The Animal Wellness Podcast

The Complex Forces Behind Animal Festivals | Episode 76

From the running of the bulls in Spain to groundhog weather predictions in Pennsylvania, festivals featuring animals exist all over the world. Some are celebrated as cultural treasures, while others are seen as outdated, even cruel. These events often raise difficult questions: Are they harmless fun, or do they exploit animals for human entertainment? Do traditions justify practices that might otherwise be considered inhumane? And perhaps most importantly—can we honor our cultural heritage without harming the very creatures we claim to celebrate? 
Our guest has explored these questions firsthand. Elizabeth MeLampy is the author of “Forget the Camel: The Madcap World of Animal Festivals and What They Say About Being Human,” a book that takes readers on a journey across the United States to witness these festivals up close. She traces their histories, examines the ethical dilemmas they present, and asks what they reveal about our relationship with animals—and ourselves. 
So today, we’re asking the big questions: What does our use of animals in festivals say about us as a species? Where do we draw the line between tradition and exploitation? And is there a way to celebrate animals without causing them harm? 
While in law school, Elizabeth worked on issues related to farmed animals, wild animals, and captive animals with Harvard’s Animal Law & Policy Clinic. She also was in the inaugural cohort of Emerging Scholar Fellows with the Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy, where she worked on animal law scholarship. Elizabeth has traveled the country attending these festivals, meeting the people who run them, and grappling with the contradictions they present. We’re excited to hear her insights and discuss what needs to change—and what doesn’t—when it comes to animals in entertainment.
Learn more about Elizabeth MeLampy here, and you can order her book here.
 
The Animal Wellness podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal-advocate Joseph Grove. 
 
www.animalwellnessaction.org
www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_6FxM4hD6oS5VSUwsCnNQ 
 
PRO: BMIComposer: Jonathan Shapiro (IP# 00240288778)Publisher: Kulanu Music (IP# 00240190310)

Philosophical Help for the Reluctant Vegan | Episode 75

What can a philosopher teach us about veganism and how to make the change when confronted with old habits, latent desires, and an apprehension of the difficulty the adjustment would mean to those who share our dinner tables?
That’s the focus of this episode. Host Joseph Grove talks to Matthew C. Halteman, Ph.D., a professor of philosophy at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich., and a fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics in the UK. He is the author of “Compassionate Eating as Care of Creation” and co-editor of “Philosophy Comes to Dinner: Arguments about the Ethics of Eating.”His new book, “Hungry Beautiful Animals,” was released last November and is a heartfelt, humane, and humorous exploration of how going vegan can bring abundance into our lives.
The conversation briefly references various philosophical angles that touch on the issue of veganism but focuses on practical ways to consider making the ethical change to a lifestyle that eschews inclusion of animal-sourced products.
To learn more about “Hungry Beautiful Animals” and Dr. Halteman, visit HungryBeautifulAnimals.com.
The Animal Wellness podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal-advocate Joseph Grove. 
 
www.animalwellnessaction.org
www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_6FxM4hD6oS5VSUwsCnNQ 
 
PRO: BMI
Composer: Jonathan Shapiro (IP# 00240288778)
Publisher: Kulanu Music (IP# 00240190310)

Animal Rescue Amid the Wildfires of Los Angeles | Episode 74

This show focuses on the Los Angeles wildfires, what is being done to save domestic and wild animals involved.
As of recording, January 15, the massive blazes in Southern California have killed at least 25 people and destroyed thousands of houses and other buildings. We’ll never know how many animals have been lost since the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire began their scorching march across the Los Angeles area just more than a week ago. One national study of disaster response by the ASPCA found that almost 50 percent of survey-takers had left at least one pet home when evacuating, and that about 4 in 10 of them didn’t return home to those animals for at least four days. And understanding the impact of wildfires on non-domesticated animals is sketchy. Not only are the animals prone to being killed by smoke or burned alive, the resulting loss of habitat can mean starvation, brutal fights for new territory, and the disruption of critical animal-family units.
Host Joseph Grove talks to two people actively involved in abating the animal tragedy. He is joined by Dr. Annie Harvilicz, founder of the Animal Wellness Foundation, which is a sister organization to Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. She is on the ground, using her veterinary skills to treat impacted animals and coordinate placements for imperiled ones. Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and a veteran of helping animals in the context of natural disasters, is working behind the scenes to procure resources and to make long-term plans for the rehab of wildlife.
To learn more about the Animal Wellness Foundation and to donate to the work, go here.
The Animal Wellness podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal-advocate Joseph Grove. 
 
www.animalwellnessaction.org
www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_6FxM4hD6oS5VSUwsCnNQ 
 
PRO: BMI
Composer: Jonathan Shapiro (IP# 00240288778)
Publisher: Kulanu Music (IP# 00240190310)
 

Wolves, Dogs, and a Man Who Knows Them Both | Episode 73

Oliver Starr came to our attention when he spoke in an Animal Wellness Action webinar about wolves and stole the show—and the hearts of attendees—by taking his camera out among the small pack of wolves at Tahoe Wolf Center, where he is executive director. His passion and his endearing bond with the animals made us want to learn more.
Starr also is the author of a new book, “The Wolf Lover’s Guide to Raising Dogs,” which explores the powerful link between domestic dogs and their wild ancestors. It offers practical advice for building a joyful, respectful relationship with your dog, enriching both your lives. He discusses some of those lessons—and a thing or two humans can learn about humans, too—in this exclusive interview.
 
