Animals Today June 15, 2019. National Pet Preparedness Month. Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT).
Jun 19, 2019
Show notes
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 you might evacuate to if needed? Are all of your pets properly tagged and microchipped and do you have current photos of your pets you can grab quickly?
June is National Pet Preparedness Month
June is National Pet Preparedness Month, and Lori reminds us to do a little planning and stocking up on essential supplies so you are ready at a moment’s notice. Younger listeners may not know just how devastating Hurricane Katrina was to animals in and around New Orleans, and Lori recounts the history of that huge natural disaster.
It caused the death of 1800 people and many more pets perished and were lost. One positive thing that came out of Katrina was the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS), which makes states accommodate pets in their disaster planning.
Before PETS, as in Katrina, many animals had to be left behind and became lost or died. Get started on your disaster planning today!
Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT)
Then Peter welcomes attorney Mark Momjian to speak about the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT). PACT is federal legislation that will make it easier to prosecute animal abuse or torture offenses. It was introduced by Democrat Congressman Ted Deutch and Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan.
Mark also talks about the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, which boasts about 150 members from both parties.
Hot animal news
To conclude, Peter shares news items including fun ways to get your doggie fix when you are on vacation, Animal Liberation Front releases thousands of pheasants in a UK undercover operation, a full tuition scholarship program for a graduate degree in Animal Law, co-sponsored by International Society for Animal Rights and Lewis & Clark Law School, sends off it first recipient, and more.
Animals Today June 8, 2019: What to do if you see a dog in a hot car. Laws about emotional support animals
Jun 14, 2019
Show notes
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 is dangerous and often illegal, it continues to happen too frequently.
So, we animal lovers should be prepared for these unfortunate and stressful situations so we can confidently act according to the urgency and severity of the situation, and minimize harm to animals from neglectful owners. Lori offers useful guidance on many aspects of dealing with dogs in hot cars including how to assess the degree of risk the dog faces, how to safely and effectively break the auto’s window to free the animal, and legal issues if you decide to take that step.
Laws about emotional support animals
Next, the Laws about emotional support animals are confusing and contradictory. People with serious needs for the emotional support provided by an animal are eligible to have an emotional support animal (ESA) if they have a diagnosed emotional condition, are getting treatment from a licensed provider, and have a signed letter from that person, usually on their letterhead, indicating the need.
ESAs are not permitted to go everywhere. They can live with, go to work with and travel on airlines with their owners. Emotional support animals differ from service animals in that service animals are specifically trained to perform tasks for disabled owners, such as guiding the visually impaired.
Unfortunately, because more and more people are fraudulently passing off their pets as ESAs, even individuals using trained service animals are enduring extra, unwarranted suspicion.
Legal expert Kenneth Phillips returns to discuss the Laws about emotional support animals and the rapidly changing landscape related to ESAs. Ken has a keen interest in many aspects of dogs in our society, and is the recognized leader nationally in legal issues related to dog bites.
Wonderful Hummingbirds
We continue with a short feature on hummingbirds and then conclude with Dr. Robert Reed, Medical Director of VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital, who speaks with Lori about toxoplasmosis in cats and risks to people. Cats are the only definitive host of toxo.
Animals Today May 25, 2019. Stopping puppy mills. Pets for Vets. The American Eagle. The complexities of domesticated sheep.
Jun 04, 2019
Show notes
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 rules which govern operations at commercial dog breeding facilities and stopping puppy mills.
Their strategy is to make the worst breeders comply with tougher, more humane practices or face closure of their operations.
Pets for Vets
Lori then welcomes Pets for Vets’ leader Clarissa Black. Pets for Vets employs an innovative and validated step-by-step approach to match returning veterans suffering from ailments like anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury and PTSD with rescued and trained shelter animals.
They match the pairs based upon careful consideration of the personality, temperament, needs, wants and expectations of each. The result is an immediate and deep connection between the animal and veteran. Pets for Vets is growing fast and has 27 chapters across the US, and they invite veterans to visit them online and fill out an application.
