Humane Talk

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 federal bill that would strengthen the Horse Protection Act to include horse soring – a cruel method of forcing exaggerated gaits of Tennessee walking horses, called the "Big Lick."

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.

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.

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, hundreds have been slaughtered. Wayne and Tracie discuss these apex predators and why the reintroduction efforts have failed.

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 the cruelty behind real fur.

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.

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 animal care.

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 and Tracie discuss what these laws would cover, how investigations help to hold these businesses accountable, and why ag-gag laws need to be stopped.

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 conducting research on chimps, this brings the U.S. one step closer to being in line with the rest of the world. Wayne and Tracie discuss the findings and talk about the sanctuary the chimps will be sent to.

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' efforts to stop them.