off the show talking about summertime heat topics like avoiding and recognizing heatstroke in dogs, ways to encourage pets to drink water, tips for those whose dogs like to swim, and more. Conservationist and educator Matt Ellerbeck then discusses frog conservation and the main threats to populations of these diverse and […]
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Why should I switch to a plant-based diet? 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. Eating a diet higher in plant foods and lower in animal products can have many health benefits, […]
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Celebrating the American eagle In honor of American Eagle Day we begin with a discussion about how the bald eagle became part of the Great Seal of the United States, and how its extinction was averted. Bald eagle populations are now strong. Then, Lori continues with more fascinating facts about both bald and golden eagles. […]
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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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Is blue-green algae harmful to dogs? In 2019, there were a number of reports of dogs becoming sick and dying after exposure to ponds harboring the so-called blue-green algae. In fact, guardians should exercise caution about algae during each warm weather season. This spring, it’s been especially warm in Florida and the algae blooms have […]
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Highlights of the animal rights movement. 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 on your own. […]
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How animals think and feel This show features Professor Temple Grandin of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Services at Colorado State University. For decades, Dr. Grandin has been writing and speaking about how her having autism has helped her obtain a deeper understanding into the minds of animals. Her main insights are that animals, […]
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How to keep your pets safe and happy during the coronavirus The well being of our pets (at least most of them) demands adequate mental and physical stimulation. This show begins with Lori’s tips and ideas on how to keep your pets safe and happy and stimulated during the unusual restrictions placed upon us all […]
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Pet adoptions and fostering during COVID-19 Lori begins by welcoming Larissa Wohl, resident pet rescue expert of Hallmark Channel’s “Home and Family.” Is now, during the pandemic quarantine, a good time to adopt and/or foster pets? Larissa emphatically answers yes, but there is a concern that as life normalizes and people return to school and […]
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US funding Chinese virus labs! We begin by welcoming Justin Goodman from White Coat Waste, where he serves as vice president of advocacy and policy. The US Government is the world’s largest funder of animal experiments, estimated at 20 billion dollars per year. Tens of millions of dollars go overseas yearly. White Coat Waste is […]
Lauren Lee Freelance Writer & Blogger | Pet Content Writer | Animal Advocate & Rescuer I am reading through numerous articles and clippings on Denver, Colorado’s lengthy and highly controversial pit bull ban in the midst of the mayor’s latest decision to veto the repeal on breed specific legislation. Pictures from the The Rocky Mountain […]
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Can pandemics be avoided? Lori’s guest for this show is Dr. John Pippin, Director of Academic Affairs at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, is a nationwide organization of physicians, scientists, educators, and laypersons that promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition, and addresses controversies in modern medicine, including ethical […]
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Can pets get the coronavirus disease? Lori kicks off this show beginning with Leigh Hofmeister, DVM, who addresses questions all pet guardians have been wondering about during the Covid-19 viral pandemic including if pets can become ill from the virus and if they can transmit the virus to people and make them ill. They also […]
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China has banned the trade and consumption of wild animals We begin with hot animal news stories from around the world. At long last, we are excited to hear the positive news that China has banned the trade and consumption of wild animals. This was a temporary suspension initially, but once the Coronavirus ( or […]
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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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Is breeding dogs unethical? Lori begins with a detailed exploration into the ethics of dog breeding. The purebred dog industry not only creates innumerable animals with genetic defects, causing dogs to have a lifetime of medical problems and diseases, but also interferes with the adoption of healthy dogs confined in shelters by enticing people to […]
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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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How zoos harm elephants. Lori begins by welcoming back to the show Will Anderson with the elephant program at In Defense of Animals (IDA). Will and Lori discuss IDA’s 2019 review of the worst North American zoos for elephants and the cruel realities of keeping these majestic creatures in captivity. It’s a pretty bleak picture. […]
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Stolen dog reunited with family We begin with animal news from around the world including how a stolen dog is reunited with his family thanks to a 2000 mile volunteer-led transport. This is a genuine heart-warming story of survival, determination and cooperation! Meth in horse racing We reveal the scandalous problems with meth in horse […]
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2019 was an exceptional year for animals, with many achievements promoting the welfare and rights of nonhuman animals around the world. One example is California becoming the first state to go fur free, banning the sale and manufacture of new fur items! In this important Animals Today episode, Lori counts down her list of the […]
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Passing the PACT Act Lori begins with news of President Trump signing and Passing the PACT Act – the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act into law, providing long overdue penalties for animal cruelty and torture on the federal level. The Passage of the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act was welcomed by Kitty Block, […]
