Humane Talk

Pets of Valor Jul 15, 2013

The HSUS' mission statement is Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty. The HSUS addresses the most egregious forms of cruelty against animals, but also celebrates the human-animal bond and animals that go above and beyond.

The HSUS Annual Report Jul 09, 2013

The HSUS recently released its 2012 annual report, showing the huge accomplishments of the organization for the year.

Episode 87: Closing the Last Gas Chambers Jul 01, 2013

Wayne and Tracie discuss gas chambers, an antiquated and inhumane method of euthanizing shelter animals.

Episode 86: Animal Fighting Spectator Bill Jun 14, 2013

All 50 states have laws that ban animal fighting, however a dangerous loophole exists in federal law that prevents spectators from being arrested or prosecuted.

Episode 85: Nightmare in Mississippi Jun 07, 2013

The conditions our rescue team witnessed at a recent puppy mill raid in Mississippi were nothing short of appalling. It was, in a word, a nightmare for the animals.

Episode 84: The King Amendment May 31, 2013

Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, has proposed an amendment to the Farm Bill that would nullify any standards approved at the state level to regulate agriculture.

Episode 83: Victory for Dolphins May 24, 2013

Wayne and Tracie discuss the recent developments in the ongoing struggle to keep dolphin-safe tuna labeling requirements intact.

Episode 82: Get the Lead Out May 17, 2013

Assembly Bill 711 seeks to ban the use of toxic lead ammunition in California. Lead bullets continue to kill wildlife long after being discharged into the environment.

Episode 81: Canada's Seal Slaughter May 10, 2013

Thousands of baby seals are clubbed to death during the Canadian seal slaughter each year. Although there is little demand for seal fur, the Canadian government continues to buy up the excess pelts.

Episode 80: Michigan Wolves and Doves May 02, 2013

Michigan Senate Bill 288 would allow the repeal of one of the most popular ballot measures in Michigan history, which outlawed the target shooting of mourning doves.

Epidsode 79: Wayne and Ellen Speak Up for Animals Apr 25, 2013

Tracie and Wayne discuss Wayne's recent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where he talked about the dangerous Tennessee anti-whistleblower bill that is making its way to Governor Bill Haslam's desk.

Episode 78: Meatless Mondays Apr 22, 2013

The second largest school district in the country, Los Angeles Unified, recently made a commitment to go meat-free on Mondays.

Episode 77: PUPS Act & Puppy Mills Apr 12, 2013

Wayne and Tracie discuss puppy mills, the AKC, and the recently introduced PUPS Act – federal legislation that would close a loophole that allows puppy millers to sell over the internet without regulation.

Episode 76: Wolf Reintroduction Ends in Tragedy Apr 04, 2013

Starting in the 1990s, there was an effort to reintroduce wolves in the Northern Rockies. Many people were quick to label the effort a success, but that was a premature judgment.

Episode 75: Is Your Fur Faux? Apr 01, 2013

The FTC has taken action against several big name retailers that falsely advertised real fur as faux fur. The HSUS has conducted many investigations exposing falsely labeled or falsely advertised fur garments.

Episode 74: Horse Meat on the Menu? Mar 25, 2013

Wayne and Tracie discuss the issues surrounding horse slaughter and horse meat, and the recent developments in the EU and the U.S. regarding meat contamination, welfare concerns, and food safety problems.

Episode 73: When Animals Are In Need, The HSUS Is There Mar 15, 2013

Wayne and Tracie discuss all the ways in which The HSUS helps animals - particularly in terms of direct care. Contrary to the claims of many opposition groups, The HSUS is the No. 1 organization in the nation for hands-on animal care.

Episode 72: Whistleblower Suppression Laws Mar 04, 2013

One of the only methods of bringing individuals and companies who engage in serious animal cruelty offenses to justice is to videotape or photograph them engaging in the illegal act.

Episode 71: NIH Working Group Finds Chimps Should No Longer be Used for Invasive Research Feb 22, 2013

Recently, the National Institutes of Health set up a working group to determine whether or not research on chimpanzees is necessary. They found that all but 50 chimps should be permanently retired and research discontinued.

Episode 70: Saying Goodbye to Billy and Working to Stop Puppy Mills Feb 08, 2013

Billy was a puppy mill dog whose video turned into an overnight internet sensation. The years of neglect Billy suffered were too much, and sadly, he passed away in December.

Episode 69: Street Dog Welfare Feb 04, 2013

Street dogs make up nearly half of the world's population of canines. Wayne talks about HSI's innovative program to spay/neuter and vaccinate street dogs, bringing the population down to a more manageable level.

