Humane Talk

By The Humane Society of the United States

News & Politics Society & Culture Government & Organizations Non-Profit

What's Humane Talk about?

Hosted by author and radio show host Tracie Hotchner, "Humane Talk" is a weekly, 15-minute conversation with Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the nation's largest animal protection organization, The Humane Society of the United States. Tune in to the podcast every Friday for the latest on animals in our world.

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Humane Talk episodes:

07.15.2013
Pets of Valor
The HSUS' mission statement is Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty. The HSUS addresses the most egregious forms of cruelty against animals, but also celebrates the human-animal bond and animals that go above and beyond. Wayne and Tracie discuss the Pets of...
07.09.2013
The HSUS Annual Report
The HSUS recently released its 2012 annual report, showing the huge accomplishments of the organization for the year. Tracie and Wayne discuss the why The HSUS is the most effective animal welfare organization in the country and how animals have...
07.01.2013
Episode 87: Closing the Last Gas Chambers
Wayne and Tracie discuss the use of gas chambers, an antiquated and inhumane method of euthanizing shelter animals. Recently, Texas banned gas chambers, Mississippi shuttered the last chamber in the state, and Kansas closed one of the last in...
06.14.2013
Episode 86: Animal Fighting Spectator Bill
All 50 states have laws that ban animal fighting, however a dangerous loophole exists in federal law that prevents spectators from being arrested or prosecuted. Consequently, the majority of people attending the fights walk away without consequence. This bill would...
06.07.2013
Episode 85: Nightmare in Mississippi
The conditions The HSUS Animal Rescue Team witnessed at a recent puppy mill raid in Mississippi were nothing short of appalling. It was, in a word, a nightmare for the animals. Wayne and Tracie talk about the rescue, the problem...
05.31.2013
Episode 84: The King Amendment
Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, has proposed an amendment to the Farm Bill that would nullify any standards approved at the state level to regulate agriculture. The amendment passed the House Agriculture Committee and if passed by the full House, could...
05.24.2013
Episode 83: Victory for Dolphins
Wayne and Tracie discuss the recent developments in the ongoing struggle to keep dolphin-safe tuna labeling requirements intact. After Mexico challenged the U.S. dolphin-safe tuna law under WTO principles, saying it unfairly discriminated against them, the U.S. complied with the...
05.17.2013
Episode 82: Get the Lead Out
Assembly Bill 711 seeks to ban the use of toxic lead ammunition in California. Lead bullets continue to kill wildlife long after being discharged. A California condor, a golden eagle, and countless other animals have died after ingesting lead shot....
05.10.2013
Episode 81: Canada's Seal Slaughter
Thousands of baby seals are clubbed to death during the Canadian seal slaughter each year. Although there is little demand for seal fur, the Canadian government continues to buy up the excess pelts. This year, The HSUS was the only...
05.02.2013
Episode 80: Michigan Wolves and Doves
Michigan Senate Bill 288 would allow the repeal of one of the most popular ballot measures in Michigan history, which outlawed the target shooting of mourning doves. It would also derail the recent wolf protection referendum that garnered more than...
04.25.2013
Epidsode 79: Wayne and Ellen Speak Up for Animals
Tracie and Wayne discuss Wayne's recent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where he talked about the dangerous Tennessee anti-whistleblower bill that's on its way to Governor Bill Haslam's desk. They also discuss the Prevent All Soring Tactics Act, a...
04.22.2013
Episode 78: Meatless Mondays
The second largest school district in the country, Los Angeles Unified, recently made a commitment to go meat-free on Mondays. Wayne and Tracie discuss why decreasing meat consumption is essential to public and social health, the environment and animal welfare.
04.12.2013
Episode 77: PUPS Act & Puppy Mills
Wayne and Tracie discuss puppy mills, the AKC, and the recently introduced PUPS Act – federal legislation that would close a loophole that allows puppy millers to sell over the internet without regulation.
04.04.2013
Episode 76: Wolf Reintroduction Ends in Tragedy
Starting in the 1990s, there was an effort to reintroduce wolves in the Northern Rockies. Many people were quick to label the effort a success, but that was a premature judgment. Since wolves were stripped of federal protections in 2011,...
04.01.2013
Episode 75: Is Your Fur Faux?
The FTC has taken action against several big name retailers that falsely advertised real fur as faux fur. The HSUS has conducted many investigations exposing falsely labeled or falsely advertised fur garments. Wayne and Tracie discuss the recent developments and...
03.25.2013
Episode 74: Horse Meat on the Menu?
