This episode of Because They Need Us features an in-depth discussion with Congressman Mike Levin and Social Compassion in Legislation’s Judie Mancuso & Nick Sackett about the rollback of federal wildlife protections, threats to state laws like California's Proposition 12, expanded hunting and drilling on public lands, threats to endangered species, wild horses, and migratory birds, and what Congress can do to restore and strengthen these protections. Congressman Levin also discusses the political challenges surrounding environmental legislation and the importance of courts, public advocacy, bipartisan cooperation, and continued pressure on elected officials.We cover "the most anti-environment administration in modern American history” including: - The Trump administration's rollback of the Endangered Species Act- Expanded hunting in national parks, reduced protections for species like grizzly bears and migratory birds- Elimination of federal protections for wild horses- California's animal protection laws and weakening of wildlife protections- Profit over environmental protection, like the potential development in national parks - Concerns about FBI hiring practices and ICE raids in regards to animal rightsJudie, Nick, and Representative Levin discuss strategies for addressing these issues, including relying on courts and public communication while in the minority, investigating corruption, and working toward legislative solutions that could pass both the House and Senate with sufficient bipartisan support. They note that while some Republicans privately oppose the administration's actions on public lands and wildlife, many are hesitant to speak out publicly due to concerns about retaliation from the president.

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In Episode 11 of Because They Need Us, hosted by Social Compassion in Legislation founder Judie Mancuso, Judie and Nick Sackett sit down with filmmaker and animal advocate Nina Jackel to discuss her powerful new documentary, We Are Animals.Join us on Thursday, June 25th for the Premiere of We Are Animals6pm at the Lumiere Theater in Beverly Hills

Nina shares the inspiration behind the film, explaining how influential documentaries such as Blackfish helped shape her vision of creating a compelling and educational film that highlights the connection between humans and other animals without overwhelming viewers. She reflects on the hope and progress she witnessed while interviewing advocates and changemakers throughout the animal welfare movement.The conversation explores the role of storytelling in advancing animal rights, the challenges of documentary filmmaking, and the lessons Nina learned while bringing the project to life—including navigating production during the pandemic. Nina also offers advice for aspiring filmmakers and advocates looking to make an impact through media.Judie provides updates on recent legislative victories for animals, discusses the growing bipartisan support for animal welfare policies, and shares exciting developments in Social Compassion in Legislation’s ongoing efforts to create meaningful change.The episode concludes with a look ahead to the premiere of We Are Animals and future collaborations aimed at expanding awareness and inspiring action for animals everywhere.Nina Jackel, Lady Freethinker FounderNina Jackel is a journalist and activist known for effecting change for animals around the world through her non-profit organization, Lady Freethinker. As the founder of LFT, Jackel leads numerous divisions at the org. that expose cruel and illegal activities through undercover operations; targeted education to change outdated cultural norms; and galvanizing ordinary citizens to make a difference by signing petitions to government, law enforcement, and major companies.

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🛑 🐷 RED ALERT 🚨 FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS Contact your U.S. Senators IMMEDIATELY and tell them to OPPOSE the Save Our Bacon act.

Because They Need Us Podcast – Episode 10Featuring Judie Mancuso, Nick Sackett, and Josh Balk A central focus of the episode is the proposed Save Our Bacon Act and its potential impact on farmed animal welfare protections across the United States. Josh Balk explains that the legislation represents a significant threat to existing and future farmed animal protection laws, including California’s Prop 12, which bans the sale of pork products produced on farms which use gestation crates.According to Balk, the bill would not only roll back current protections but would also prevent states from enacting meaningful new animal welfare legislation moving forward. While a controversial egg-related provision has reportedly been removed from the proposal, the legislation would still undermine laws addressing the treatment of pigs, veal calves, gestation crates, and foie gras production. Balk emphasizes that the bill would weaken some of the most important advances made in farm animal protection over the past several decades.With the Senate Agriculture Committee expected to debate the Farm Bill in mid-July, Balk urges concerned citizens to contact their U.S. senators and express opposition to the Save Our Bacon Act. He stresses that public engagement will be critical in determining the future of farm animal welfare protections nationwide.

