Keep it Humane

In this episode, we sit down with the Humane Educators of Texas to dive into their incredible work across the country. From their innovative training programs to their community outreach efforts, they’re helping reshape the future of animal welfare through education and advocacy. We explore Humane H.E.L.P. and how it is making an impact on compassion fatigue. Tune in to learn how Humane Educators of Texas are making a real impact and how their approach to humane education is creating stronger, more compassionate communities.

In Part Two of our conversation about KC Pet Project, we discuss the unexpected loss of their animal control services contract and what it means for their organization, their staff, and the community they serve.

In this gripping episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, we recount a disturbing case that unfolded on January 27, 2022, when a concerned citizen called Denver Animal Protection to report the sounds of a dog being beaten inside an apartment at 5190 Broadway Street.

Officer Daniel Ettinger responded to the call and was met with silence, resistance, and ultimately a scene that revealed shocking conditions. Inside the apartment, four dogs were found confined to a small closet covered in urine and feces, with no access to water and visible signs of injury and neglect. One dog had fresh wounds, and three were underweight and crammed into a wire crate without a bottom tray, lying in their own waste.

This episode takes you through the officer’s experience as he obtained a warrant, entered the residence, and discovered the heartbreaking living conditions. We discuss the process of identifying the individuals involved, the legal actions taken, and the steps that led to the dogs’ impoundment and potential new path to recovery.

We highlight not only the resilience of the animals but the importance of vigilance from the community and swift action from animal control professionals. It’s a powerful reminder of why our work matters and how we can be a voice for the voiceless.

In this episode, we’re joined by representatives from the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) to dive into their highly anticipated State Rankings Report, a comprehensive annual review of how each U.S. state protects—or fails to protect—animals through its laws. We break down the top-performing states, the ones falling behind, and what these rankings really mean for the animals, the public, and the professionals enforcing the laws.

From felony penalties and mandatory reporting to courtroom victories and legislative gaps, ALDF walks us through the trends, wins, and challenges they’re seeing across the country. Whether you're an animal control officer, shelter leader, advocate, or policymaker, this conversation sheds light on where progress is being made—and where urgent change is still needed.

🐾 Learn how your state ranks, what’s working, and how you can be part of the push for stronger animal protection laws.

In this powerful episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Rock, Georgia’s state animal crimes resource prosecutor, to discuss the staggering 475-year prison sentence handed down to Vincent Lemark Burrell for his role in a massive dogfighting operation.

Jessica walks us through the details of this groundbreaking case—how an Amazon driver’s report led to the discovery of 107 dogs in horrific conditions, the intensive legal battle that followed, and why this historic sentence is a major turning point in the fight against dogfighting.

We also dive into the realities of dogfighting in the U.S., the challenges in prosecuting these cases, and what this unprecedented sentence means for the future of animal cruelty enforcement. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about justice, accountability, and the ongoing battle to protect animals from violence.

In this gripping follow-up episode, Ashlee continues to unravel the shocking reality of her experience in Wisconsin. After exposing deep-seated issues within the local animal welfare system, the fallout intensifies. She shares the emotional and professional toll of standing up for what’s right, the resistance she faced, and the unexpected allies who emerged. From internal battles to public scrutiny, this episode takes you behind the scenes of a broken system—and what it takes to fix it. Tune in as we dive deeper into Ashlee’s fight for accountability, transparency, and real change.

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with Cole Wakefield — a passionate advocate and leader in animal welfare — to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of serving rural communities. As the Executive Director of Good Shepherd Humane Society and Managing Advisor for Rural Humane, Cole brings a wealth of experience in leadership development, strategic collaboration, and policy reform.

Together, they dive into what it takes to build sustainable, community-driven solutions that prioritize both animal welfare and public well-being. Cole shares his insights on why rural shelters must be viewed as essential public services — not revenue-generating operations — and how local leadership plays a crucial role in creating humane outcomes. From innovative programs to inclusive strategies tailored to rural needs, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to reshape the future of animal welfare.

Tune in to learn how rural communities can drive change and why collaboration, compassion, and community engagement are the heartbeats of effective animal welfare work.

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.