The Animal Welfare Junction

This is part two of a two-part series on the petition created by the Harvard Law School's Animal Law Clinic on behalf of wildlife animal advocates seeking to eliminate anticoagulant rodenticides in Massachusetts. Not only are these poisons a cruel way to kill rodents, the victims of these devices extend to wildlife and even species that are protected.Our guests will discuss how they have come together in this fight, the importance of education of the public on this issue, and what we can do together to promote species conservation and welfare. They will also share their personal experiences as they are first hand witnesses of the injuries suffered by eagles, hawks, owls, and other wildlife.Part I guests are:Lla Anderson, Law student at the Harvard Law SchoolLaura Kiesel, founder of Save Arlington WildlifePart II guests are:Marci Cemenska founder of Save Lexington WildlifeJames Joyce II, founder of Friends of Horn PondMentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.10% off Tomahawk productsUse keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.com

When animals are in danger, people are in danger.We know that there is a direct link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, which is the driving force behind mandatory reporting laws. This is not just for cases of violence but also of neglect.Our guest Rachel Batten, Humane Officer at the Medina County SPCA in Ohio, shares her experience with a case of animal hoarding that revealed child neglect. Thanks to her efforts both the animals and the child were removed from the situation.Listen to the story of how it unfolded and the end result.Help us spread the word by liking, rating, and sharing the podcast. Together we can make a difference in the life of animals and in communities everywhere.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.10% off Tomahawk productsUse keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.com

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Snakes! What you don't know may hurt you. Robert O'Horo from Florida Fish and Wildlife discusses the venomous snakes most commonly found in the U.S., the mechanism of their venom, and how to avoid a deadly encounter.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Dr. Diego De Gasperi, Equine clinician and faculty at the University of Florida, helps us understand the uniques needs of horse dental care, common problems, and the consequences of dental disease.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Ken Trusley, from Florida Fish and Wildlife, discusses the types of hunting incidents seen in the field, from human causes to animal causes.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Adam Leath shares his knowledge on cockfighting, and we contrast it to dogfighting to learn the similarities and differences of both forms of criminal activity.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Dr. Courtney Valerio, Veterinary Forensic Pathologist, breaks down the process of a forensic necropsy and describes the information that can be obtained when investigating an animal crime or suspicious death.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Dr. Rachel Barton, Chief Veterinarian for Tallahassee Animal Services, discusses the importance of recognizing and reporting blunt force trauma in cases of suspected abuse.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Dr. Jim Crosby is an expert on animal aggression and dog bites, especially fatalities. With a previous background in police work, he brings a different perspective to crimes involving dog bites. What makes a dog bite? How serious are bites depending on severity? What is the Dunbar Bite Scale? We answer these questions and more.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Preparing for court has many moving parts and Jamie McManus discusses the process from initial hearings to trial. She also explains witness preparation and what veterinarians can do to be better advocates for animals.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.We all have rights against illegal search and seizure, but how are our rights leveled with victim rights and what can officers do to ensure that evidence collected is allowed in trial? Prosecutor Lauryn Day asnwers these questions and gives advice on how to help build a strong case.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Dr. Maria Serrano explains the live animal forensic examination and what veterinarians can do to be better advocates for animals.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.We all know, or at least think we know, the uses of DNA in criminal cases, but with true crime and criminal drama shows, our expectations may not be realistic. Ginger Clark, DNA Analyst at the University of Florida Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory, discusses the uses of DNA in forensics and answers questions about truth or fact based on what we learn from television and movies.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.What is photogrammetry and how can it help in animal crime investigations? Eileen Roy-Zokan discusses the use of known objects in images to estimate the size of other objects, how this is done now, and where is this technology headed.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Geographic Information Systems is the use of technology to identify crime hotspots through the use of spatial data. This is very useful in the prevention of wildlife crimes and poaching. Experts Jessica Pfohl and Anne Washington from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, share their knowledge and how others can obtain information and resources to implement this technology in their areas.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Dr. Jason Byrd, Board Certified Forensic Entomologist, discusses the use and importance of insect collection at crime scenes and from deceased animals, how to submit them, and the information that can be obtained from this forensic tool.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.Shoe prints and tire tracks can help place individuals at crime scenes. To learn more about this we interviewed Katherine Beck from the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.This episode is the first interview of the conference, and we have Amber Wallyn, Animal Cruelty Investigator in Lake County, Florida. She will discuss best practices in an animal crimes investigation to build a strong case. This episode is valuable to all individuals involved in the case, from veterinarians to ACOs and law enforcement.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal crueltyinvestigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal ForensicSciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.In this episode, Forensic Photographer Heidi Nichols from the Miami Dade County Medical Examiner's Department shares information on the use of pictures to document a crime scene and the evidence recovered.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.This episode is our introduction to the series, and joining us is Dr. Adam Stern. Learn about the purpose of the conference and what to expect from the next set of episodes. These talks are applicable to all individuals involved in animal cruelty and investigations, including wildlife crimes.We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/Mentioned in this episode:10% off Tomahawk productsUse keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.comKeep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

