AWIP Podcast

🎙️New episode!🚨 This week on the AWIP Podcast Rachel Smith spoke with Isabella Nilsson from Legal Impact for Chickens. They covered the often-overlooked issues of animal welfare in the context of farm animals, particularly chickens, and the intersection of animal rights and worker rights in the agricultural industry. Isabella shares her journey into animal law, the mission of Legal Impact for Chickens, and the challenges faced in improving animal welfare standards. The conversation highlights the need for greater awareness and legislative action to protect both animals and workers in the farming sector. They discuss the significant role consumers play in influencing corporate practices and legislation regarding animal welfare. They explore the complexities of food labeling, the importance of transparency in animal agriculture, and the need for corporate accountability. The discussion also highlights global advancements in animal welfare and the potential for small consumer choices to lead to substantial changes in the industry. https://lnkd.in/gDnEujEi

🎙️ NEW EPISODE 🚨 We were so pleased to have the author of Rethinking Rescue, Carol Mithers, on to discuss her new book! In this episode, we discuss the complexities of animal rescue, the economic challenges pet owners face, and the implications of the "no-kill" movement. Mithers shares insights from her research, emphasizing the interconnectedness of poverty and animal welfare, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. The conversation highlights the importance of spay and neuter programs, the challenges of shelter operations, and the necessity of addressing the root causes of pet surrender. https://lnkd.in/gg5ynbh9

🎙️Bonus Episode!! 🐶 We just couldn't hold back. Rachel Smith spoke with Kelly Money, RMFBR, the founder of the Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue. They discuss the challenges of caring for special needs French Bulldogs, the impact of legislation on breeding practices, and the AKC's opposition to the newest legislation in Ojai, CA which makes the breeding of dogs and cats with genetic problems illegal. Kelly shares insights into the health issues prevalent in brachycephalic breeds and emphasizes the importance of education for breeders and potential dog owners. The conversation also touches on the influence of dog shows on breed popularity and the ethical considerations surrounding breeding practices. The conversation also highlights the efforts of rescue organizations and the need for community support to address the growing number of dogs in need of homes. https://lnkd.in/gN6tC84t

🎙️ New Episode! Rachel Smith spoke with Madeline Krasno, the Executive Director of JUSTIFY and former primate lab worker. Their discussion focuses on the internal conditions of animals in labs, the mental health struggles of lab workers, and the need for enacting change to standard animal testing practices. They also discuss two different lawsuits brought by Maddie against her alma mater and the National Institute of Health and the groundbreaking appeal won against the NIH which aimed to limit the free speech of those advocating against animal testing. We would also like to give a special mention to the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University for representing the case, to PETA, and to the Animal Legal Defense Fund for their involvement with the cases. https://lnkd.in/gskTGYzA

We always love to see our prior guests grow as their careers catapult into a new age. We offer a very hearty 🎉 congratulations 🎉 to John Fischer as he takes on his very well deserved new role as Animal Services Director of Huntsville, AL! 👏 We are very excited to see you lead the animal welfare world there and look forward to all the fantastic work to come. If you missed our amazing inaugural episode with him, feel free to check it out in the link below! 👇 https://lnkd.in/gs4mtJ_G

This week Rachel Smith spoke with Dr. Phil Bushby and Cheri Storms about the impact of spay/neuter initiatives and the cost-effectiveness of these programs before jumping into the current veterinary shortage crisis. The conversation highlights geographic disparities in veterinary services and the need for innovative solutions to improve access to care for animals in need. They specifically address the newest Colorado bill passed to create a mid-level practitioner and the effect of such legislation on animals, clinics, and the community. The conversation delves into the challenges and solutions surrounding the veterinary experience gap, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the role of organizations like the United Spay Alliance in addressing animal overpopulation. The speakers discuss the need for better training in veterinary education, the cost-effectiveness of spay and neuter programs, and the barriers faced by veterinarians in providing these services. They emphasize the importance of public awareness and education in promoting responsible pet ownership and explore mandatory spay and neuter laws to combat the growing issue of animal overpopulation. https://lnkd.in/g5kCEqJa

🎙️ New episode! This week Rachel Smith spoke with Amy Jo Sites, CAWA, MPA about the intricacies, pros, and cons of both open admission and managed intake practices. They discuss the responsibilities of animal control in public safety, the challenges of managing aggressive animals, and the importance of responsible surrender practices. With so many challenges faced by open admission shelters, they emphasize the need for community responsibility, transparency, and innovative approaches to improve shelter management and animal welfare outcomes. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration among shelters and the necessity of addressing the root causes of pet overpopulation and abandonment. https://lnkd.in/gbYtuWwR

🎙We're back with Season 2!! This week Rachel Smith spoke with Marsha Dimopoulou in Greece about the significant changes in animal welfare legislation, particularly the new laws established in 2021, which aim to improve the treatment and management of both stray and owned animals. Did you know that Greece has an estimated 2 million stray pets? They also discussed the national registry for pets, Greece's mandatory spay/neuter laws, and the fascinating use of DNA testing to combat abandonment and cruelty. If that isn't enough, we also dive into Greece's responsible pet ownership programs taught in schools around the country as well as to law enforcement. https://lnkd.in/gbhNkc-3

Missed the inaugural Animal Welfare Investigations Project conference? We thought it was fantastic but don’t just take our word for it: Check out the wonderfully written and complimentary 3rd party review by one of the attendees, Samantha Connolly. Thank you for all the kind words! P.S. Stay tuned for AWIP’s return next year!

🎙New episode!🚨 Last week we spoke with the President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs, Gary Evans, about the critical importance of spaying and neutering pets, the shift towards non-surgical sterilization methods, and the future of animal care with new technologies. ACC&D is doing some really amazing work so it was wonderful to see what's to come for the future of animal welfare and how these innovative tools will help lead the way to reducing pet overpopulation. https://lnkd.in/gJvbdQvq