The fearless founder of Animal Recovery Mission takes no prisoners in his quest to expose the darkest corners of animal exploitation. Richard “Kudo” Couto, a former Miami Beach real estate developer turned undercover investigator, joins us to reveal how his organization infiltrates illegal slaughterhouses, exposes factory farm abuses, and challenges corporate giants like Coca-Cola’s Fairlife. From Miami’s underground horse meat trade to dairy industry horrors, Kudo shares breaking news about ARM’s ninth Fairlife investigation and explains how his team of tough-as-nails investigators risk their lives to document animal abuse that others won’t touch.

This episode explores:

• How ARM’s investigations have led to over 1,000 felony prosecutions, targeting organized crime networks involved in illegal slaughterhouse operations
• The shocking truth behind Fairlife’s “humane” marketing claims and ARM’s ongoing legal battles with Coca-Cola
• Why ARM’s sanctuary serves as both a haven for rescued animals and rehabilitation center for investigators suffering from PTSD
• How ARM’s international work exposes animal sacrifice practices in countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and India
• The connection between masculinity and animal protection, challenging traditional notions of strength

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Richard “Kudo” Couto founded the Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) in 2010 after retiring from Miami Beach real estate development. As a leading undercover investigator, Kudo exposes the most violent animal abuse operations worldwide.

ARM has conducted record-breaking investigations resulting in over 1,000 felony prosecutions, including the largest dairy farm and animal agriculture investigations in history. Their work has shut down 75+ illegal slaughterhouses and numerous animal fighting operations across the globe.

An Emmy Award-winner, Kudo collaborates with the FBI, DEA, and environmental agencies to ensure justice for abused animals. His investigations have been featured in documentaries and news stories worldwide, most recently exposing Coca-Cola owned Fairlife milk’s dairy operations throughout the United States.

We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview.

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Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series.

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