Then, Lori welcomed attorney Dan Kinburn from Physicians Committee for Resposnible Medicine (PCRM). PCRM has a lawsuit against some of the biggest fast food and family restaurants. The basis of the lawsuit is the presence of proven carcinogens in grilled chicken served at these outlets and their failure to warn the public as required by law. Read about Dan here. And the news with Peter. Listen to the show here.

Dr. Serpell

Dan Kinburn

And, hot new items with Peter.

Equine Advocates Rescue and Sanctuary Education Center

Listen to the show here:

Then, Lori spoke with New York Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski about legislation he introduced to ban devocalization of companion animals. The bill is based on the highly succesful Massachusetts law and has good support so far. Zebrowski made a very strong and clear argument in favor if the bill. If you live in NY, make sure to contact your Assemblyperson or Senator on this one.

Listen to the show here.

And, the news with Peter.

Allie Phillips

And, news items with Peter.

Listen to the show here.

Joe Dwyer and friend

On today’s show, Lori began with a fascinating discussion about the use of gas for euthanasia of companion animals. Her guests were Pennsylvania State Senator Andy Dinniman, and animal advocate Joe Dwyer. Euthanasia by gas is very cruel and they are working to advance legislation (Daniel’s Law) to ban its use in the state. Looks like they will succeed.  Senator Dinniman’s website is here. Also make sure to visit Joe Dwyer’s site, Daniel the Beagle, and learn more about what Daniel, who survived a gas chamber, and Joe are doing to end this inhumane practice and also to promote adoptions. (Joe is also an author and motivational speaker – check out his latest book, The Dog Ate My Homework.)

Camp Bow Wow Portland

Then, Peter spoke with Gary Mansir, Co-owner of Camp Bow Wow Portland, Maine. This doggie daycare franchise was responsible for getting more than 100 dogs adopted into new homes in 2011. In fact, a big part of the business practice, from corporate to the individual franchises, is aimed at promoting adoptions. Maybe you’ll want to open a franchise after listening to Gary and Peter! Take a look at Camp Bow Wow Portland, and you can see all the action on the web cams, too.

Plus, some important news items with Peter. Listen to the show here.

A dog bite prevention pamphlet by Animals Asia

First, Lori interviewed Jill Robinson, Founder and CEO of Animals Asia. They discussed the practice of people consuming dogs and cats for food in China. Animals Asia has a number of programs to reduce this practice and to encourage people to regard dogs and cats as pets and companions.

Visit Animals Asia here. It is a great organization.

Then, Dr. Kerry Kriger, Founder and Executive Director of Save the Frogs! joined Lori to discuss efforts to save the Sharp Park Wetlands. Kerry wants to permit an old, poorly rated, money-losing golf course south of San Francisco to revert back to its natural wetland state, in order to protect frogs and snakes. We think you will find Kerry clear and persuasive, as always. Make sure to visit Save the Frogs! and sign the petition.

Sharp Park

Seawall at sharp park

Site of Sharp Park Golf Course

Plus, Peter reviewed the book, Curious Critters, and had some hot news items!

Image from Curious Critters

Listen to the show is here. And here is the archive of our podcasts and downloads.

Then, Dr. Luke Hunter joined Peter to discuss his new field guide, Carnivores of the World. Luke is President of Panthera, the world’s largest organization dedicated to protecting big cats in the wild. He has written a very comprehensive, yet compact book, with great illustrations.

And, Peter has hot animal news items too!

Dr. Donald Forrester

On today’s show Lori interviewed Dr. Donald Forrester, with Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Don advocates a plant-based diet for his patients, and discussed the cardiovascular benefits of omitting all animal products from one’s diet. Visit PCRM here.

Then, Lori discussed the problem of stray dogs and cats in Mexico with Marlene Revelen and Ginny Uybungco from Animal Advocates of the United States. They are woking hard to change cultural attitudes towards dogs and cats in Mexico, help provide spay and neuter services in needy areas, and faciliate adoptions to Canada and the US. Visit them here.

Listen to the show here.

On this show, we reviewed the seven most important stories and events concerning animals this year. Here they are:

1. SPCA releases recommendations on Canandian sled dog massacre

2. Bullfighting ban in Catalonia, Spain

3. OSHA hearing on SeaWorld death of Dawn Brancheau

4. Ohio wild animal release and massacre

5. Japan earthquake, tsunami and radiation disaster

6. Bolivian lion rescue

7. Shark fin ban in California

Plus, Lori discussed tips on keeping your pets safe during the holidays.

Here is the link to the show.

And here is the link to the Animals Today Archives.

On this show, Lori discussed a number of news items concerning the welfare of Elephants and other animals with Matt Rossell, Campaigns Director, US office, Animal Defenders International. First, they covered the newly introduced Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act. Then, they discussed ADI’s suit against Have Trunk Will Travel, a Perris California based group which supplies performing elephants to the trade. (The suit was subsequently dismissed).Finally, Matt described ADI’s efforts to end elephant rides at the San Diego Fair.

ADI does great work, so please visit them here.

Then, in honor of Thanksgiving, Peter was our first and maybe last contestent in the Great Turkey Quiz. Can you answer these questions about the wonderful turkey, its role in Americana, and Welcome Back, Kotter?

The show is posted here and all the podcasts are here.