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When it comes to telling the truth about wild horses, the Bureau of Land Management comes up short. Leadership there seems determine to subjugate the well-being of the U.S.'s most iconic animal to the interests of cattle ranchers and sheep farmers. Scott Beckstead, our director of campaigns, and Vickery Eckhoff, an investigative journalist who writes on western public land issues and politics and government disinformation, are the guests. They address our western native equine populations and how they are suffering so that Big Ag can have cheap access to public grazing lands. It's an issue that should incense anyone who cares about horses and who resents the triumph of corporate greed over the interests of the innocent and helpless. Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action, kicks the show off with an update on our work to modernize the FDA, ban the private ownership of big cats from private ownership and eliminate the incredible COVID risk to humans that is mink farming. Joseph Grove is the host.

After the thrill and spectacle of Thoroughbred races, the athletes themselves too often face a cruel, horrific fate. One Kentucky Derby winner, Ferdinand, was actually sold for human slaughter. Before the races, they are likely to experience doping to mask their pain, resulting in on-track breakdowns that are lethal for them and dangerous for jockeys.   Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron has become a vocal opponent of these practices, evidenced by his recent strong op-ed in the Louisville, Ky., daily newspaper. His willingness to confront the industry is one more example of a "sport" that has reached a tipping point. Will it survive?   In addition, Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action, provides an update on all the organization's work for animals. Joseph Grove, director of public relations for the Center for a Humane Economy, is host.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Jennifer Skiff and Zach Skow, representing Animal Wellness Action and other groups, have worked in the face of daunting bureaucratic and logistical challenges to reunite dogs of U.S. military and diplomatic personnel with their humans. Enemy No. 1? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Skiff and Skow share their stories. In addition, Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action, provides an update on all the organization's work for animals. Joseph Grove, director of public relations for the Center for a Humane Economy, is host.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Carole Baskin rocketed to global stardom after Netflix released "The Tiger King" in 2020. Rather than capitalizing on her frame for personal success, however, she has worked harder than ever for legal protections for lions, tigers and other big cats. In this episode, she shares a little about her personal adventures and digs deep into the legislation she is fighting so hard to make become law. Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action, provides an update on all the organizations work for animals. Joseph Grove, director of public relations for the Center for a Humane Economy, is host.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is a rising star in the House and in her party. The fight for animals, she says, is one means for a divided Congress to find common ground and to do good together. In this episode, she talks about a variety of animal topics, including the potential ban against mink farms, farm check-offs and her work to protect beagles from scientific experimentation. Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action, joins host Joseph Grove.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states, yet thousands of birds are shipped every year via the U.S. postal service to overseas locations where the bloodsport remains a cruel cultural staple. Fortunately, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) decided to act. He discusses his work on the issue and the steps he and other legislators are taking to ensure existing postal regulations are enforced. We also talk abut his leadership with the Big Cat Public Safety Act and legislation that would help the U.S. and the world avoid another pandemic.   Wayne Pacelle and Marty Irby from Animal Wellness Action join host Joseph Grove.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The U.S government pays to dump millions of gallons of milk down the drain every year. Worse, the drink is foisted upon our school children, most of whom experience digestive issues and resultant academic hindrances if they consume it. All the while, diary cows face lives of suffering and exploitation that exceeds even those experienced by beef cattle. In this shocking episode, Dr. Martin Mills and Olympic cyclist Dottsie Bausch join Animal Wellness Action to discuss this terrible waste of tax dollars, the systemic racism in the school lunch program and the cruelty among our bovine friends. Also explored are the myriad benefits of eschewing dairy in our diets. Wayne Pacelle and Marty Irby from Animal Wellness Action join host Joseph Grove.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The report on the Biden administration from the perspective of animal welfare isn't good, according to Wayne Pacelle and Marty Irby from Animal Wellness Action. Not enough is being done to undo or curtail Trump administration policies, and little—if anything—is being initiated to realize the hopes of many advocates. "I'm disappointed in that they're largely indifferent to animal issues," Pacelle said. "I don't believe there's anyone in the White House saying, 'Animal welfare is important and we should be doing something about it.'" Joseph Grove hosts the podcast. Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Mink captivity for human consumption is among the most cruel, and it represents real and present danger to people. The animals--captive wild, not domesticated--suffer terribly, and their unique vulnerability to the Corona virus and ability to communicate it back to human makes them an existential threat to efforts to eradicate the virus. This episode features Dr. Jim Keen, co-author of a new report about the deadly link between COVID-19 and humans and what we need to do about it now. Marty Irby and Scott Beckstead, both with Animal Wellness Action, join host Joseph Grove. Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In her new book, Enter the Animal, Teya Brooks Pribac examines academic and popular discourse on animals’ experiences of grief and spirituality, which are rooted in our intrinsic capacity and propensity for connections and relations, and highlights important ethical implications of humans’ treatment of other species. She shares her firsthand experiences and research on the complex, little understood topic of animal emotions.   Wayne Pacelle and Marty Irby from Animal Wellness Action join host Joseph Grove.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