Episode 68: Animal Welfare in India Feb 01, 2013

Wayne and Tracie talk about his recent trip to India and the animal protection issues that Humane Society International is addressing in the newly opened offices in the country.

Episode 67: Disaster Response from Katrina to Sandy Jan 29, 2013

Wayne discusses his experiences on the ground in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and how disaster preparedness and response with regard to animals has changed in the years since Katrina.

Episode 66: Progress for Animals in 2012 (Part 2) Jan 25, 2013

Part 2 of 2: Tracie and Wayne continue their conversation about progress made for animals by The HSUS in 2012.

Episode 65: Progress for Animals in 2012 (Part 1) Jan 18, 2013

Part 1 of 2: Every year The HSUS works tirelessly to create a more humane world for animals. Listen as Wayne and Tracie discuss the major milestones reached in 2012 state by state.

Episode 64: Wolves Under Fire Jan 11, 2013

Less than a year after the USFWS de-listed wolves in the Great Lakes region, Wisconsin and Minnesota open wolf hunting and trapping seasons. Tracie and Wayne discuss the implications of this tragic development and how The HSUS is responding.

Episode 63: Putting a Stop to the Cruel Beluga Whale Trade Dec 20, 2012

Eighteen beluga whales who were captured in Russian seas are set to be put on display at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. If the permit for their import is approved, it will set a precedent that will have devastating consequences for wild belugas.

Episode 62: It's Time to End Chimpanzee Research Nov 20, 2012

Listen in as Wayne and Tracy discuss how and why we should phase out medical research on chimpanzees and retire those currently living in labs to sanctuaries.

Episode 61: Going Undercover to Reveal Abuse and Help Animals Oct 31, 2012

The HSUS conducts undercover investigations at factory farms, research labs, slaughterhouses, and other places where animal cruelty is often hidden behind closed doors. Hear more about the courageous work of investigators and how they help animals.

Episode 60: Reforming Policies to Help Animals Oct 19, 2012

The HSUS rescues thousands of pets and runs a network of sanctuaries, but we also protect animals by reforming policies in Congress, at the state level, and in the courts. Learn more about how these efforts are improving conditions for so many animals.

Episode 59: Companies Backslide on Animal Testing Policies Oct 15, 2012

Was the shampoo you use tested on animals? Did your toothpaste or lipstick cause suffering for animals in labs? We've made great progress in phasing out animal tests for many products, but recently several companies backslid on their cruelty-free pledges.

Episode 58: Touring the Heartland of America Sep 28, 2012

Hear about Wayne's recent tour of farms in rural America, and more about how The Humane Society of the United States is working with farmers to phase out cruel confinement and work together to advance animal welfare.

Episode 57: Domestic Dog Fur for Sale in the United States Sep 21, 2012

It's illegal to sell products containing domestic dog or cat fur in the United States, thanks to legislation supported by The HSUS more than a decade ago. But in 2012, our investigators found domestic dog fur for sale in the U.S.

Episode 56: Major Moments in Animal Protection, Continued Sep 17, 2012

Hear more about major moments for the animal protection movement in recent years. In this continuation, Tracie and Wayne discuss the Hallmark-Westland undercover investigation of a dairy cow slaughter plant, and how people can seek out more humane food.

Episode 55: Five Landmark Moments for Animal Protection Sep 05, 2012

Learn more about five of the most important events in the recent history of animal protection, including the rescue of pets after Hurricane Katrina, the arrest of Michael Vick for dogfighting, and the ban on extreme confinement of farm animals in Calif.

Episode 54: Undercover Video Reveals Abuse to Horses Aug 24, 2012

A recent HSUS investigation uncovered shocking abuse of Tennessee walking horses. Learn more about horse soring, the intentional infliction of pain to produce a high-stepping gait, and the aftermath of this investigation.

Episode 53: Where the Wild Things Shouldn't Be Aug 10, 2012

Why is it a bad idea to keep a Bengal tiger or a chimpanzee in your backyard, basement, or living room? Find out more about the problems with the exotic pet trade, including a tragic incident recently in Zanesville, Ohio.

Episode 52: Doublespeak from American Kennel Club on Puppy Mills Aug 03, 2012

The American Kennel Club says it stands for responsible breeders and the welfare of dogs. Yet it has opposed dozens of laws to set basic standards for puppy mills. Listen to this episode to learn why, and for an update on a USDA proposal to protect dogs.

Episode 51: Protecting Parrots and Other Birds Jul 30, 2012

Tracie and Wayne discuss the recent rescue of more than 120 neglected parrots from a supposed sanctuary in Ohio. Though some types of birds make wonderful pets, parrots are intelligent, social, can live many decades, and need specialized care.