The American Eagle
Peter then welcomes author Preston Cook promoting his new book American Eagle – A Visual History of our National Emblem. This atlas features full color images of bald eagles as depicted in all aspects of American history and culture including politics, art and decoration, commerce, and military and war. All proceeds support the construction of the new American Eagle Museum, which is adjacent to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota.
From American Eagle – A Visual History of Our National Emblem.
The complexities of domesticated sheep
To conclude, Dr. Lori Marino returns to speak about the emotional and mental lives of domestic sheep. Sheep are remarkably intelligent, have a wide range of emotions and display a very strong mother child bond. To get to know these gentle individuals, spend some time with them in a sanctuary. Marino is Founder and Executive Director of the Kimmela Center for Animal Advocacy, and the paper she co-authored on this topic was published in Animal Sentience.
Animals Today May 18, 2019. Farewell Doris Day. Update on rabies. Ultra potent rodenticides are harming wildlife, pets and children.
May 24, 2019
Show notes
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 treatment of the animals on the set of The Man who Knew Too Much.
Among her many achievements on behalf of animals, she
created the Doris Day Pet Foundation (now the Doris Day Animal Foundation), a
grant making charity, and later, the Doris Day Animal League, which protects
animals through lobbying, corporate engagement and education.
Then, Dr. Robert Reed joins Lori to discuss rabies. Robert explains the nature of the virus and the disease it causes, and the current risks to people, dogs and cats in the US. Fortunately, thanks to the widespread use of vaccines, rabies cases are rare. Dr. Reed is Medical Director, VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital.
Way back in 2012, Lori had a guest on to discuss her book about rabies. This is what we wrote in the blog: “On this show, Veterinarian Monica Murphy came on to discuss her new book, RABID – A Cultural History of the World’s Most Diabolical Virus. Co-authored with her husband and Wired Editor Bill Wasik, Lori and Monica discussed what rabies is, how it was tamed and which animals and people still can get it. The book is a fascinating read.”
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has just released a report showing that many non-target animals are being exposed to the second generation, highly toxic rodenticides. Lori welcomes back Jonathan Evans, Environmental Health Legal Director and Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity to explain about the types and uses of rodenticides and major harm being caused by these new generation poisons. He also shares ways we can deter mice and rats from our home environments using humane methods.
mountain lion, Puma concolor, Larry Moats, USFWS
Animals Today May 11, 2019. Why are so many animals endangered? The PETA International Science Consortium. Tips on adopting abused animals.
May 14, 2019
Show notes
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 Ecosystem Services.
The 1800 page report, authored by 450 experts drawing upon 15,000 scientific and government sources concluded that 25% of mammal species, more that 40% of amphibian species, more that 33% of shark species and 25 % of plant species are facing extinction.
The primary causes due to human activity including pollution, poaching, overfishing, changes in land and water use, climate change, and invasive species. Read more here.
Hot Animal news
We continue with news stories including the huge IPO success
of Beyond Meat, Walmart is expanding its pet services and pet pharmaceutical
business, a mountain lion in California was found dead from rodenticide
toxicity, designation of the giraffe as
an endangered species is under EPA review, and more.
The PETA International Science Consortium.
Peter then welcomes Dr. Julia Baines, Science Policy Advisor at the PETA International Science Consortium Ltd. This robust organization with worldwide reach promotes non-animal testing methods that protect human health and the environment. It’s exciting, cutting edge work we all should applaud.
Tips on adopting abused animals
We conclude with a discussion about adopting formerly neglected and abused animals with Kit Darling, form Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where she is Sciences Infection Control Coordinator. Kit provides advice and tips for success in these challenging, but usually rewarding endeavors.
Animals Today May 4, 2019: Another season of seal killing in Canada is here. How do I take my dog to the dog park safely?
May 09, 2019
Show notes
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 practice continues year after year.
