In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, hosts Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with their very own co-host, Ashlee Bishop, to discuss the unexpected and challenging turn in her career as an animal control officer.

Ashlee opens up about losing her position as Wausau's full-time humane officer following a controversial city council decision. The move, pushed forward by the police department to restructure animal control services, replaced Ashlee’s full-time role with three part-time positions — a shift that city leaders claim will expand services without increasing costs.

We delve into the emotional and professional impact this decision has had on Ashlee, as well as the community's strong reaction. Former council member Tom Kilian voiced concerns over the council's failure to implement the original plan, which would have included Ashlee and two part-time animal control officers. Instead, the city opted for a broader approach, assigning community service and code enforcement officers to handle animal-related calls alongside other duties.

Ashlee shares her firsthand experience of what it means to be a humane officer, the importance of dedicated animal control professionals, and the real-life consequences of blending animal welfare with unrelated code enforcement responsibilities.

This episode sheds light not only on Ashlee’s personal journey but also on the larger issue of how cities balance budgets, public safety, and animal welfare. It’s a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of animal control and the vital role of compassionate, trained professionals in our communities.

Tune in to hear Ashlee's story — raw, unfiltered, and eye-opening.

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel and Ashley sit down with Jessica Solano, the 2024 Animal Control Officer of the Year. Jessica's journey in animal welfare is a testament to hard work, passion, and perseverance. Recognized with multiple nominations, it's clear she’s not just doing the job — she’s living her mission to help both animals and the communities they belong to. From her early days in the field to rising through the ranks, Jessica shares the moments that shaped her career, the challenges she's faced, and what it means to be an ACO in today’s world. Whether you're an animal welfare professional or just curious about the people behind the badge, this episode is a powerful reminder of why the work matters. Tune in and get inspired!

In this powerful episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel and Ashley sit down with Cara Achterberg, co-founder of Who Will Let the Dogs Out, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about homeless dogs and the challenges faced by under-resourced shelters in rural areas. Cara shares her inspiring journey — from fostering over 200 dogs to traveling the country, spotlighting shelters that are often overlooked.

We dive deep into the systemic issues driving animal homelessness, the harsh realities of rural shelters, and how Who Will Let the Dogs Out empowers communities to take action. Cara also discusses the importance of collaboration, creative solutions to improve live outcomes, and how anyone — from animal welfare professionals to everyday advocates — can make a lasting impact.

If you're passionate about helping the most vulnerable animals and want to learn how to be part of the solution, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in, be inspired, and discover how we can all play a role in letting the dogs out — for good.

Learn more about Cara's work at Who Will Let the Dogs Out.

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger, Ashlee Bishop and Ashley Bishop sit down with Will Zweigart, founder of Flatbush Cats, to discuss the incredible work his organization is doing to improve the lives of cats in Brooklyn and beyond. From groundbreaking TNR (trap-neuter-return) efforts to the launch of the Flatbush Veterinary Clinic, Will shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of expanding access to veterinary care in underserved communities.

We dive into how Flatbush Cats is reshaping the future of animal welfare, the importance of community-based solutions, and what’s next for their mission to help more cats and the people who care for them. Whether you're an animal welfare professional, a cat advocate, or just someone who wants to see change in the industry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Learn more about Flatbush Cats and their work:flatbushcats.com

In this episode of *Keep it Humane: The Podcast*, Daniel and Ashley sit down with Mia Navedo-Williams to explore how the term *No Kill* is perceived within Spanish-speaking communities. They discuss the linguistic and cultural barriers that contribute to misunderstandings around animal sheltering, euthanasia policies, and access to care. How does the messaging around *No Kill* impact trust in shelters? What can animal welfare professionals do to bridge the communication gap? Tune in for an insightful conversation on language, culture, and the need for clearer, more inclusive outreach in animal welfare.

This week on Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Ashlee and Ashley dive into the latest debate over animal control in Kansas City. With the city considering taking over enforcement from KC Pet Project, they break down the challenges of municipal vs. nonprofit animal control, the need for better enforcement, and what this shift could mean for officers, animals, and the community. Sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap– the industry leader in humane animal traps and equipment. Visit [livetrap.com](https://www.livetrap.com) and use code KEEPITHUMANE for 10% off your order!

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel and Ashley break down a controversial incident in Jacksonville, Florida, involving an off-duty animal control officer and a 5-year-old pit bull named Luna. What started as an off-leash dog enjoying a routine outing turned into a heated confrontation, leaving the community and social media buzzing.

We explore the complexities of this case, including the officer’s actions, the legality of intervening while off duty, and the ripple effects on public trust in animal control. Daniel and Ashley also discuss the broader implications for animal control professionals, the importance of proper identification and communication, and how moments like this can damage the reputation of those working hard to protect animals and people.

Join us as we dive into the facts, unpack both sides of the story, and offer actionable lessons for animal welfare professionals navigating tricky situations.

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, hosts Daniel Ettinger, Ashlee Bishop and Ashley Bishop are joined by Hanna Lentz, Executive Director of Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change (SPARC). Hanna shares how SPARC is revolutionizing the animal welfare field by harnessing the power of storytelling and impactful messaging to create meaningful change for animals and people alike.

Discover how SPARC’s mission to foster positive relationships between people and animals is shaping a more compassionate future. From amplifying unheard stories to tackling systemic challenges in animal welfare, Hanna dives into the strategies that drive SPARC’s unique approach to creating lasting change.

Join us for a heartfelt discussion on the transformative power of stories, community, and innovative leadership.

Learn more about SPARC at sparcinsight.org.

In this deeply unsettling episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, hosts Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop are joined by Kevin Hearst from Don't F Up the Podcast to unpack the horrifying details of the dogfighting case involving Fredrick Douglas Moorefield Jr., a former Pentagon official.

Moorefield, a high-ranking Department of Defense employee, was recently sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and six months of home detention for his role in a multistate dogfighting ring. Operating under the name Geehad Kennels, Moorefield bred and trained dogs for over 20 years, using brutal methods like weighted collars, steroids, and treadmills to prepare dogs for deadly fights. He was convicted of conspiracy to engage in animal fighting ventures and interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise.

We’ll discuss the shocking revelations of Moorefield electrocuting losing dogs with a homemade device, his connection to the DMV Board dogfighting ring spanning Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., and how law enforcement uncovered his gruesome activities after finding two dead dogs in a plastic bag in 2018.

This episode explores the larger implications of systemic failures that allow such cruelty to persist, the pursuit of justice, and what this case means for animal welfare advocates and law enforcement. Don’t miss this powerful discussion as we confront the grim realities of dogfighting and the urgent need for change.

This episode is sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap. Check them out at livetrap.com

In this exciting episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, hosts Daniel Ettinger, Ashlee Bishop, and Ashley Bishop unveil the show's new name and broader focus. Formerly The Animal Control Report, the podcast has evolved into Keep it Humane to better reflect its mission of supporting animal control officers, shelter professionals, and advocates in creating compassionate communities.

Join the hosts as they discuss the reasons behind the name change, the importance of challenging outdated perceptions of animal welfare, and their ongoing commitment to highlighting the people and programs making a difference.

This episode also features the highly anticipated announcement of the Animal Control Officer of the Year and Agency of the Year! Tune in to celebrate the incredible achievements of these dedicated professionals and learn how they are setting the standard for excellence in the field.

Don’t miss this episode filled with inspiration, updates, and a renewed commitment to keeping it humane!