Episode 50: Investigation Shines Light on Cruelty to Tennessee Walking Horses Jul 20, 2012

An HSUS undercover investigation showed Tennessee walking horses having caustic chemicals applied to their legs as well as being whipped, kicked, and shocked in the face. Learn more about the public awareness and criminal indictments that followed.

Episode 49: Tigers and More Rescued from Exotic Animal Park Jul 18, 2012

The issue of keeping dangerous wild animals in backyards or substandard roadside zoos continues to be in the news. Hear about a recent rescue of tigers, leopards, and other animals from an Oklahoma roadside zoo with poor conditions and safety risks.

Episode 48: Speak Up Now to Help Dogs in Puppy Mills Jul 11, 2012

Countless puppy mill dogs are sold over the Internet with little oversight because of a legal loophole. Before July 16, please comment to support requiring large-scale breeders selling dogs online or directly to the public to meet basic standards of care.

Episode 47: Working with Law Enforcement to Protect Animals Jun 08, 2012

The HSUS works with law enforcement officials to help rescue pets, crack down on animal fighting, protect wildlife, and much more. Find out how this cooperation takes place in this week's episode of Humane Talk.

Episode 46: Get Educated on Animal Issues at Humane Society University Jun 01, 2012

Find out how you can go to school for animals at Humane Society University, with classes online and in Washington, D.C. The university has a wide range of courses and offers undergraduate degrees, graduate certificates, and master's degrees.

Episode 45: Helping Street Dogs in the Asian Nation of Bhutan May 29, 2012

Hear about the ongoing project in Bhutan, a small county in Asia, where Humane Society International is helping street dogs and communities by sterilizing tens of thousands of free-roaming dogs.

Episode 44: Racing Is a Dangerous Game for Horses May 21, 2012

This episode looks into how competitive horse racing leads to the injury and death of far too many horses. A recent series in the New York Times brought more attention to the serious problems with injuries, drugs, and overbreeding in the industry.

Episode 43: California Wildlife Official Kills Mountain Lion on Guided Trophy Hunt May 11, 2012

Although Californians banned hunting mountain lions with dogs two decades ago, the president of the state Fish & Game Commission recently traveled to Idaho to corner and kill a cougar with a pack of dogs. Wayne and Tracie discuss the controversy.

Episode 42: Join us at Animal Care EXPO or Taking Action for Animals May 04, 2012

Learn more about how to make a difference for animals by signing up for our Taking Action for Animals conference this July, offering workshops and a wealth of information. Animal care professionals, please join us for our Animal Care EXPO this May.

Episode 41: Getting Closer to Ending the Canadian Seal Slaughter Apr 27, 2012

Learn about the growing momentum to stop the commercial slaughter of baby harp seals in Canada. More and more countries are closing their borders to the seal fur trade, and animal advocates are speaking out against the killing.

Episode 40: Pets Used for Experiments Apr 20, 2012

Wayne and Tracie discuss the little-known problem of Class B dealers, who acquire pets from shelters, "free to good home" ads, and other sources, then sell them to be used in experiments. Hear about how these random-source dealers are on their way out.

Episode 39: Contraceptive Vaccine for Humane Wild Horse Management Apr 13, 2012

Wild horses are an iconic part of the U.S. landscape, but the government rounds up thousands annually. Find out how a safe contraceptive vaccine for these animals can help manage their populations, and learn about the history of wild horse protection.

Episode 38: McDonald's Announcement is Great News for Pigs Apr 06, 2012

Hear about McDonald's taking action to move toward ending the use of gestation crates for breeding pigs. More and more restaurant chains, pork producers, and food service companies are making similar announcements to phase out this cruel confinement.

Episode 37: 'Horse Diving' Act Canceled after Outcry Mar 30, 2012

An Atlantic City business recently scrapped plans to re-open a "horse diving" act. This dangerous spectacle became popular in the 1920s, with horses forced to walk up to an elevated platform that drops and plunges them 30 or 40 feet into a tank of water.

Episode 36: New Bill to Help Egg-Laying Hens Mar 26, 2012

Hear more about the good news for hens: Federal lawmakers have introduced a bill to phase out barren battery cages for egg-laying hens and give these birds more space. Wayne and Tracie explain the details and the efforts to pass this important bill.

Episode 35: Killing Campaigns against Coyotes Mar 16, 2012

The U.S. government poisons and traps many coyotes and other wild animals, often in cruel ways. Find out why The HSUS is working to stop this taxpayer-funded killing program, and to replace it with effective nonlethal methods.