Wayne and Tracie discuss the issues surrounding horse slaughter and horse meat, and the recent developments in the European Union and the U.S. regarding meat contamination, welfare concerns, and food safety problems.
03.15.2013
Episode 73: When Animals Are In Need, The HSUS Is There
Wayne and Tracie discuss all the ways in which The HSUS helps animals - particularly in terms of direct care. Contrary to the claims of many opposition groups, The HSUS is the No. 1 organization in the nation for hands-on...
03.04.2013
Episode 72: Whistleblower Suppression Laws
One of the only methods of bringing individuals and companies who engage in serious animal cruelty offenses to justice is to videotape or photograph them engaging in the illegal act. Whistleblower suppression laws seek to criminalize these undercover investigations. Wayne...
02.22.2013
Episode 71: NIH Working Group Finds Chimps Should No Longer be Used for Invasive Research
Recently, the National Institutes of Health set up a working group to determine whether or not research on chimpanzees is necessary. They found that all but 50 chimps should be permanently retired and research discontinued. As the only nation still...
02.08.2013
Episode 70: Saying Goodbye to Billy and Working to Stop Puppy Mills
Billy was a puppy mill rescue dog whose video turned into an overnight internet sensation. The years of neglect Billy suffered were too much, and sadly, he passed away in December. Tracie and Wayne discuss puppy mills and The HSUS'...
02.04.2013
Episode 69: Street Dog Welfare
Street dogs make up nearly half of the world's population of canines. Wayne talks about HSI's innovative program to spay/neuter and vaccinate street dogs, bringing the population down to a more manageable level.
02.01.2013
Episode 68: Animal Welfare in India
Wayne and Tracie talk about his recent trip to India and the animal protection issues that Humane Society International is addressing in the newly opened offices in the country.
01.29.2013
Episode 67: Disaster Response from Katrina to Sandy
Wayne discusses his experiences on the ground in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and how disaster preparedness and response with regard to animals has changed in the years since Katrina.
01.25.2013
Episode 66: Progress for Animals in 2012 (Part 2)
Part 2 of 2: Tracie and Wayne continue their conversation about progress made for animals by The HSUS in 2012.
01.18.2013
Episode 65: Progress for Animals in 2012 (Part 1)
Part 1 of 2: Every year The HSUS works tirelessly to create a more humane world for animals. Listen as Wayne and Tracie discuss the major milestones reached in 2012 state by state.
01.11.2013
Episode 64: Wolves Under Fire
Less than a year after the USFWS de-listed wolves in the Great Lakes region, Wisconsin and Minnesota open wolf hunting and trapping seasons. Tracie and Wayne discuss the implications of this tragic development and how The HSUS is responding.
12.20.2012
Episode 63: Putting a Stop to the Cruel Beluga Whale Trade
Eighteen beluga whales who were captured in Russian seas are set to be put on display at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. If the permit for their import is approved, it will set a precedent that will have devastating consequences...
11.20.2012
Episode 62: It's Time to End Chimpanzee Research
Listen in as Wayne and Tracy discuss how and why we should phase out medical research on chimpanzees and retire those currently living in labs to sanctuaries.
10.31.2012
Episode 61: Going Undercover to Reveal Abuse and Help Animals
The HSUS conducts undercover investigations at factory farms, research labs, slaughterhouses, and other places where animal cruelty is often hidden behind closed doors. Hear more about the courageous work of investigators and how they help animals.
10.19.2012
Episode 60: Reforming Policies to Help Animals
The HSUS rescues thousands of pets and runs a network of sanctuaries, but we also protect animals by reforming policies in Congress, at the state level, and in the courts. Learn more about how these efforts are improving conditions for...
10.15.2012
Episode 59: Companies Backslide on Animal Testing Policies
Was the shampoo you use tested on animals? Did your toothpaste or lipstick cause suffering for animals in labs? We've made great progress in phasing out animal tests for many products, but recently several companies backslid on their cruelty-free pledges.
09.28.2012
Episode 58: Touring the Heartland of America
Hear about Wayne's recent tour of farms in rural America, and more about how The Humane Society of the United States is working with farmers to phase out cruel confinement and work together to advance animal welfare.
09.21.2012
Episode 57: Domestic Dog Fur for Sale in the United States
It's illegal to sell products containing domestic dog or cat fur in the United States, thanks to legislation supported by The HSUS more than a decade ago. But in 2012, our investigators found domestic dog fur for sale in the...
09.17.2012
Episode 56: Major Moments in Animal Protection, Continued