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Why breed-specific legislation is not the answer Lori begins the show by discussing why breed-specific legislation is not the answer and the various laws and regulations which restrict ownership of certain dog breeds, collectively known as breed-specific legislation (BSL). Many cities and municipalities have enacted such restrictions, believing they will decrease dog bites and promote […]
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Whales released from Russian whale jail Lori’s first guest is Charles Vinick, Executive Director of the Whale Sanctuary Project. Vinick and his colleagues, which included Jean-Michel Cousteau, were instrumental in persuading Russian officials to get 87 whales released from Russian whale facility. Amongst the whales were beluga whales and 10 captive orca whales, all housed […]
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Sea turtle poachers busted! We begin the show with animal news from around the world including NYC establishes its Office of Animal Welfare, the first sighting in decades of the diminutive mammal called the silver chevrotain in Vietnam, turtle poachers arrested in Florida, an endangered lemur stolen from a Santa Ana zoo is recovered, and […]
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Should animals be used in dangerous jobs? The highly publicized raid which resulted in the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi again raises the question of whether it is ethical or justifiable to use non-human animals in military and police operations, where the animals face great risks of injury and death. In this instance, Conan, the […]
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Medical testing on animals Lori kicks off the show welcoming Dr. John Pippin, Director of Academic Affairs at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). As part of PCRM’s work to end the use of live animals in medical and veterinary training programs, it recently was informed that so-called terminal surgeries were being used at Tuskegee […]
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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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This show features elephant expert Will Anderson, with In Defense of Animals, who provides the background and events leading up to an important new international agreement to limit the exportation of wild elephants from Africa to the US, China and other countries. Elephants in Captivity Lori begins covering a few key events related to elephants […]
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Risks of blue-green algae to dogs 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. Veterinarian […]
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Will cruel cyanide bombs be banished? Lori begins the show by welcoming Collette Adkins, Carnivore Conservation Director at the Center for Biological Diversity to talk about the animal killing devices known as “cyanide bombs”. These have been used for decades with the stated purpose of controlling predatory wolves, foxes, coyotes and wild dogs, and the […]
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Lori begins by welcoming Wendy Keefover, Senior Strategist, Carnivore Protection at the Humane Society of the United States to explain the newly announced rule changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by the Trump Administration. The ESA became law in 1973 and currently protects 1600 species in the US and its territories. Wendy explains that […]
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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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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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Almond milk vs: almond beverage. Lori begins speaking about deceptive advertising practices employed by the diary industry, and then moves on to the compelling health reasons for eliminating dairy from our diets. With the large variety of alternatives now available, it has never been easier to drop dairy from our diets. Giving up cheese can […]
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We begin with hot news stories including Japan resumes commercial whaling, a juvenile black bear was shot by authorities after becoming habituated to people who left food for him, a report predicts most of meat consumed by 2040 will be grown in bioreactors and not from slaughtered animals, a 2 year old boy dies from […]
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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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National Pet Preparedness Month. Does your emergency plan include your pets? If a natural disaster strikes, like a flood or earthquake, or if you had to be evacuated from your home on short notice, do you have all the supplies your pets need, like their food, medicines, crates and carriers? Have you thought about where […]
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What to do if you see a dog in a hot car 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 […]
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Stopping puppy mills President Trump is the first White House occupant who has not had a dog, and Lori begins the show sharing Trumps’ comments about not having a first dog. Then, Lori describes how animal advocate Lara Trump, the President’s daughter-in-law, is working with Congressman Matt Gaetz and Congressman Brian Mast to strengthen the […]
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Lori begins the show with a remembrance of Doris day, who died May 13, 2019 at the age of 97. A Hollywood legend, she was known for her talents as a singer, dancer and as a pioneering advocate for animals. She was an early opponent of animal testing, and persuaded Alfred Hitchcock to ensure humane […]
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Why are so many animals endangered? Up to 1 million of the world’s 8 million plant and animal species now face extinction. We begin with Lori explaining the results of the UN sponsored report just issued by Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), titled The IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and […]
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Another season of seal killing in Canada is here. Each spring, tens of thousands of baby seals in Canada are brutally killed for their pelts. Even though dozens of countries, including Russia and the members of the EU have banned the sale of seal products, and despite strong worldwide condemnation of the seal hunts, the […]
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The Iditarod sled dog race must end The 2019 version of the Iditarod sled dog race has concluded. Billed as the “Last Great Race on Earth,” it is unfortunate that this race lives on, because the dogs endure tremendous amounts of physical stress during the event, and neglect and cruelty both before and after the […]