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Episode 9 of the Because They Need Us Podcast highlights Compassion PAC's endorsement of Janelle Kellman for Lieutenant Governor of California.This in-depth conversation with hosts Judie Mancuso and Nick Sackett expands on Janelle Kellman's views on compassionate leadership, environmental protection, animal welfare, and California’s future.A former mayor of Sausalito, environmental and land use attorney, nonprofit founder, and climate resilience expert, Kellman discusses how her background in environmental law, wildfire prevention, coastal resilience, and disaster preparedness shapes her vision for California. The conversation explores the critical connection between habitat protection, marine conservation, clean water, wildfire response, and animal welfare policy.Kellman shares how the Lieutenant Governor’s role on the Coastal Commission, State Lands Commission, and higher education boards can help advance humane policies, restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and create workforce pathways in habitat restoration, marine science, and animal care. She also highlights the importance of protecting California’s coastline, restoring kelp forests and wetlands, reducing pollution runoff, and ensuring emergency planning includes animals during disasters.This thoughtful and inspiring episode examines how compassion, science, and practical policy solutions can work together to protect animals, communities, and the environment for generations to come — with a few heartwarming cat stories along the way.Remember to vote for Janelle Kellman for California's next Lieutenant Governor!Learn more about Janelle:www.janellekellman.com

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Part 2 of Episode 8 of the Because They Need Us Podcast continues an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Emma Hurst, diving into groundbreaking animal protection legislation, political strategy, and the growing global movement for animal rights.Emma shares her experience as an elected official in Australia and discusses several landmark laws she has helped pass, including bans on glue traps, fur sales, and forced swim and smoking experiments on animals. She also highlights legislation supporting the release and rehabilitation of animals used in medical research, as well as efforts that ultimately ended dolphinariums in New South Wales. Alongside Judie and Nickolaus, the conversation explores how state-level legislation can create ripple effects internationally, with California inspiring laws for banning wild animals in circuses and puppy mill-bred animals from pet stores.The discussion also turns to marine animal protection, including California’s historic legislation banning orca breeding and octopus farming. Judie reflects on California proactively prohibiting octopus aquaculture before the industry could begin in the state, while Emma explains the unique political challenges of advancing similar protections in Australia. The group also touches on emerging ethical concerns surrounding genetically modified animals, including proposed legislation addressing the breeding and sale of altered species such as glow-in-the-dark rabbits.Emma provides a candid look into ongoing efforts to reform the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales, discussing disturbing allegations involving live baiting, misconduct within the industry, and controversial licensing practices. She also shares details about advocacy efforts exposing a secret baboon breeding facility connected to medical experimentation. Throughout the episode, the conversation highlights the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the shared political realities animal advocates face across Australia and the United States.The episode concludes with a powerful discussion about international pressure campaigns targeting Australia’s kangaroo and koala killing industries. Emma explains how global attention and support from U.S. lawmakers and advocates can influence policy change abroad, emphasizing that international collaboration remains one of the most effective tools for protecting iconic species and advancing animal welfare worldwide.

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In Part 1 of Episode 8 of the Because They Need Us Podcast, Social Compassion in Legislation's Judie Mancuso & Nick Sackett are joined by Emma Hurst to expose the harsh realities of Australia’s commercial kangaroo industry and the international fight to stop its expansion. Emma shares how the Animal Justice Party has worked to oppose kangaroo slaughter practices, challenge misleading population estimates, and protect one of Australia’s most iconic native species.About Emma HurstEmma Hurst is an Australian Member of Parliament representing New South Wales and a leading voice for animal protection through the Animal Justice Party. Since entering office, she has championed legislation and investigations focused on wildlife protection, factory farming, companion animal welfare, and ending cruel commercial animal industries. Her work has made her one of Australia’s most recognized political advocates for animals and ethical reform.In this EpisodeThe episode explores the cruelty of kangaroo hunting, including the killing of joeys, concerns over public health risks tied to kangaroo meat, and the devastating impact commercial exploitation has on wildlife populations. Judie, Emma, and advocates discuss the successful campaign to defeat California’s SB1212, a bill that would have reopened California’s market to kangaroo products, highlighting the power of international collaboration, grassroots advocacy, and behind-the-scenes legislative action to protect animals.

Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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Because They Need Us Episode 7 : The Battle to Save Dogs from Los Angeles' Skid Row | hosted by Judie Mancuso, Founder, CEO & President of Social Compassion in Legislation, featuring Joey Tuccio, Volunteer at Starts With One Today Rescue, and Nick Sackett, Director of Legislative Affairs for Social Compassion in Legislation In this Episode Judie Mancuso and her team confront the harsh realities of animal cruelty on Los Angeles’ Skid Row. The conversation begins with frontline accounts from Joey of Starts With One Today, who shares disturbing recent cases—including a dog subjected to unauthorized surgical treatment and others suffering in extreme heat and neglect. These stories underscore a critical issue: while California has animal protection laws in place, enforcement gaps and delayed law enforcement response often leave animals without immediate help. Nickolaus, Director of Legislative Affairs, breaks down California’s veterinary and animal cruelty laws, explaining the legal complexities that make prosecution difficult; especially when evidence is delayed or mishandled. The group highlights how misinterpretation of statutes and lack of dedicated personnel continue to hinder justice for abused animals. The discussion also explores the broader connection between animal cruelty and other forms of violence, reinforcing the need for systemic change. From advocating for faster law enforcement intervention to proposing dedicated response teams for high-risk areas like Skid Row, the episode outlines actionable solutions to improve outcomes for animals in crisis. Despite the heavy subject matter, this episode is grounded in action and hope, highlighting collaboration between advocates, lawmakers, and rescue organizations working tirelessly to create a more compassionate future. Key Takeaways - Animal cruelty cases on Skid Row reveal serious enforcement failures - Existing laws are often underutilized due to delays and lack of resources - Stronger coordination between agencies is critical for timely intervention - Advocacy and legislation remain powerful tools for systemic change Next Steps & Ongoing Efforts The team is actively supporting rescue efforts, advancing key legislation, coordinating with local officials, and preparing to engage with new leadership at LA Animal Services to push for dedicated animal cruelty response protocols. Support Starts with One Today https://www.instagram.com/startswithonetoday

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Because They Need Us | Episode 6 : Activating the Next Level of Animal Advocacy

In this Episode

In this powerful episode of Because They Need Us, host Judie Mancuso is joined by Social Compassion in Legislation fellow and attorney, Bella Niven, and social media manager, Julie Jordan, to unpack some of the most pressing animal protection issues making headlines today.

The conversation begins with the heartbreaking story of a beloved California black bear — known to locals as “Blondie” — who was killed by wildlife officials, leaving her cubs orphaned. From there, the discussion expands into the broader failures of wildlife management, exploring how lethal force is too often used as a first response instead of compassionate, science-backed solutions like relocation and coexistence strategies.

The team also examines the fragile recovery of species like wolves and the potential reintroduction of California grizzly bears, emphasizing the critical role predators play in maintaining ecological balance, and what’s at stake if we continue down a path of reactive, short-term decision-making.

Shifting from wildlife to domestic animals, Judie shares firsthand experiences from decades in rescue work, including a harrowing account of animal hoarding cases. The episode highlights the thin line between rescue and neglect, and the urgent need for stronger oversight, accountability, and intervention to prevent mass suffering.

Finally, the conversation turns toward solutions. Judie outlines the importance of advancing legislation like an Animal Abuse Registry—modeled after existing public safety laws—to prevent repeat offenders from gaining access to animals. The group underscores how public participation through support letters and advocacy can directly influence whether these life-saving laws pass.

This episode is both a wake-up call and a call to action: protecting animals requires not only compassion, but persistence, policy change, and public engagement.

What You’ll Learn

* Why lethal wildlife management policies are failing animals—and ecosystems

* The ripple effects of killing apex species and separating animal families

* How animal hoarding cases escalate—and why enforcement matters

* The link between animal abuse and broader societal violence

* How proposed legislation like an Animal Abuse Registry could prevent future harm

* Simple, effective ways you can help pass animal protection laws

Take Action

Visit Social Compassion in Legislation’s website to submit a quick support letter and help advance critical animal protection bills—your voice truly makes a difference.

