Animals September 7, 2019: Risks of blue-green algae to dogs. Exposing and closing cockfighting operations.
Sep 12, 2019
Show notes
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 Robert Reed joins Peter to explain what exactly blue green algae is, why it is such a hazard to dogs and what to do if a dog may be exposed.
Blue-green algae contain deadly bacteria called cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms found in freshwater lakes, streams, ponds, and brackish (salty) water ecosystems.
The algae give the water a blue-green or “pea soup” appearance. It looks almost as if someone spilled blue or green paint on the surface of the water. These floating blooms can form thick, dense mats that collect near the shore, which is where animals and people come in contact with them.
Exposing and closing cockfighting operations
Our next guest is Stu Chaifetz, who is an investigator with SHARK (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness). Even though cockfighting is illegal in all 50 US states, this cruel and barbaric activity still occurs. Stu announces SHARK’s new campaign to seek out, investigate and close down cockfighting operations.
They are now announcing a new nationwide campaign called Crush Cockfighting, that will expose these illegal animal fights like never before, and we’ll work hard to have those involved held accountable under the law.
Cockfighting
Using simulators to teach law enforcement to humanely interact with dogs
Peter then welcomes John Thompson, Deputy executive Director and COO at National Sheriff’s Association. Thompson has been leading the effort to develop and make available realistic simulators to train law enforcement personnel to manage encounters with dogs, instead of shooting them. Thompson, a passionate dog lover, has teamed up with VirTra and many other interested parties in the Law Enforcement Dog Encounters Training (LEDET) program, which is being made available to departments throughout the US.
Platypus and Bees
We conclude with a feature about the remarkable platypus, and challenging little quiz about bees.
Animals Today August 31, 2019: Will cruel cyanide bombs be banished? Liability and safety tips for dog owners.
Sep 05, 2019
Show notes
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 EPA recently reauthorized their use.
However, due to a petition submitted to the EPA by the Center for Biological diversity and partner organizations, plus extensive media coverage and public outrage, the EPA has withdrawn its reauthorization for now.
The Center for Biological Diversity, believes that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants.
Dead wolf or coyote near poison sign.
The devices are still in use, but at last, there is a real
opportunity to get rid of them forever. Collette suggests contacting both the
EPA and your representatives to encourage them to finally ban the use of these
cruel devices.
Next up is attorney Kenneth Phillips, giving sound advice on recognizing and avoiding dangerous situations involving dogs we may encounter in the neighborhood. If you live in an area where there is an aggressive or potentially dangerous dog, you still have a right to feel safe and not to be harmed.
Phillips explains how to utilize government and legal resources to make sure the owners of aggressive dogs behave responsibly. On the flip side, owners of a dog who bites or has a propensity to do so must also act responsibly, not only to prevent a tragic injury, but to avoid four varieties of legal action they may face should a bite or attack occur.
Test your knowledge of animal trivia.
To conclude, Lori springs another animal quiz on Peter; how will you fare in this rapid-fire test of useful and trivial facts?
Animals Today August 24, 2019: What did Trump do to the Endangered Species Act? Miniature horses as service animals.
Aug 29, 2019
Show notes
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 the Trump Administration is waging war on wildlife by dismantling the ESA, which is recognized globally as one of the most effective wildlife conservation laws.
Plus, as we now face both extinction and climate crises, the ESA should be strengthened, not weakened. Wendy highlights the specific rule changes and the dire consequences likely to follow. Wendy asks listeners to contact their representative and tell them to protect the ESA. Expect legal challenges! (Update: Earthjustice has filed suit over the new regulations on behalf of Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Parks Conservation Association, WildEarth Guardians, and the Humane Society of the United States.)
Woman sentenced to jail for feeding cats granted another chance.
Peter then welcomes back Attorney Bob Ferber to update us on the story of an elderly Ohio woman who was sentenced to jail for feeding cats outside her home. We later learned that she had been given many chances already, and Bob believes the judge was put in a no-win situation. However, the judge decided to give her yet another chance and vacated her 10-day jail sentence. Ferber believes her behavior and statements show she probably has a mental health problem.
Miniature horses as service animals.
Plus, look for miniature horses on airline flights as service animals, after the Department of Transportation said they are now permitted. Bob Ferber predicts continuing legal battles and even dangerous situations in the air.
Famous Hollywood dogs.
We conclude with famous Hollywood dogs including Rin Tin Tin, Toto from The Wizard of Oz (real name, Terry) and Lassie, (real name, Pal), Petey from Our Gang (real name, Pal the Wonder Dog) and more!
Animals Today August 17, 2019: Finding shelter and homes for ALL animals
Aug 21, 2019
Show notes
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
healthy, adoptable dogs and cats “euthanized” in shelters. But we still have not reached our goal where
each and every homeless animal becomes part of a loving family. Lori asks Inga
and Holly to reflect on the admirable progress we have made, and what the
biggest challenges and roadblocks remain in reaching this goal. Will we get
there? Our experts say yes, and soon!