Vicki Deisner from Ohio Animal Advocates joins us to share with our listeners the Real Ohio Tours 2024 schedule and the advocacy efforts supported by these programs. From birds to foxes to farm animals, there is an opportunity to visit and learn about the places that care for these animals, how we can help support them, and the advocacy efforts occurring to change laws affecting their welfare.For information about Ohio Animal Advocates, visit www.ohioanimaladvocates.org or follow them on social media. Like our content? Please take a few seconds to rate, like and share. Together we can be a strong voice for animals.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.10% off Tomahawk productsUse keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.com

The Jefferson County Humane Society was established in Ohio back in 1915 by a group of women who wanted to help animals. For over 100 years, generations of women have worked hard to build a great shelter facility and a shelter clinic. Learn how and why on this in-person interview directly from the humane society.For information about the shelter, visit their website at https://jeffersoncountyhumanesociety.net/Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.10% off Tomahawk productsUse keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.com

Warning: This episode discusses the details of a case of animal cruelty where the defendant was charged with felony animal cruelty.We are joined by Sandusky Chief Dog Warden Kelly Pocock, whose hard work and determination resulted in the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of a dog killer. Solving this case involved crime scene investigation, necropsy, blood spatter, interrogation, and interviews and is a case that should be an example to other officers facing similar cases. This case also includes the presentation to the court of a Victim Impact Statement on behalf of the deceased dog, something that we do not see because animals are not normally recognized as victims of crime, just property.In addition to the interview with Kelly, our listeners will be able to hear the interview with the suspect and, along with us, dissect the information to determine if he is telling the truth or not.Following Kelly's interview, we follow up with the Humane Society of the United States' Laura Koivula, who shares how the HSUS assisted this small rural town with this big investigation.Help us spread the word by liking, rating, and sharing this podcast. Let's share the voice of this dog and encourage others to do more.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.10% off Tomahawk productsUse keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.com

We are back after a short break, and we couldn't have asked for a better guest to get us back on track. Dr. Adam Stern, professor of forensic pathology at the University of Florida, joins us to discuss poisonings and starvation in the veterinary forensic setting. This is an educational and informational episode and, while it is a difficult topic, there is nothing gory about our discussion. This topic is good for everyone, but in particular an excellent resource for veterinarians and humane agents wanting to improve their knowledge and learn about resources available to them.Dr. Stern also is one of the founders of the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences, an organization we highly recommend for anyone involved in animal cruelty and neglect investigations regardless of their experience or knowledge level.Websites of importance shared on this episode:https://isafs.orghttps://animalforensics.vetmed.ufl.eduMentioned in this episode:10% off Tomahawk productsUse keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.comKeep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

Everyone knows someone who says they work with animals because they hate people. Or maybe you are that someone. But what we must realize is that as animal welfare advocates we cannot separate the animals from their humans. The human-animal bond is a very important relationship, and to care for one we must acknowledge the other.Dr. Jonathan Gonzalez is a veterinarian practicing in the State of Texas and is very passionate about fostering the relationship between animals and humans and being part of the family medical team. We will discuss the importance of client communications, how to work through hard situations and when to learn to step away, and overall how to change our outlook to improve our own mental health.Like this episode? Help us by rating and sharing so we can reach more animal advocates like you.Mentioned in this episode:10% off Tomahawk productsUse keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.comKeep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

