Humane Talk

Wild horses are an iconic part of the U.S. landscape, but the government rounds up thousands annually. Find out how a safe contraceptive vaccine for these animals can help manage their populations, and learn about the history of wild horse protection.

Hear about McDonald's taking action to move toward ending the use of gestation crates for breeding pigs. More and more restaurant chains, pork producers, and food service companies are making similar announcements to phase out this cruel confinement.

An Atlantic City business recently scrapped plans to re-open a "horse diving" act. This dangerous spectacle became popular in the 1920s, with horses forced to walk up to an elevated platform that drops and plunges them 30 or 40 feet into a tank of water.

Hear more about the good news for hens: Federal lawmakers have introduced a bill to phase out barren battery cages for egg-laying hens and give these birds more space. Wayne and Tracie explain the details and the efforts to pass this important bill.

The U.S. government poisons and traps many coyotes and other wild animals, often in cruel ways. Find out why The HSUS is working to stop this taxpayer-funded killing program, and to replace it with effective nonlethal methods such as guard dogs to protect livestock.

Invasive Burmese pythons are killing native animals in Florida, while pythons and other large constrictors kept as pets have killed several people. Learn about stopping the pet trade in large constrictor snakes to protect animal welfare and public safety.

Hear about the intriguing investigation called Operation Cyberwild that found products made from tiger skin, elephant skin, and other wildlife parts being sold online. HSUS volunteers helped federal officials uncover this illegal trafficking.

Find out why The HSUS gave the Obama administration a C-minus grade for 2011, looking at important animal welfare issues such as wild horses, chimps in research, puppy mills, protection of farm animals, trophy hunting of wolves, and more.

This episode uncovers the dealings of PR front-man Richard Berman and his involvement with a new group, the so-called "Humane Society for Shelter Pets," attacking The HSUS. Berman has formed many front groups to try to discredit public interest charities.

Learn more about the amazing lives of chimps and some recent good news for these animals, such as a federal study concluding that biomedical research on them is unnecessary.