Hear more about major moments for the animal protection movement in recent years. In this continuation, Tracie and Wayne discuss the Hallmark-Westland undercover investigation of a dairy cow slaughter plant, and how people can seek out more humane food.
09.05.2012
Episode 55: Five Landmark Moments for Animal Protection
Learn more about five of the most important events in the recent history of animal protection, including the rescue of pets after Hurricane Katrina, the arrest of Michael Vick for dogfighting, and the ban on extreme confinement of farm animals...
08.24.2012
Episode 54: Undercover Video Reveals Abuse to Horses
A recent HSUS investigation uncovered shocking abuse of Tennessee walking horses. Learn more about horse soring, the intentional infliction of pain to produce a high-stepping gait, and the aftermath of this investigation.
08.10.2012
Episode 53: Where the Wild Things Shouldn't Be
Why is it a bad idea to keep a Bengal tiger or a chimpanzee in your backyard, basement, or living room? Find out more about the problems with the exotic pet trade, including a tragic incident recently in Zanesville, Ohio.
08.03.2012
Episode 52: Doublespeak from American Kennel Club on Puppy Mills
The American Kennel Club says it stands for responsible breeders and the welfare of dogs. Yet it has opposed dozens of laws to set basic standards for puppy mills. Listen to this episode to learn why, and for an update...
07.30.2012
Episode 51: Protecting Parrots and Other Birds
Tracie and Wayne discuss the recent rescue of more than 120 neglected parrots from a supposed sanctuary in Ohio. Though some types of birds make wonderful pets, parrots are intelligent, social, can live many decades, and need specialized care.
07.20.2012
Episode 50: Investigation Shines Light on Cruelty to Tennessee Walking Horses
An HSUS undercover investigation showed Tennessee walking horses having caustic chemicals applied to their legs as well as being whipped, kicked, and shocked in the face. Learn more about the public awareness and criminal indictments that followed.
07.18.2012
Episode 49: Tigers and More Rescued from Exotic Animal Park
The issue of keeping dangerous wild animals in backyards or substandard roadside zoos continues to be in the news. Hear about a recent rescue of tigers, leopards, and other animals from an Oklahoma roadside zoo with poor conditions and safety...
07.11.2012
Episode 48: Speak Up Now to Help Dogs in Puppy Mills
Countless puppy mill dogs are sold over the Internet with little oversight because of a legal loophole. Before July 16, please comment to support requiring large-scale breeders selling dogs online or directly to the public to meet basic standards of...
06.08.2012
Episode 47: Working with Law Enforcement to Protect Animals
The HSUS works with law enforcement officials to help rescue pets, crack down on animal fighting, protect wildlife, and much more. Find out how this cooperation takes place in this week's episode of Humane Talk.
06.01.2012
Episode 46: Get Educated on Animal Issues at Humane Society University
Find out how you can go to school for animals at Humane Society University, with classes online and in Washington, D.C. The university has a wide range of courses and offers undergraduate degrees, graduate certificates, and master's degrees.
05.29.2012
Episode 45: Helping Street Dogs in the Asian Nation of Bhutan
Hear about the ongoing project in Bhutan, a small county in Asia, where Humane Society International is helping street dogs and communities by sterilizing tens of thousands of free-roaming dogs.
05.21.2012
Episode 44: Racing Is a Dangerous Game for Horses
This episode looks into how competitive horse racing leads to the injury and death of far too many horses. A recent series in the New York Times brought more attention to the serious problems with injuries, drugs, and overbreeding in...
05.11.2012
Episode 43: California Wildlife Official Kills Mountain Lion on Guided Trophy Hunt
Although Californians banned hunting mountain lions with dogs two decades ago, the president of the state Fish & Game Commission recently traveled to Idaho to corner and kill a cougar with a pack of dogs. Wayne and Tracie discuss the...
05.04.2012
Episode 42: Join us at Animal Care EXPO or Taking Action for Animals
Learn more about how to make a difference for animals by signing up for our Taking Action for Animals conference this July, offering workshops and a wealth of information. Animal care professionals, please join us for our Animal Care EXPO...
04.27.2012
Episode 41: Getting Closer to Ending the Canadian Seal Slaughter
Learn about the growing momentum to stop the commercial slaughter of baby harp seals in Canada. More and more countries are closing their borders to the seal fur trade, and animal advocates are speaking out against the killing.
04.20.2012
Episode 40: Pets Used for Experiments
Wayne and Tracie discuss the little-known problem of Class B dealers, who acquire pets from shelters, "free to good home" ads, and other sources, then sell them to be used in experiments. Hear about how these random-source dealers are on...