The main reason it lives on is because the Canadian government supports it, as Lori explains in this opening segment. Public opinion and momentum are on the side of compassionate people and seal lovers worldwide, so listen in to learn what you can do to help end this abhorrent practice.
You can invest in the booming pet products industry.
Peter then welcomes Simeon Hyman from ProShares, a company that offers exchange traded funds in various areas.
A recently offered fund, the Pet Care ETF (PAWZ), focuses on pet products and services, a rapidly growing sector. Simeon has his finger on the pulse of this vibrant industry and shares some interesting facts and insights.
How do I take my dog to the dog park safely?
Then, Lori welcomes Los Angeles based attorney Ken Phillips, to speak about the risks related to dog parks. Dog parks can be wonderful places, but the risks and hazards to people and dogs in and around the parks are real. Ken shares his decades of expertise to increase our knowledge and awareness about what can go wrong at dog parks, so everyone can have fun and stay safe.
What all dog parks have in common is the reason for their existence. Dogs (and their owners) need a place where they can run free, sans leashes, and do “doggie” things. Many of their owners have no yards and the dogs would otherwise spend their entire outdoor lives on leash.
Animals Today April 27, 2019. The Iditarod sled dog race must end. Horse, donkey and mule abuse in the Grand Canyon.
May 04, 2019
Show notes
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 event.
This year, a dog named Oshi died shortly after becoming sick near the end of the race. In the history of this brutal race, 154 dogs have died during the race, and five died in 2017 alone.
Lori gives all the details, and offers ways we all can help put an end to the Iditarod.
Horse, donkey and mule abuse in the Grand Canyon.
Peter is then joined by Susan Ash, Founder of SAVE, an advocacy group that is shining the spotlight on abuse and neglect against pack horses, mules and donkeys in the Grand Canyon.
These animals, owned by members of the Havasupai tribe, serve the tourist trade by carrying visitors and their gear from the town of Supai down to the beautiful aqua blue Havasu Falls about 10 miles away.
Ash (with the help of vacationers who have provided many photos of the suffering animals) has documented numerous instances of neglect and abuse. But, this is a lucrative business for the tribe, and it continues trying to hide the abuse.
Thanks to SAVE and the brave work of Susan and her team, word is finally getting out! Please visit SAVE to learn more and to show Susan some support!
Banning whales, dolphins and porpoises from being bred or held in captivity
To finish up on a hopeful note, Peter speaks with Dr. Lori Marino about a bill in Canada, which would ban all whale and dolphin captivity. Lori gives the background, why this bill is needed and its status. Learn more at Whale Sanctuary Project.
Then Rover, the pet sitting and dog walking company, and
Redfin, the real estate brokerage, team up to give their version of the most
dog friendly cities of 2019.
Animals Today April 20, 2019: Do rabbits make good pets? How do you stop illegal dog fighting? Preventing dog bites.
Apr 22, 2019
Show notes
Do rabbits make good pets?
To kick off this show, Lori welcomes Anne Martin, PhD., Executive Director of House Rabbit Society. Lori and Anne begin by talking about the many joys of living with one or more pet rabbits.
They continue discussing some of the serious rabbit welfare issues including overpopulation (they are the third most surrendered animal to shelters after cats and dogs), rabbit fur, rabbits in testing for cosmetics and household products, and rabbit meat.
And when your dog licks your cup or your plate of food, how
much does that bother you? Would you continue eating or drinking, discard your
water or food, or do something else? Our Facebook followers chime in.
How do you stop illegal dog fighting?
Then, Andrew Binovi, Senior Manager for Federal Legislation for the ASPCA joins Peter to talk about the continued high prevalence of animal fighting. National Dogfighting Awareness Day is April 8th.
The general public underestimates how common dogfighting continues to be, and often does not recognize the signs of dogfighting operations and injuries from fighting. Also, there’s new federal legislation in the works, so listen in to learn how you can support it.
