Episodes
Feb. 23, 2018
Animals Today February 24, 2018. Illinois law elevates pets’ legal status in divorce actions. International Polar Bear Day! New airline policies on flying with service animals and emotional support animals. Animals in popular song titles.
We begin with Attorney Mark Momjian who describes an important new statute in Illinois that affects animals in the context of divorce and separation. It allows trial courts to find that if a companion animal is acquired during the marriage, the court has the power to decide not only the ownership of the animal, but […]
Feb. 11, 2018
Animals Today February 17, 2018. Safe choices for dog treats and toys. Oral health for dogs. Rescued pit bulls are serving as detection dogs. The 10 most lethal animal venoms and poisons.
This show begins with Lori speaking with Veterinarian Douglas Kunz about choosing dog treats and toys carefully, to help your pets avoid dangerous ingestions, dental injuries and other hazards. Dr. Kunz is Medical Director of Desert VCA Animal Hospital in Palm Springs, California. Lori continues reviewing oral health concerns in dogs, in recognition of National […]
Feb. 10, 2018
Animals Today February 10, 2018: Canine influenza. Plastic straws and the oceans. Swim with dolphin programs losing popularity. Rabbit welfare and pet rabbits.
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 […]
Jan. 30, 2018
Animals Today January 27, 2018. The strongest ten animal bites. February is pet dental health month. The Nonhuman Rights Project seeks to secure more legal rights for animals. Tracking animal abusers with statewide registries.
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 […]
Jan. 21, 2018
Animals Today January 20, 2018. The ten worst zoos for elephants. Updating California’s Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. Top bird watching sites worldwide.
The show begins with Lori’s discussion with Toni Frohoff, PhD., Elephant Campaign Director at In Defense of Animals. Each year, IDA publishes its list of the worst North American zoos for elephants, and sadly, this year’s list demonstrates that the horrendous conditions for elephants in so many zoos continues. In 2017, there was indeed some […]
Jan. 14, 2018
Animals Today January 13, 2018. Our national emblem, the bald eagle. DDT, eagles, mosquitos, malaria, and Zika. Canned hunting of specially bred species with unusual features.
We begin our tribute to the majestic bale eagle with the history of its becoming part of our national emblem. The bald eagle, very prevalent as North America was colonized by Europeans, was later forced nearly to extinction, but recovered due to legislation (The Bald Eagle Protection Act) and the banning of DDT, enforcement of […]
Jan. 6, 2018
Animals Today January 6, 2018. Ideas to help dogs and cats for the New Year. Aiding wild animals near the home. The continued growth of the plant-based diet. Reviewing Earthlings. Risks from rabies.
We begin sharing some ideas you and your children can try to help needy dogs and cats in your community. Maybe one or more of these suggestions will inspire you for the New Year. Then we discuss things you can do around your home to help the wild animals and critters who live nearby. We […]
Dec. 10, 2017
Animals Today December 9, 2017. Legal analysis of the shooting death of an innocent woman by a hunter. Understanding the mind of the cow. Exploring Nat Geo’s Encounter Ocean Odyssey. Pets and stereos: Can we all get along? Marin County’s hu
The show begins with Lori speaking with Animal Legal Defense Fund Senior Staff Attorney, Diane Balkin, about the recent shooting of Rosmarie Billquist, who was killed by a hunter while walking her dogs in a field behind her home. The hunter, Thomas Jadlowski, shot at what he believed to be a deer with a high […]
Dec. 4, 2017
Animals Today December 3, 2017. Reining in Animal Services. Chris Delforce’s upcoming film, Dominion. Legal status of pets continues to expand. It’s International Cheetah Day! Photographing fascinating reef creatures.
We begin with Camilla Fox, Founder and President of Project Coyote, who discusses lawsuits against the government agency, Wildlife Services, which alleges the agency is not using the best available science in deciding whether and how to kill millions of animals around the US each year at taxpayers’ expense. Fox claims Wildlife Services is nothing […]
Nov. 28, 2017
Animals Today November 25, 2017: Big game trophy decision: What will the Trump administration do about this explosive issue? Holiday safety for pets. Most popular dog and cat names of the year.
We begin with Judy Mancuso, President and Founder of SCIL (Social Compassion in Legislation), who recounts how she learned about the Interior Secretary’s decision to permit African elephant trophies back into the US, and President Trump’s placing of a hold on that decision. She sprung into action, organizing a rally in LA and taking steps […]
Nov. 18, 2017
Animals Today November 18, 2017: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society update. What happened to Ringling Bros’ tigers? Ronnie Lee discusses his biography, The Animals’ Freedom Fighter.
We begin with Paul Watson, Founder, President and Executive Director of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The Japanese government has adopted aggressive means to thwart the Society’s pacific fleet from interfering with their whaling activities. Watson says he will have to find a new approach, and is hopeful that other governments will act to end Japan’s illegal […]
Nov. 4, 2017
Animals Today November 4, 2017: Thanksgiving eats for pets: what’s ok? Turkey traditions and the Presidency. Heartworm update. Favorite products of 2017, part 3.