This episode contains topics that may be difficult to hear or that can be triggering to some listeners. Please take care of yourself and pause or stop if needed. This episode also has explicit language. Our guest K.D. Hearst, host of “Don’t F* up the Crime Scene”, joins us to discuss a case he worked on years ago in the state of Georgia involving sexual assault on a dog by two young kids. Authorities were called to the scene for a “dog bite” complaint and they did not expect to find what they did. Spoiler: everyone is fine.This case addresses sexual abuse, dog bites, and dangerous dogs. Dog bite level definitions are explained using the Ian Dunbar scale. Sexual assault to animals is a difficult topic to discuss, but one that is important to understand and acknowledge as it goes beyond the cruelty to the dog. These perpetrators can be dangerous to the community, especially to other innocent victims such as children, and current laws may not properly address this crime.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

Episode 37: SpayFirst with founder Ruth SteinbergerShelter euthanasia is not the problem. Shelter overpopulation is not the problem. We are looking for a solution to animal welfare issues while overlooking the real problem. Pet overpopulation and lack of access to care is the cause of increased shelter intake and thus shelter euthanasia. Until we acknowledge that lack of affordable and accessible care is the cause of the problem, we will not be able to reach a solution, and more animals and people who care for them will continue to suffer.To speak about this pet overpopulation crisis, we invited Ruth Steinberger, founder of SpayFirst. Ruth has been involved in providing affordable and accessible care since the ‘90s and shares what her organization is doing to provide solutions, how the current intake processes are doing more harm than good, and what needs to happen to truly help decrease shelter euthanasia. We are all responsible for this problem, and we all need to be part of the solution.You can help us reach a wider audience by following, rating, and sharing our episodes. Together we can make a difference for animals and the community.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

In 2017, officers Daniel Ettinger and Salvador Aguirre were able to close a case that started in 2014. Marleen Puzak avoided investigation for years following complaints of animal neglect at her property. This episode breaks down the details of the case, a review on hoarding disorder, and the importance of mental health evaluations.Our guest Daniel Ettinger (co-host of the Animal Control Report) shares with us his experience on this case, how he was able to obtain a warrant, his findings, what worked well, what could have worked better, and how him and his partner helped both the animals and quite possibly Ms. Puzak herself. This is an informational episode for anyone interested in learning more about animal hoarding.Like this episode? Help us reach a bigger audience by following, rating, and sharing!Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

There has been a lot of media attention to a "mystery" respiratory disease affecting dogs, and many pet owners and rescues are understandably concerned. But is it as mysterious or dangerous as it is being reported?To answer this question, we have invited Dr. Jeanette O'Quin, Associate Professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. O'Quin has training and experience in public health, infectious disease management, and outbreak response and presents us with an educated perspective on this important issue.For our shelter friends, Please visit the Association of Shelter Veterinarians website at https://www.sheltervet.org/resources/guidelines for assistance in maintaining as healthy a population as possible.

Homelessness is a serious crisis in the United States, with the most recent report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development dated December 2022 finding over 580,000 unhoused people on a single night in January of 2022 (hud.gov). It is a sad reality that pet ownership by housing-insecure individuals and families is a significant obstacle to sheltering and affordable housing. The lack of affordable co-sheltering facilities and pet-friendly affordable housing can be the factor that keeps someone at risk in the streets.From their website: "My Dog Is My Home's mission is to increase access to shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness with companion animals. By securing their ability to maintain their most important relationships and find adequate shelter, we ensure every family’s right to build a home."Founder Christine Kim shares with us the story of the organization, how it helps communities with co-sheltering and affordable housing initiatives, and her advocacy work with the Providing for Unhoused People with Pets (PUPP) Act, a federal bill to provide financial assistance to homeless service programs, shelters, and housing.If you like our content, you can help spread our message by rating and sharing. Together we can make a difference for the people and animals in our communities.https://www.mydogismyhome.org/https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_22_253Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