Dogfighting—a blood “sport” in which two dogs are pitted against each other in a fighting pit and forced to rip each other to shreds in a fight to the death for the “amusement” and monetary gain of spectator-gamblers—is illegal in the United States, and participating in dogfighting is considered to be a felony offense in every state.1
Preventing dog bites
Lori then reviews information about dog bites, first from the Insurance Information Institute about the incidence of bites and paid claims related to bites, and the AVMA on dog bite prevention. To conclude, Lori reviews a neat survey by Mars Petcare highlighting the differences between dog and cat people.
Animals Today April 6, 2019: High blood pressure in dogs and cats. Ways to reduce stress in shelter dogs
Apr 09, 2019
Show notes
Hot Animal News
We begin with animal news including Senator Feinstein takes
an interest in horse deaths at Santa Anita Park racetrack, high pesticide
residues present in common fruits and vegetables, Ohio’s state animal is now
the shelter pet, the USDA ends a toxoplasmosis research program that killed
thousands of kittens, and more.
High blood pressure in dogs and cats
Then, Veterinarian Robert Reed joins us to speak about high blood pressure in dogs and cats. Our understanding of high blood pressure in our pets has increased greatly over the past 2 decades. Most instances are caused by an underlying medical condition the cat or dog has.
The most common canine diseases that can lead to high blood pressure are chronic kidney disease, Cushing’s disease (an overproduction of cortisone by the body), and adrenal gland tumors. With high blood pressure, blood vessels can become thickened and stretched and may eventually rip and tear, causing bleeding.
Ways to reduce stress in shelter dogs
Peter then welcomes back to the show Professor Clive Wynne of the Arizona State University Canine Science Collaboratory to speak about the stress dogs have while in shelters. His group is working on developing ways to reduce the stress of dogs there.
Pain creams used by people pose severe risks to cats.
To finish up this show, we continue with a few more dog and cat items. According to a new FDA report, using pain relief creams (like flurbiprofen) on your body can pose serious health risks to cats.
People apply these topical pain creams to themselves to treat muscle or joint pain. Exposure to your cat can occur by petting, by the cat rubbing against your body, or via transfer from bedding.
Even small amounts of the medication are highly toxic and can be lethal. Lori also explains how topically applied hormone replacement creams can pose serious risks to pets in a similar fashion.
Then, Lori tells us about the most common causes of visits to the vet over the past year.
Animals Today March 30, 2019: Visual identification of dog breeds. New animal provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Apr 03, 2019
Show notes
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 the practice of visual identification of dog breeds, which is common, yet has many limitations and pitfalls. This leads to a discussion on the complexity of canine genetics, and Clive’s advice on how best to adopt a dog.
New animal provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill
Lori then welcomes back Attorney Mark Momjian who describes three notable provisions relevant to animals in the recently passed Farm Bill (the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018).
This wide-ranging law contains provisions to help battered spouses who have pets, to strengthen laws against animal fighting and to ban the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption. Mark is adjunct Professor at Villanova University School of Law.
The United States addresses agricultural and food policy through a variety of programs, including nutrition assistance, crop insurance, commodity support, and conservation. Much of the legal framework for agricultural and food policy is set through a legislative process that occurs approximately every 5 years.
The current farm law, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Act), was signed on December 20, 2018, and will remain in force through 2023, although some provisions extend beyond 2023. The 2018 Farm Act makes few major changes in agricultural and food policy.
Why were leeches used in ancient times?
Lori then describes the use of leeches in history and in modern medicine.
Medicinal leech.
Leeches have been used in medicine for over 2,500 years. They were more popular in earlier times because it was widely thought that most diseases were caused by an excess of blood. As recently as the 19th century, leeches were used to treat everything from tonsillitis to hemorrhoids.
Learn About Butterflies
And, March 14 is Learn About Butterflies Day! Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing is the world’s largest butterfly, with a wingspan of nearly one foot. Test you butterfly smarts as Lori dishes out the fun quiz questions.
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