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Nick Sackett, Dr. Kimmy Cushman, Samantha Lau and Anita Kranjc explore the broader justice dimensions of food systems—climate justice, food sovereignty, Indigenous rights, and the global impacts of industrial meat production in the Amazon and across Africa. Listeners will hear how plant-based policies can reduce deforestation, restore ecosystems, improve public health, and expand access to healthy, affordable food.In This EpisodeIn this 6-Part Episode of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), Judie is joined by leaders of the global Plant Based Treaty movement — Anita Krajnc, founder of Animal Save Movement, President of Plant Based Treaty, Dr. Kimmy Cushman, Scientific Advisor and Campaigner, and Samantha Lau, U.S. Liaison — for a powerful conversation on why food must be central to climate action.• Why food is missing from most climate action plans• The climate impact of animal agriculture and methane emissions• The origins and goals of the Plant-Based Treaty• How cities are leading the way on plant-based policy• Food justice, Indigenous rights, and global equity• Reducing deforestation through food system reform• Strategies for advancing plant-based legislation• How listeners can take action locally and globally🟩 The Plant Based Treaty Movement ExplainedInspired by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, the PlantBased Treaty launched in 2021 to address a major gap in climate policy: the impact of animal agriculture. Together, the guests explain how industrial animal farming is a leading driver of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and public health challenges; and why transforming our food system is essential to keeping global warming below catastrophic thresholds.💚 More about the Plant Based TreatyOur MissionTo promote a shift towards a just, plant-based food system that would enable us to live safely within our planetary boundaries and reforest the Earth.Our VisionOur vision is a global Plant Based Treaty attached to the Paris Agreement, and best practices in plant-based food policy implemented by cities and other institutions.Our theory of change is to create bottom-up pressure on governments to negotiate a global Plant Based Treaty by getting endorsements from millions of individuals including notable celebrities, scientists and politicians, tens of thousands of groups and businesses, and hundreds of cities.✅ Endorse the Plant Based Treaty today!https://plantbasedtreaty.org/

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Part 4 : Judie and Dr. Kimmy Cushman Discuss How Cambridge Came to Endorse the Plant-Based TreatyCambridge joins the growing list of cities that have endorsed the Plant-Based Treaty. Dr. Cushman & Judie Mancuso discuss the steps of how to enroll community & governmental support for plant based initiatives.In This Episode:In this 6-Part Episode of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), Judie is joined by leaders of the global Plant Based Treaty movement — Anita Krajnc, founder of Animal Save Movement, President of Plant Based Treaty, Dr. Kimmy Cushman, Scientific Advisor and Campaigner, and Samantha Lau, U.S. Liaison — for a powerful conversation on why food must be central to climate action.• Why food is missing from most climate action plans• The climate impact of animal agriculture and methane emissions• The origins and goals of the Plant-Based Treaty• How cities are leading the way on plant-based policy• Food justice, Indigenous rights, and global equity• Reducing deforestation through food system reform• Strategies for advancing plant-based legislation• How listeners can take action locally and globally🟩 The Plant Based Treaty Movement ExplainedInspired by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, the PlantBased Treaty launched in 2021 to address a major gap in climate policy: the impact of animal agriculture. Together, the guests explain how industrial animal farming is a leading driver of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and public health challenges; and why transforming our food system is essential to keeping global warming below catastrophic thresholds.💚 More about the Plant Based TreatyOur MissionTo promote a shift towards a just, plant-based food system that would enable us to live safely within our planetary boundaries and reforest the Earth.Our VisionOur vision is a global Plant Based Treaty attached to the Paris Agreement, and best practices in plant-based food policy implemented by cities and other institutions.Our theory of change is to create bottom-up pressure on governments to negotiate a global Plant Based Treaty by getting endorsements from millions of individuals including notable celebrities, scientists and politicians, tens of thousands of groups and businesses, and hundreds of cities.✅ Endorse the Plant Based Treaty today!https://plantbasedtreaty.org/

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