Episode 34: The Dangers of Large Constrictor Snakes as Pets Mar 09, 2012

Invasive Burmese pythons are killing native animals in Florida, while pythons and other large constrictors kept as pets have killed several people. Learn about stopping the pet trade in large constrictor snakes to protect animal welfare and public safety.

Episode 33: Operation Cyberwild Mar 02, 2012

Hear about the intriguing investigation called Operation Cyberwild that found products made from tiger skin, elephant skin, and other wildlife parts being sold online. HSUS volunteers helped federal officials uncover this illegal trafficking.

Episode 32: Report Card for the Obama Administration Feb 24, 2012

Find out why The HSUS gave the Obama administration a C-minus grade for 2011, looking at important animal welfare issues such as wild horses, chimps in research, puppy mills, protection of farm animals, trophy hunting of wolves, and more.

Episode 31: New Front Group Tries to Divide Animal Advocates Feb 17, 2012

This episode uncovers the dealings of PR front-man Richard Berman and his involvement with a new group, the so-called "Humane Society for Shelter Pets," attacking The HSUS. Berman has formed many front groups to try to discredit public interest charities.

Episode 30: Good News for Chimpanzees Feb 10, 2012

Learn more about the amazing lives of chimps and some recent good news for these animals, such as a federal study concluding that biomedical research on them is unnecessary.

Episode 29: Wolves Under Attack Feb 03, 2012

Learn more about the serious threats facing gray wolves today--animals who were nearly eradicated in the continental U.S. by trapping, hunting, and poisoning. Tracie and Wayne also talk about why protecting wolves is sometimes controversial.

Episode 28: Problems with Purebred Dog Breeding Jan 27, 2012

Tracie and Wayne explore the serious health problems caused by breeding dogs for their appearance instead of well-being, highlighted by a New York Times Magazine article on bulldogs. Find out more about calls to prioritize the dogs' health and welfare.

Episode 27: Buyer Beware - Online Sales of Puppy Mill Dogs Jan 20, 2012

Cute puppies for sale over the Internet may win over unsuspecting consumers, but a recent investigation linked a major puppy broker to inhumane puppy mills. Hear more about the investigation and how to avoid supporting puppy mills when getting a dog.

Episode 26: The Campaign against Cramped Crates for Breeding Pigs Jan 13, 2012

Learn about the problem of gestation crates, where many breeding pigs are confined on factory farms for most of their lives without being able to turn around. This episode discusses how animal advocates are campaigning to phase out these cruel crates.

Episode 25: Celebrating 2011's Victories for Animals Jan 06, 2012

Tracie and Wayne talk about some of the biggest victories for animals in 2011, such as an agreement between The HSUS and a major egg industry group to phase out barren battery cages for hens, as well as good news on pet rescue, shark finning, and more.

Episode 24: New Year's Resolutions for a Humane Diet Dec 30, 2011

As we approach the new year, listen to an encore episode about how the choices we make when we sit down to eat make a big difference for animals. Choosing to join in Meatless Mondays or buy cage-free eggs can make great New Year's resolutions.

Episode 23: Pets for Life Helps Underserved Communities Dec 16, 2011

HSUS's Pets for Life programs in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and other cities reach out to underserved communities to host free pet health clinics, strengthen the bond between people and their pets, and more.

Episode 22: The Shelter Pet Project Spreads the Word on Pet Adoption Dec 09, 2011

The Shelter Pet Project, a project of The HSUS, the Ad Council, and pet foundation Maddie's Fund, is promoting shelter adoptions through a national ad campaign. Hear more about this groundbreaking project and how it's helping pets.

Episode 21: Bullfighting Banned in Spanish Province of Catalonia Dec 02, 2011

Tracie and Wayne celebrate this year's ban on bullfighting in Catalonia, a province in northeastern Spain, and highlight the ongoing campaigns to end this blood sport elsewhere.

Episode 20: Lions, Tigers, and Bears in Ohio Nov 27, 2011

Hear the latest on the pressing topic of wild, dangerous animals being kept as pets in Ohio. Dozens of tigers, lions, and other animals were recently killed after being released by a Zanesville man, just the latest example of why stronger laws are needed.

Episode 19: Federal Budget Cuts to Help Animals Nov 18, 2011

With the federal government focused on reducing huge budget deficits, Wayne and Tracie discuss four ways that Congress can cut hundreds of millions in wasteful spending while helping chimpanzees, wild horses, animals in research, and wildlife.

Episode 18: Hawaii Donkeys Airlifted to Safety Nov 11, 2011

When can donkeys fly? When The HSUS, veterinarians, and others came together to help free-roaming donkeys in Hawaii, we airlifted more than 100 of them to sanctuary on the mainland. Hear the unusual and uplifting story of these special equines.