The lack of financial access to veterinary care creates a ripple of negative effects. It poses challenges such as delayed or foregone medical treatment for pets, compromising their health and undermining the broader objectives of the One Health approach. This issue is exacerbated by credit inequality, where individuals with limited financial resources may struggle to afford veterinary services, potentially rupturing the human-animal bond due to economic euthanasia or owner surrenders. Surrenders due to owner financial constraints then contribute to the overcrowding of shelters, the need for more adopters, and the cycle begins all over again. Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach, including the expansion of more accessible payment options at the point of care, which is where VetBilling hopes to fill the gap for pet owners who can’t access conventional financing. Ou guest, Suzanne Cannon, is the co-founder of VetBilling and we will discuss the problem pet owners face as well as how their company helps both the pet owner and veterinary clinic with payment plan solutions.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

On this episode, our guest Dr. Michael Blackwell explains the concept of OneHealth and the importance of caring for both animals and their caretakers to promote wellness throughout the community, with a particular emphasis on services for communities lacking in resources. Family health does not stop at the humans or the animals, but involves both. And this must incorporate mental and physical health care.A collaborative effort between veterinarians and social workers is important in providing a comprehensive program for long term results and not just a “spot fix”. And this approach has broad benefits to the environment, diseases, and even the current shelter overpopulation problem.Dr. Blackwell is the Director of the Program for Pet Health Equity in the Center for Behavioral Health Research at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is also the Director of AlignCare Health Inc.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

We hear the term no-kill often within the rescue and shelter community, but do you know what no-kill actually means? You may be surprised to learn the facts behind what it takes to be a no-kill shelter and the impact it has on the current pet overpopulation and rescue hoarding crisis.Our Guest, Daphna Nachminovitch, head of PETA's Cruelty Investigations Department, joins us to discuss this topic, educate our listeners on the problems seen when no-kill goes too far, and help the community understand how their misconception and demands are promoting overpopulation, warehousing, and hoarding. We do not want animals to die needlessly at shelters and all adoptable animals should have a home, but euthanasia is not the problem, the current animal care crisis is.Please note that this is a statement on the no-kill perception and not an episode against Best Friends Animal Society. We believe that they do amazing work in providing resources and ideas to help shelters, but we would love for them to use different language that is not divisive and that best exemplifies their movement. 

This episode discusses sensitive topics, including animal abuse and interpersonal violence.Domestic violence affects the whole family and unfortunately, often the family pet and animals. What most people don’t realize, is that abuse of a family pet can be one of the most serious indicators of the most at risk people and children. Perpetrators who harm animals rarely stop at animal victims and are some of the most lethal abusers. Often  people who are experiencing violence  feel like they can’t leave an animal behind to seek their own safety, either because the animal will be unsafe, hurt as  a means to control the human victims or commonly, because they are deeply bonded with the animal. Pets and animals can be a source of joy, offer a sense of purpose and be a significant comfort during hard times, for both adults and children. Based in Australia, Lucy’s Project works to make it easier for people and animals to find safety from domestic and family violence. Founder, Anna Ludvik, shares what inspired her to pursue this work and how through education and advocacy we can make a safer place for animals and humans victim of domestic violence and other crimes.

The shelters are overcrowded. This is a sad reality. And these animals are there at no fault of their own. Part of the problem is when individuals purchase animals without researching or learning about the traits of the breed or the individual dog and end up with a pet that is not compatible with their lifestyle.Today's guest, Elizabeth Menegon, is the creator of Hands 2 Paws, an app that helps individuals browse animals that may be a better fit based on the qualities of the dog instead of just aesthetics. We also discuss the dangers of purchasing from back yard breeders, puppy mills, pet stores, and online services.We will always believe in Adopt Don't Shop, but for those with specific needs that must purchase a dog, please shop responsibly.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