MORE ON THE SUBJECT
To purchase Oliver Starr’s book, “The Wolf Lover’s Guide to Raising Dogs,” go here.
To watch the podcast excerpt featuring Oliver Starr with his wolves, go here.
To watch the webinar in its entirety and learn about the importance of the new Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons (SAW) Act, go here.
To let your elected officials in Washington know you support the SAW Act, which would criminalize the malicious use of snowmobiles and other vehicles to torment, wound, and kill wild animals, go here.
The Animal Wellness podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal-advocate Joseph Grove. 
 
www.animalwellnessaction.org
www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_6FxM4hD6oS5VSUwsCnNQ 
 
PRO: BMIComposer: Jonathan Shapiro (IP# 00240288778)Publisher: Kulanu Music (IP# 00240190310)

Bird Flu, Cockfighting, and a Crisis on the Horizon | Episode 72

The only thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn anything from history. That was the summary comment of host Joseph Grove in a conversation about the federal government’s lackadaisical response to the emergent bird flu crisis.
The podcast was recorded shortly after the virus claimed its first U.S. human fatality, a man in Louisiana. Grove was joined by Dr. Jim Keen and Dr. Tom Pool. They reviewed the progress of the disease in the United States, its spread from birds to cattle and humans, and the possibility—perhaps even the likelihood—that a virulent form will soon emerge that enables fast transmission among people. If that happens, the experts said, the COVID pandemic in retrospect may look mild by comparison.
Drs. Keen and Pool also talked about the importance of passing the FIGHT Act, legislation to be reintroduced in the new Congress that would help eradicate cockfighting in the United States. Cockfighting entails poor standards of bird handling and the movement of potentially infected birds across the country and the world, all in addition to the “sports” inherent animal cruelty and appurtenant crimes of drugs, illegal weapons, illicit gambling, and even human trafficking.
MORE ON THE SUBJECT
To support the FIGHT Act, use this simple online tool to show your support to your elected officials in Washington.
To read the Vanity Fair article referenced by Dr. Pool, go here (subscription may be required).
To read Dr. Keen’s scientific look at the dangers and transmissibility of bird flu and its connection to cockfighting, go here.
 
The Animal Wellness podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal-advocate Joseph Grove. 
 
www.animalwellnessaction.org
www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/ 
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_6FxM4hD6oS5VSUwsCnNQ 
 
PRO: BMIComposer: Jonathan Shapiro (IP# 00240288778)Publisher: Kulanu Music (IP# 00240190310)

Our Annual Review and Look Ahead for Animals | Episode 71

Wayne Pacelle again joins the show as he and host Joseph Grove recount the accomplishments of the past year and how Animal Wellness Action and sister organization Center for a Humane Economy have set things for a successful 2025. Along the way, they discuss the differences among distinct victories, protecting them and ensuring they fulfill their promise for relief for animals, and long-term work that may take years to pay off.
You can read Wayne’s 2024 year-end column by going here.
The Animal Wellness podcast is sponsored by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal advocate Joseph Grove. 
 
www.animalwellnessaction.org
www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
X: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News
X: https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_6FxM4hD6oS5VSUwsCnNQ 
PRO: BMIComposer: Jonathan Shapiro (IP# 00240288778)Publisher: Kulanu Music (IP# 00240190310)

How Did the Animals Fare? A 2024 Election Recap | Episode 70

Animal Wellness Action this year intensified its efforts to help elect candidates who vote with animals in mind and to defeat incumbents who don’t. In 2024, the Washington D.C.-based group invested heavily in nine races across the country and prevailed in seven of them.
Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, recounts the victories in our latest podcast. Joined by host Joseph Grove, he breaks down the races, why they were important for animal welfare, and what the victories mean against the larger political landscape.
Pacelle also reviews the outgoing Biden administration on animal issues and shares his expectations from appointees to the next Trump administration.
The Animal Wellness podcast is sponsored by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal-advocate Joseph Grove. 
 
www.animalwellnessaction.org
www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
X: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News
X: https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_6FxM4hD6oS5VSUwsCnNQ 

Dan Ashe Debunks Prop 127 Opponents | Episode 69

The Proposition 127 ballot initiative in Colorado has garnered national attention even as the presidential election and other national races dominate the headlines. The initiative, launched and supported by the Cats Aren’t Trophies campaign, seeks to modify state law by criminalizing, according to the ballot language, “the intentional killing, wounding, pursuing, entrapping, or discharging or releasing of a deadly weapon at a mountain lion, lynx, or bobcat.”
In this episode of the Animal Wellness Podcast, host Joseph Grove talks with Dan Ashe, the former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and head of its National Wildlife Refuge System, the top wildlife management agency in the United States. Ashe is a vocal supporter of the Yes on Proposition 127 movement, which some consider ironic given that Ashe is a well-known hunter and proponent of hunting.
Ashe tells Grove that Proposition 127 is actually a pro-hunting initiative, given the self-regulating nature of the big cats and their propensity to cleanse deer and elk herds of animals carrying the devastating Chronic Wasting Disease. Further, Ashe says, the methods of trophy hunting–using packs of dogs with high-tech equipment so “hunters” can simply shoot the cats out of a tree–is wholly at odds with traditional “fair chase” principles associated with true hunting.
The two discuss the ethics, science, and biology supporting Proposition 127, with Ashe summarizing by saying “trophy hunting isn’t hunting. It’s killing.”
Dan Ashe's pro-Prop 127 ad can be viewed here.
 
Ryan Luterman-Sevel produced the episode.