Episode 17: Supreme Court Hearing Case on Downer Cattle and Pigs Nov 07, 2011

Learn about the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case on a California law spurred by HSUS's Hallmark/Westland slaughterhouse investigation, which found horrific abuse of downer cows and led to a massive meat recall because of human health concerns.

Episode 16: Ballot Initiatives to Help Animals Oct 28, 2011

Wayne and Tracie discuss state ballot initiatives that allow voters to decide directly on important issues. The animal protection movement has used initiatives to outlaw cockfighting in Oklahoma, battery cages in California, and more.

Episode 15: The Dangers of the Exotic Animal Trade Oct 21, 2011

Boa constrictors, tigers, chimpanzees, lions, and other exotic animals are legal to keep in homes and backyards in much of the United States. Learn why keeping large constrictor snakes and other exotic animals is harmful for the animals and for people.

Episode 14: Stopping the Cruelty of Horse Soring Oct 14, 2011

This episode explores the disturbing practice of "horse soring," using painful methods to make show horses have an exaggerated, high-stepping gait. Tracie shares her personal experiences with show horses. *Please note: some descriptions are graphic.*

Episode 13: Fur-Free Fashion and O Magazine Oct 07, 2011

Tracie and Wayne chat about fur-free fashion and the great news about O, the Oprah Magazine, embracing fur-free alternatives. More people are recognizing that fur is cruel and unnecessary with so many modern alternatives for consumers.

Episode 12: Contagion and the Threats of Factory Farming Sep 30, 2011

Learn more about how intensive factory farming is not only inhumane for animals, but contributes to contagious diseases that threaten people. Wayne and Tracie discuss the new movie "Contagion" and how our treatment of animals affects human health.

Episode 11: Meatless Mondays and Humane Farming Sep 23, 2011

Did you know that the choices you make when you sit down to eat can make the biggest difference to help animals? Hear how campaigns like Meatless Mondays and cage-free eggs can benefit millions of farm animals.

Episode 10: Good News on Botox Animal Testing Sep 16, 2011

Wayne describes how the anti-wrinkle treatment Botox has used an infamous animal testing method to make batches of the product. But recently, Botox maker Allergan announced that it has developed a new, alternative test that doesn't use animals.

Episode 9: Special Animal Shelter at Louisiana Prison Sep 09, 2011

Hear the unique story of a new pet shelter inside the Dixon Correctional Institute in Louisiana, which takes in homeless animals and offers them for adoption. This project is helping inmates, pets, and the community.

Episode 8: Summer Reading for Animal Lovers Sep 02, 2011

Hear about some of the latest books that celebrate animals, including "The Art of Racing in the Rain," "Alex and Me," Pacelle's book, "The Bond," and a wide variety of fascinating reads.

Episode 7: Protecting America's Horses Aug 29, 2011

Learn more about the issue of horse slaughter, including the closure of U.S. slaughter plants in recent years and the continuing efforts to stop the export of American horses to Canada and Mexico to be killed for human consumption.

Episode 6: The Humane Economy Aug 19, 2011

Tracie and Wayne talk about the idea of a "humane economy" where businesses reflect humane values--such as whale watching instead of whale hunting, pet stores supporting adoption instead of puppy mills, or ecotourism instead of seal killing.

Episode 5: Agreement to Help Egg-Laying Hens Aug 12, 2011

Get the latest on the important agreement between The HSUS and United Egg Producers to phase out barren battery cages, give egg-laying hens more space, and improve labeling to help consumers make informed decisions.

Episode 4: The Problems with Pet Store Puppies Aug 08, 2011

Hear more about a rescued puppy mill dog recently adopted by a U.S. Congressman, and why pet adoption is so important. Tracie and Wayne also talk about new federal legislation to crack down on puppy mills.

Episode 3: Puppy Mill Update Jul 29, 2011

Learn more about puppy mills, where breeding dogs typically live in small cages for their whole lives without proper care. These mills sell puppies through pet stores and over the Internet. Tracie and Wayne discuss the campaign to help these dogs.

Episode 2: GoDaddy Controversy Jul 22, 2011

Wayne and Tracie talk about the intense controversy over GoDaddy.com CEO Bob Parsons' killing of an African elephant in Zimbabwe. Learn more about the issue of wasteful trophy hunting, and how to support companies that are friendly to animals.

Episode 1: A Passion for Animal Protection Jun 14, 2011

In the first episode of Humane Talk, hear Wayne Pacelle and Tracie Hotchner discuss the day-to-day work of animal protection. Wayne shares how he became an animal advocate and what motivates him as president of The Humane Society of the United States.

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