While horse slaughter does not currently occur on U.S. soil, more than 70,000 domestic and wild horses are rounded up each year to be shipped to Mexico and Canada for processing and human consumption in other parts of the world. Guest Carol Walker is a fierce advocate for wild horses and partners with Animal Wellness Action for legislative and regulatory protections.   She joins Marty Irby and Scott Beckstead from AWA to discuss the issue and possible solutions.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Our guest is Joe Gorajec, former head of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and the founder of Horse Racing Integrity Consulting. The panel discusses Bob Baffert, the 2021 Kentucky Derby doping scandal and the need for additional reforms and enforcement in Thoroughbred racing.  Wayne Pacelle and Marty Irby from Animal Wellness Action join host Joseph Grove.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Oregon first-responder Gene Davies took an unusual call on April 7: A young bear was playing on a rural road in Greensville, where Davies is fire chief. After Davies arrived, the friendly animal insisted on staying with him, so to make sure the bear would be safe, he took it home while arrangements were made with a rescue agency. Enter the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and yet more proof that when it comes to animal rescue, it is often true that no good deed goes unpunished.   Davies tells host Joseph Grove and Scott Beckstead, Oregon director of campaigns for Animal Wellness Action, the story of how the best of intentions resulted in criminal charges for him and the barrel of a gun for the bear.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

David Brooks is an Australian author, poet and essayist who visited The Animal Wellness Podcast to discuss his newest book, "Animal Dreams." The collection of essays examines what non-human animals think of other animals and, by extension, how they treat them.   Wayne Pacelle and Marty Irby from Animal Wellness Action are joined by host Joseph Grove.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Kangaroos are the No. 1 commercially slaughtered mammal in the world. Hunted in the dark of night, their offspring pulled from lifeless mothers only to be beaten to death by clubs, kangaroos are killed in horrific numbers to make leather for soccer shoes. A new micro-documentary produced by guest Gavin Polone shows how athletic wear is made from among nature's most fascinating and unique creatures. See the documentary at www.animalwellnessaction.org, and go here to sign a petition for Nike, one of the largest retailers of these cruelty-driven products. Wayne Pacelle and Marty Irby from Animal Wellness Action are joined by host Joseph Grove.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)    

Not since FDR swept Herbert Hoover from office in 1932 has there been such a seismic shift in the nation's government. What does that mean for animals as their advocates prepare to navigate a new political landscape? Wayne Pacelle and Marty Irby from Animal Wellness Action join host Joseph Grove to look ahead, as well as to review some accomplishments and disappointments in their work with the outgoing Congress.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Scott Beckstead, the newly appointed director of campaigns for Animal Wellness Action, discusses his childhood experiences on a mink farm as well as the mink's extraordinary ability to catch, mutate and re-lease the Corona virus to humans. Will we ever learn? Executive director Marty Irby provides news on the Big Cat Safety Act and the Horse Racing Integrity Act, and founder Wayne Pacelle talks strategy for dealing with mink farms. Joseph Grove hosts.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

As Congress prepares to adjourn ahead of the January 2021 inauguration, Animal Wellness Action finds its PAST Act momentum challenged by groups inside the animal-welfare community. Anti-soring grassroots organizer Clant Seay, a.k.a. Billy Go Boy, makes an impassioned appeal to get the bill voted and signed into law. Wayne Pacelle and Marty Irby from Animal Wellness Action join host Joseph Grove. Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action, shares big news for the PAST Act. In addition, host Joseph Grove continues the conversation with horse-trainer Monty Roberts, who is recognized globally for his pioneering methods in violence-free training as well as his work with sufferers of PTSD.   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)  

Monty Roberts is recognized globally for his pioneering methods in violence-free training for horses as well as his work with sufferers of PTSD. In this first of two parts, Roberts talks about how he overcame horrific child abuse to eventually become the horse-trainer for Queen Elizabeth II. Also: Marty Irby, himself recently recognized by Her Majesty, shares exciting news from the Hill on legislative protections for our equine friends. Host Joseph Grove also is joined by Wayne Pacelle, founder of Animal Wellness Action and the bestselling author of "The Humane Economy."   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Fearless First" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com); License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)