Please enjoy and share this special broadcast of Animals Today.
Animals Today August 10, 2019: In defense of pit bulls. Alternatives to Animal testing.
Aug 17, 2019
Show notes
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, usually pit bulls, which typically restricts or
prohibits ownership of those dogs.
Lori explains how these types of laws, often referred to as breed specific legislation, and are based on faulty premises and disregard scientific evidence about their lack of effectiveness. Breed-specific legislation also unfairly perpetuates false negative stereotypes about the targeted breeds. Fortunately, many communities that have such laws in place have rescinded them, or are considering doing so.
Research shows that perceptions about this dog depends on which person she’s pictured with.
Hot Animal News
Then we continue with news items including New York State
bans cat declawing over the objections of the New York State Veterinary Medical
Society, Japanese researchers seek to grow human organs in the bodies of other
live animals, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommends
widespread adoption of plant-based diets to save the planet, and more.
The HEARTS Act promotes alternatives to animal testing
Peter then welcomes Monica Engebretson, North America Campaigns Manager for Cruelty Free International to discuss the HEARTS Act of 2019. The HEARTS Act (Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences Act) is federal legislation that seeks to encourage the use of humane and effective alternatives to animal testing for NIH funded research. After listening to this interview, read the text of the bill here and consider asking your legislators to co-sponsor the bill.
Lightning round animal quiz
We conclude with Peter’s close encounter with a group of
javelinas, and a challenging little quiz about animals from around the globe.
Bonus question: What is a group of javelinas called? A squadron!
Animals Today August 3, 2019: Why is the amphibian population declining? Choosing toys and treats for dogs.
Aug 10, 2019
Show notes
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 sentence for this offense could in any way be
appropriate. Ferber spent decades in Los Angeles courtrooms as an animal
cruelty prosecutor, and shares his thoughts on what is probably happening
behind the scenes.
Why is the amphibian population declining?
We continue with Matt Ellerbeck, frog advocate and conservationist at Save All Frogs. Frog populations are in decline, with over 30% of the approximately 5000 frog species considered endangered. Matt describes the causes of the shrinking populations, as well as the cruelty frogs face in live food markets, as fishing bait, and for classroom dissections. Matt loves to visit schools to teach children about treating animals with compassion and respect.
Research suggests that even though amphibians are severely declining worldwide, there is no smoking gun – and thus no simple solution – to halting or reversing these declines.
Choosing toys and treats for dogs
Next up is 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 offers many other insights in this segment.
Test your shark knowledge
Then, how much do you know about sharks? Do you worry about swimming in the ocean? Take the shark quiz along with Peter and test your shark smarts. Here’s one tidbit: men account for 90% of shark attack victims.
To conclude, Lori offers sensible advice on preventing dog bites.
Animals Today July 27, 2019: Why should almond milk not be called milk? How can we save orangutans from extinction?
Aug 04, 2019
Show notes
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 be especially hard for some, due to its addictive qualities, but you will be glad you did.
Peter then describes the battle now being waged over the term, milk. Will the descriptors soy milk and almond milk be replaced by soy beverage and almond beverage? The FDA will decide the question.
Milk has a complicated, jargon-filled standard of identity, but in short, the FDA says it is “the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows.”
How can we save orangutans from extinction?
Then Peter welcomes Leif Cocks, President and Founder of The Orangutan Project to speak about protecting the critically endangered orangutan. The Project’s major goal is to secure five to eight complete ecosystems in Indonesia to permit these animals enough habitat to go on as a species, but time is running short. The Orangutan Project funds, trains and supports teams of Indonesian men to patrol the rain forests. These teams look for poachers, remove snares and report illegal activity. It also has a program to help orphan orangutans, involving the rescue, rehabilitation and release of juveniles. Leif offers guided eco tours, which also support their work.
Another way to help is to adopt an orphaned or injured orangutan going through rehabilitation in one of their care centres. All adoption money goes to the centers listed here which work hard to give these orphans the best chance to return to the wild: Centre for Orangutan Protection, International Animal Rescue Orangutan Centre, Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, all in Borneo; and Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme Orangutan Quarantine Centre and Sumatran Orangutan Reintroduction Centre, both in Sumatra.
Photo: The Orangutan Project
Animals Today July 13, 2019. Should otters be kept as pets? Will the cat declawing ban become law in New York?
Jul 18, 2019
Show notes
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 E coli infection linked to contact with
animals at the San Diego County Fair, and more.
Japanese whaling ship.
Should otters be kept as pets?
Peter then welcomes Ethan Wolf, World Animal Protection Exotic Pets Campaign Manager, who explains how the craze of having captured otters as pets in Thailand and Japan is growing, being fueled by social media. These river otters, who in the wild live in large family groups and are highly social, are captured and sold in to the cruel and neglectful illegal pet trade. He answers the question “Should otters be kept as pets?”
Will the cat declawing ban become law in New York?