Puppy mills are facilities in which dogs suffer in mass to produce puppies for sale. If you purchase a puppy from a pet store, there is a risk that it is coming from a puppy mill.But what are puppy mills? Who regulates them? How can consumers protect themselves?Shalimar Oliver, Animal Crimes Manager from the Humane Society of the United States, joins us again to discuss these and other questions regarding this form of "legalized cruelty".Puppy mills only exist to make money, so it is within our power as consumers to shut them down by stopping demand. Learn more about puppy mills and how the HSUS Puppy Mills campaign is working to help these dogs and protect the community in this episode.If you find this episode helpful and educational, help us spread the word by rating, liking and sharing with your friends and family. Together we make a difference for animals.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

Dr. Jeff Young is the founder of Planned Pethood International, but many know him as Dr. Jeff, Rocky Mountain Vet. His passion for helping animals and their caretakers as well as educating the next generation of veterinarians is clear. Join us for a 45-minute ride into many topics affecting pet care, affordability, and the veterinary profession. We discuss compassionate care, technician utilization and compensation, compassion fatigue, the human-animal bond, and why the veterinary field has shifted so much in the last decades. This is an episode for everyone, pet owners, advocates, and those in the profession.If you enjoy our content and want to help us reach more animal advocates, please like, rate and share our episode. Together we make a big difference for animals everywhere.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

Warning: This episode dives into animal crimes and sensitive topicsOn this episode, Dr. G and guest Mark Randell discuss different animal crimes and the LINK between animal and interpersonal violence from a local and global perspective.Mark Randell is a retired senior detective from the UK police. In that role he was was responsible for covert operations, criminal intelligence and analysis and international cooperation on serious crime and terrorism. He retired from the police 13 years ago and has been running undercover ops, campaigning and training about crimes against animals and their relevance in society on 5 different continents. Mark is currently a campaign manager for Naturewatch Foundation, a UK based charity responsible globally for World Animal Day, and also campaigning within many areas inclusing wildlife crime, animal experiments and puppy farming. Mark’s campaigns include working in Ukraine which Naturewatch Foundation has done since 1994 and ‘Protect Animals. Protect People’ that highlights the animals– human abuse link. Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

Episode 25 explores the affordable and accessible veterinary care and social work service provided by Columbus Humane's Essential Care Center. Rachel Finney, CEO, and Dr. Laura Advent, Chief Medical Officer, discuss why the center was created, who their target pet owners are, the services the provide along with pricing structures, and how others can follow this example.The ability to afford veterinary care for our pets is not only income dependent. And with pet overpopulation in shelters, keeping animals in their homes helps everyone. Put away your judging cap and open up your mind to how we can help people and animals stay together.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

For most families, their pets are part of the family and, when met with housing difficulties, they may face the decision of choosing a roof over their head or their pets. This is a decision no one should have to make.In Cincinnati, Ohio, an amazing organization called Found House Interfaith Housing Network (FHIHN) provides pet support to individuals facing or experiencing homelessness. Garrett Parsons, Pet Support Director at FHIHN, shares their program, stories, goals, and how others can emulate this in their areas.About Found House: Found House Interfaith Housing Network’s (FHIHN) mission is to provide shelter, housing, and support to families experiencing housing insecurity and to strengthen those services through interfaith and community partnerships. Found House IHN works toward the overarching goal of helping families find and retain stable housing, while keeping families together, including pets. Found House IHN recognizes that families often include four-legged members, and the Pet Support Program is designed to meet their needs. Established in 2014, the Pet Support Program is a pet shelter embedded into Found House IHN’s social service center providing a coordinated network of care for people and pets experiencing the crisis of homelessness, housing insecurity, or related crisis, with the central goal to keep people and their pets safe and together. This reduces the trauma of unnecessary pet surrenders and decreases animal shelter intake numbers. The Pet Support Program works to provide solutions for pet owners with the goal to re-unite pets with their human families upon obtaining stable, pet-friendly housing. Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

Do you know what to do if your pet gets lost? Or if you find a lost pet?Leslie Poole, Executive Director of Pet FBI, shares the history of Pet FBI, how to utilize the services or the organization, and what we can do as pet owners to increase the chances of reuniting with our pets.For more information, visit www.petfbi.org.

