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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Visual identification of dog breeds We begin with Peter’s interview with Arizona State University Psychology Professor, Clive Wynne, who leads the Canine Science Collaboratory. Its main areas of inquiry are dog welfare at the animal shelter, behavioral problems in the home, human-dog interaction, dogs’ wild relatives, and cognitive aging in canines. Peter and Clive cover […]
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Hot animal news We begin with top news stories including China is taking steps to drop animal testing requirements for cosmetics, continued trouble (horse deaths) at California’s Santa Anita Park racetrack, meals provided in NYC public schools will soon be vegetarian on Mondays, Florida takes up new anti-tethering bill to protect dogs and more. Why […]
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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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Resolve to help animals in the New Year As 2018 draws to a close, many of us have begun to consider what we can do to make the New Year better for ourselves, for others, and for the world. So it won’t surprise you that here at Animals Today, we are asking, what can I […]
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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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Greyhound racing to end in Florida We begin with great news out of Florida! The citizens have voiced their strong desire to end greyhound racing by passing Amendment 13. Peter speaks with Christine Dorchak with Grey2K USA, which has been fighting for greyhounds for 2 decades. Dorchak calls greyhound racing industrialized cruelty, in which the […]
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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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What are the benefits of quitting dairy? 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 […]
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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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This show begins with Lori counting down the bite power of the ten strongest nonhuman biters, with many facts about the included animals. Featured are lions, grizzly bears, gorillas, and crocodiles. Then Peter welcomes Dr. Naomi Rose, Marine Mammal Biologist, Animal Welfare Institute, to discuss swim with dolphin programs. A new Mexican owned facility has […]
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We begin with Shelly Fitzpatrick, who has traveled to South Korea twice to join activists working to end the consumption of dog and cat meat there. Politics, traditional culture and economics are all factors and currently, there are 17,000 dog farms in the country. Listen in to hear a first person account and learn how […]
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In recognition of International Homeless Animals’ Day, Lori reviews the progress made in the past few decades to address pet overpopulation and to decrease the killing of healthy dogs and cats in shelters. Fantastic progress has been made, but there still is work to do. Why not take a moment today to think about what […]
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Are ice cubes in the water bowl a good idea? Is it legal to break a car window to free a distressed animal? How can you and your pets endure the loss of A/C from power outages? Summer brings unique challenges to people and their pets and we offer ways to survive the heat. Peter […]
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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. Plus, know which products contain xylitol, and why dogs must not eat them! Then, Lori continues with […]
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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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A recent incident where a macaque escaped his enclosure while being moved through the San Antonio International Airport caught our attention. The animal, who was tranquilized and gently recaptured, is now safely living the good life at Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary. Prashant K. Khetan, Chief Executive Officer & General Counsel at Born Free USA […]
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The show begins with a fun segment about animals in popular sayings. Many of them, such as, like shooting fish in a barrel, evoke cruel and violent images, so we are always on the lookout for nicer substitutes. Listen in and tell us what you think. And please share your favorite humane animal idioms on […]
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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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This week’s show is all about dogs! It begins with Lori speaking to Elizabeth Oreck, National Manager of Puppy Mill Initiatives for Best Friends Animal Society about the connection between intentional dog breeding, overpopulation and euthanasia of homeless dogs. For years, Lori has been explaining how dog breeders contribute to shelter crowding and consequently to […]
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We begin with Peter and Lori sharing some of the most important recent animal news stories, including the introduction of the California Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act, drug users are abusing animals to obtain their medications, wild animals are going to be banned in UK traveling circuses, and the success of wildlife bridges and underpasses in […]
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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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Peter first welcomes Dr. Robert Reed, who discusses many key points about canine influenza, or dog flu. This condition is not seasonal, and often causes local outbreaks. And, people can carry the virus! Reed also tells us which dogs should receive the vaccine. Reed is Medical Director, VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital. Then Peter welcomes […]
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This show begins with Lori counting down the bite power of the ten strongest nonhuman biters, with many facts about the included animals. Featured are lions, grizzly bears, gorillas, and crocodiles. Lori continues with solid advice about one of the more neglected aspects of pet care, oral hygiene. Keeping up with brushing of your dog’s […]
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The show begins with Dr. Jeffrey Younggren, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist at University of Missouri. Lori and Jeffrey discuss the current legal and regulatory status of service animals (usually dogs) and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). There is a lot of misinformation and confusion regarding where the animals are allowed to go. Dr. Younggren also provides his […]
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We begin with Peter and Lori talking about idioms and expressions having to do with animals. Unfortunately many of them are not very nice, but we offer some happier substitutes. Peter then welcomes back Stu Chaifetz, Animal Cruelty Investigator with SHARK. The SHARK team has released videos from Maryland of cownose ray killing contests, which […]
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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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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, legal expert Bob Ferber joins […]
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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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The show begins with Peter welcoming Susan Tellem, Co-founder of American Tortoise Rescue. A recent law enforcement investigation in Los Angeles netted 70 baby turtles being illegally offered for sale, and Susan’s organization took them all in. Plus, World Turtle Day is coming up; it’s celebrated in many locations around the globe. Then, Lori and […]
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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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This show begins with Dr. Douglas Kunz, Medical Director of VCA Desert Animal Hospital who provides sage advice on choosing safe toys and treats for dogs. Doug advises not to use hard chew toys, which can fracture teeth. Doug also doesn’t like pig’s ears and bully sticks because they may harbor E coli bacteria. Doug […]
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Suddenly and without prior notice, the USDA just took down a vast amount of critical information from its webpages concerning the welfare of animals. Lori asks John Goodwin, Senior Director of the Humane Society of the United States’ Campaign Against Puppy Mills, to review this event and its consequences. Goodwin calls it an assault on […]
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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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Lori begins the show by celebrating the wonderful news that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will close May 2017. A sustained effort from animal advocates and animal welfare organizations, updated laws, and changing times all contributed to its demise. Lori continues with a fascinating talk about the use of medical cannabis for animals […]
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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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With the release of Ron Howard’s new film, Sully, our interest in the risks posed to planes by wildlife has certainly been rekindled! Lori begins the show with Dr. Richard Dolbeer, who enjoyed a long career studying ways to make the skies safer for planes as well as for the wild animals who live near […]
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We begin by featuring the award winning film, The Champions. The first segment features Director and Producer, Darcy Dennett, who has created this beautiful and inspirational movie depicting the journey of some of the more challenging dogs rescued form the Michael Vick fighting operation. Darcy is no newcomer to dogs, having been the series producer for […]
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This show begins with Lori and Peter chatting about koalas, in recognition of Save the Koala Month. Koala populations are shrinking due to habitat loss, predation by dogs, fires, accidents and disease. Peter also has three new California animal news items. Then, Peter welcomes legal expert Bob Ferber, who discusses the significance of a recent […]
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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 […]