To conclude, Lori welcomes back to the show, NYS assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal to speak about her bill to ban declawing of cats without a valid medical reason. It awaits Governor Andrew Cuomo’s signature.
Update: This Legislation was signed into law on July 22, 2019. From the NYS Governor’s website:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.5532B/A.1303) banning the performance of declawing procedures on cats, making New York the first state to prohibit the practice. The bill takes effect immediately.
“Declawing is a cruel and painful procedure that can create physical and behavioral problems for helpless animals, and today it stops,” Governor Cuomo said. “By banning this archaic practice, we will ensure that animals are no longer subjected to these inhumane and unnecessary procedures.”
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said, “Cat declawing is a brutal procedure similar to severing a human finger at the first knuckle and has lifelong ramifications for cats. I am proud of the new Senate majority’s emphasis on animal welfare and am glad the Governor enacted this legislation.”
Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal said, “Today, New York becomes the first state in the nation to ban cat declawing. Declawing is cruelty, plain and simple, and with so many low-cost and pain-free alternatives available, there is no reason to allow this barbaric practice to continue, not here in New York or anywhere. It’s a wonderful day for the cats of the state and the people who love them. Now that my bill has become law, New York has been catapulted onto the leaderboard of humane states, and we expect other states to quickly follow in out footsteps.”
Declawing, also known as onychectomy, involves the removal of all or most of the last bone of each of the toes of the front feet, and tendons, nerves and ligaments that allow for normal function of the paw are severed, resulting in intense and chronic pain and other serious medical or behavioral issues. After the claws are removed, cats often shift their gait and where it places most of its weight, causing strain on its leg joints and spine, which can lead to early onset arthritis and prolonged back and joint pain. Cats’ claws play an important role in various aspects of their lives, including to assist in climbing and maintaining balance and to escape danger.
Animals Today June 29, 2019: Why exotic animals should not be pets and trap, neuter and release programs for feral cats.
Jul 03, 2019
Show notes
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 the country.
Exotic animals — lions, tigers, wolves, bears, reptiles, non-human primates — belong in their natural habitats and not in the hands of private individuals as “pets.” By their very nature, these animals are wild and potentially dangerous and, as such, do not adjust well to a captive environment.
Exotic animals do not make good companions. They require special care, housing, diet, and maintenance that the average person cannot provide. When in the hands of private individuals, the animals typically suffer due to poor care. They also pose safety and health risks to their owners and persons coming into contact with them.
Lori beings the show reflecting on her personal childhood experiences with her friend’s pet bobcat and explains why private ownership of exotic animals is no longer acceptable.
For those who wish to see wild animals, visit and support accredited sanctuaries instead.
Hot animal news
Then, we have some hot animal news including stories about
beagles learning to detect lung cancer, possible reasons why dogs have an
eyebrow muscle absent in wolves, and an organization is giving grants to rescue
groups to aid senior dog adoptions.
Trap, neuter and release programs for feral cats
Peter then welcomes Peter Wolf, Research Policy Analyst at Best Friends Animal Society to review newly published research on their signature community cat management program. The program was implemented in six communities over three years, with almost 73,000 cats and kittens studied. Huge decreases in both shelter cat and kitten intakes and shelter killing were found, with the benefits becoming evident even in the first year of the program.
To conclude, Lori gives July 4th advice to help you manage your pets’ anxiety that may be caused by the noise and lights of the holiday’s fireworks.
Animals Today June 22, 2019. The cruelty of horse racing. Legal animal news. Cats in popular songs.
Jun 28, 2019
Show notes
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 on racing at Santa Anita.
The Santa Anita horse deaths are a major concern.
At least 1200 horses die on US racetracks each year. The Santa Anita horse deaths are a major concern. When a horse suffers a “breakdown,” usually one or more leg bones has shattered, almost always a fatal injury in horses. These unfortunate animals quickly get euthanized right on the track behind a screen, or out of sight after being carted away.
Lori describes many other aspects of the cruelty that is an inextricable part of the industry. Remember horse racing is not a sport, it is a business and a gambling industry that exploits animals to the extreme.
Protests are occurring at tracks around the US this year, including a large one which took place at the recent Belmont Stakes in New York.
Lori suggests visiting Horseracing Wrongs to learn more and find out how to join those working toward ending horseracing in the US.
Photo: Horseracing Wrongs.
Legal Animal news
Then, legal expert Bob Ferber joins Peter to discuss two recent legal stories. First a New York restaurant owner is facing huge fines for refusing to allow service animals in his restaurants, in defiance of the Americans With Disabilities Act. And then, an airline passenger has filed suit against Delta Airlines, after being bitten by an emotional support animal belonging to another passenger.
Then Lori gives July 4th advice to help you manage your pets’ anxiety that may be caused by the noise and lights of the holiday’s fireworks.
Cats in popular songs.
We conclude with a fun piece about cats in popular songs including The Siamese Cat Song, Walking my Cat named Dog, Stray Cat Strut, and the theme from Felix the Cat.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