The show begins with Lori sharing her research on which Thanksgiving foods can be shared with pets, including suggested modifications of traditional dishes and ingredients to avoid. Then, Peter joins in as they discuss the absurd tradition of the Presidential turkey pardon. The show continues with Veterinarian Dr. Robert Reed, giving us the latest on […]
Oct. 28, 2017
Animals Today October 28, 2017: California makes a strong move against puppy mills. Overweight dogs and cats. Protecting Manatees. Favorite products of 2017, part 2.
Our first guest Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL). Thanks to her tireless efforts, Governor Jerry Brown has just signed into law a bill that will curtail the flow of puppy mill dogs into the state. Pet stores that want to sell dogs, cats and rabbits will have to get […]
Oct. 22, 2017
Animals Today October 21, 2017: Who should be permitted to have Emotional Support Animals? Is it time for cannabinoids for pets? Long sentence for police dog killer. Top pet products 2017 part 1.
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 […]
Oct. 7, 2017
Animals Today October 7, 2017: Sea Shepherd reacts to Japan’s aggressive tactics. The origins of Animal Law. Protect the Endangered Species Act. Oh, how we love our dogs. Sloths.
We begin with Paul Watson, Founder President and Executive Director of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The Japanese government has adopted aggressive means to thwart the Society’s pacific fleet from interfering with their whaling activities. Watson says he will have to find a new approach, and is hopeful that other governments will act to end Japan’s […]
Sept. 25, 2017
Animals Today September 23, 2017: Hurricane and flood updates from Florida and Texas. Shark photography and conservation. Coyotes.
We begin the show with Laura Bevan, Southern Regional Director for the Humane Society of the United States, who provides a firsthand account of the effects of Irma and Harvey and how animal welfare groups, government agencies and individuals are working to protect and rescue animals. Florida is especially well-prepared, with an advanced plan to […]
Sept. 17, 2017
Animals Today September 16, 2017: All about rabbits. Divorce and companion animals. Settlement reached in the “monkey selfie” lawsuit.
International Rabbit Day is fast approaching, so Lori begins with a two-part interview with Dr. Anne Martin, executive Director, House Rabbit Society. They discuss rabbits as pets and other welfare issues including cosmetic testing on rabbits and rabbit overpopulation. There’s tons of good info here! Then, Philadelphia based family law attorney Mark Momjian joins Lori […]
Sept. 9, 2017
Animals Today September 9, 2017: Animal idioms. Ending cownose ray killing contests. Dementia in dogs. Will SeaWorld survive? A rescue and hospice for homeless senior dogs.
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 […]
Sept. 3, 2017
Animals Today September 2, 2017: Preparing for Natural Disasters. American Bar Association supports TNVR programs. So ya wanna bring your emotional support animal to Europe? Can music soothe our pets?
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 […]
Aug. 26, 2017
Animals Today August 26, 2017: World Mosquito Day. Please don’t visit the dolphin park in Arizona! Another SHARK victory: Senator Inhofe’s canned pigeon shooting events have ceased. Best pet-friendly cities.
August 20th was World Mosquito Day, which recognizes the discovery of the connection between mosquitos and Malaria. Lori reviews some of this fascinating history, including the very controversial story about DDT. Will there be any role for DDT in the US if disease from the Zika virus becomes more widespread? Peter then announces efforts to dissuade […]
Aug. 21, 2017
Animals Today August 19, 2017. SuperZoo 2017, Part 1. Coverage from Las Vegas. Cognitive dysfunction in dogs. Genetic testing for breed and disease.
Peter is back from Las Vegas, where he covered this year’s SuperZoo, the huge pet products trade show. He shares his impressions with Lori, admitting it’s just too much to do in one day. In upcoming shows, we will be reviewing our favorite products, many of which are being tested by our own dogs and […]
Aug. 13, 2017
Animals Today Aug 12 2017. Deceptive and fraudulent labeling of faux fur: learn how to ensure the products you buy are cruelty free. Bad flu affecting dogs.
Lori’s first guest for the show is Pierre Grzybowski, policy enforcement Manager for the Humane Society of the United State’s Fur-Free Campaign. Pierre explains how garments, shoes and handbags marked and advertised as being composed of synthetic materials may actually have animal fur or hair. The HSUS is a strong voice against this practice and […]
Aug. 5, 2017
Animals Today August 5, 2017: Try a plant-based diet! Heartworm update. Animal advocates are now in Connecticut courts, an important milestone. Rescuing animals and kids from hot cars: new laws apply in California
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 […]
July 23, 2017
Animals Today July 23, 2017. Utah ag-gag law ruled unconstitutional. Coral reefs. Is the Pet Effect real? Arachnids, serpents and us.
The show begins with legal expert Bob Ferber reviewing the recent overturning of Utah’s so-called ag-gag law. The court found the law interfered with free speech rights and Ferber explains the nuances and the significance of the ruling. Expect to see more similar legal battles in other states. Lori and Peter continue with a fun […]