What's Humane Talk about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Humane Talk episodes:

Pets of Valor

The HSUS Annual Report

Episode 87: Closing the Last Gas Chambers

Episode 86: Animal Fighting Spectator Bill

Episode 85: Nightmare in Mississippi

Episode 84: The King Amendment

Episode 83: Victory for Dolphins

Episode 82: Get the Lead Out

Episode 81: Canada's Seal Slaughter

Episode 80: Michigan Wolves and Doves

Epidsode 79: Wayne and Ellen Speak Up for Animals

Episode 78: Meatless Mondays

Episode 77: PUPS Act & Puppy Mills

Episode 76: Wolf Reintroduction Ends in Tragedy

Episode 75: Is Your Fur Faux?

Episode 74: Horse Meat on the Menu?

Episode 73: When Animals Are In Need, The HSUS Is There

Episode 72: Whistleblower Suppression Laws

Episode 71: NIH Working Group Finds Chimps Should No Longer be Used for Invasive Research

Episode 70: Saying Goodbye to Billy and Working to Stop Puppy Mills

Episode 69: Street Dog Welfare

Episode 68: Animal Welfare in India

Episode 67: Disaster Response from Katrina to Sandy

Episode 66: Progress for Animals in 2012 (Part 2)

Episode 65: Progress for Animals in 2012 (Part 1)

Episode 64: Wolves Under Fire

Episode 63: Putting a Stop to the Cruel Beluga Whale Trade

Episode 62: It's Time to End Chimpanzee Research

Episode 61: Going Undercover to Reveal Abuse and Help Animals

Episode 60: Reforming Policies to Help Animals

Episode 59: Companies Backslide on Animal Testing Policies

Episode 58: Touring the Heartland of America

Episode 57: Domestic Dog Fur for Sale in the United States

Episode 56: Major Moments in Animal Protection, Continued

Episode 55: Five Landmark Moments for Animal Protection

Episode 54: Undercover Video Reveals Abuse to Horses

Episode 53: Where the Wild Things Shouldn't Be

Episode 52: Doublespeak from American Kennel Club on Puppy Mills

Episode 51: Protecting Parrots and Other Birds

Episode 50: Investigation Shines Light on Cruelty to Tennessee Walking Horses

Episode 49: Tigers and More Rescued from Exotic Animal Park

Episode 48: Speak Up Now to Help Dogs in Puppy Mills

Episode 47: Working with Law Enforcement to Protect Animals

Episode 46: Get Educated on Animal Issues at Humane Society University

Episode 45: Helping Street Dogs in the Asian Nation of Bhutan

Episode 44: Racing Is a Dangerous Game for Horses

Episode 43: California Wildlife Official Kills Mountain Lion on Guided Trophy Hunt

Episode 42: Join us at Animal Care EXPO or Taking Action for Animals

Episode 41: Getting Closer to Ending the Canadian Seal Slaughter

Episode 40: Pets Used for Experiments