What is veterinary social work?This episode’s guest, Alicia Kennedy, is a social-hearted veterinarian who provides care to animals but also the people who love them. Through the use of social workers, she has created a practice that centers around the human-animal bond. It is an amazing service, one that we hope others will learn from and perhaps bring into their own practices.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

What is Give Them Ten? Learn about this movement, aimed at giving cats an extra life by promoting spay neuter and other efforts that benefit shelter and community cats.Deborah Cribbs and Monica Tarrant share with us how this program got started and the reach it has today. They also have information on how organizations throughout the country and beyond can become part of the Give Them Ten movement and gain the resources they provide.For more information, visit www.givethemten.org.

Dogfighting is a cruel and barbaric act that is not only harmful to the animals, it is also a danger to the community. To understand this topic, we have invited dogfighting expert from the Humane Society of the United States, Janette Reever, to discuss what is dogfighting, what isn't, and what it means for Pit Bulls. We also touch on the breed, breed specific legislation, responsible sheltering, and responsible ownership of these dogs.Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states. If you suspect animal fighting, contact your local animal control officer, police department, office of the inspector general, or our friends at HSUS. You are not only saving the dogs, you could be saving people as well.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

Tessa Cannon, founder and director of For the Love of Primates, joins us to discuss the topic of primates as pets and in research, both conditions that lead to physical and mental health problems in this species.Join us to learn about the needs of primates, why they need our help, and how you can be involved as a Primate Protector.For more information on the organization, visit www.fortheloveofprimates.org

What is the best age to sterilize dogs and cats? There are many opinions on both the benefits of sterilization as well as the risks, and most of the concerns expressed currently are based on research published from a referral hospital. But is the information applicable to all animals? What are the risks and benefits? And what are the implications of not sterilizing our pets?Dr. Phil Bushby, Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon and Marcia Lane Endowed Chair of Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare at the College of Veterinary Medicine in Mississippi State, breaks down the research and helps clarify what the data tells us. In reviewing the research for and against early age sterilization, we discuss bias as well as the power of statistics and how numbers can be manipulated to prove significance when there may not be any.There are risks and benefits in every decision we make for the pets in our lives. We hope that this episode can help clear some of the confusion behind this topic so that pet owners and caretakers can make educated decisions about their care.Mentioned in this episode:Keep it Humane Podcast NetworkThe Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.

Dr. Sam Valerius, from All Critters Veterinary Clinic in Grove City, Ohio, joins us to share information on the basic needs and common ailments of exotic pets. We discuss (in order) snakes, lizards, turtles, birds, spiders, fish, rats, mice, hamsters, and wildlife.If you own an exotic pet, are contemplating getting one, or if you are in the veterinary field and interested in helping exotics patients in your practice, Dr. Sam is a wealth of information on exotic patient care.You can find out more information about All Critters Veterinary Hospital at www.allcrittersvet.com

Do you know the do's and don'ts of large scale investigations? Are you looking to learn more about procedures or resources available to humane officers and officials investigating animal crimes?Shalimar Oliver, Animal Crimes Manager from The Humane Society of the United States, joins us for a detailed discussion of what it takes to properly conduct an investigation as well as the things to avoid. Preparation is Key, and Shalimar does an excellent job painting a full picture.This episode is recommended to anyone working in animal cruelty investigations, from veterinarians to animal control officers, humane societies, law enforcement and prosecutors.

Dr. G and Dan Ettinger, from The Animal Control Report, have a discussion on the importance of leash laws and how they can help protect our pets and the community. Cases of injuries to animals are broken down to assess how the situation could have been handled differently for the benefit of all involved.

The human-animal bond describes the relationship between us and our pets, in which we give and gain something from the other. As we evolve into better humans, we understand the importance of the non-human animals around us, and more importantly those that live with us.On this episode Courtney Wennerstrom, author, blogger, and podcaster, joins us to talk about the importance of pets to their caregivers, the barriers to ownership, and what we have to do as a society to help animals and the people who care for them.Courtney is the host of the PETestal: on the Human Animal Bond, available on your favorites podcast provider.