Keep it Humane

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!

In this collaborative episode of The Animal Control Report and The Animal Welfare Junction, hosts Daniel Ettinger and Dr. Michelle Gonzalez dive into one of the most debated topics in animal welfare today: Colorado’s newly passed Proposition 129. Joining the discussion is Ali Mickelson, Senior Director of Advocacy and Education at the Denver Dumb Friends League, a key advocate for the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role. We explore the potential benefits and challenges of Proposition 129, a measure aiming to address Colorado’s veterinary care crisis by creating a mid-level veterinary professional role. Proponents, including Governor Jared Polis, argue it’s a game-changer for expanding access to care and alleviating strain on veterinarians. Opponents, however, warn of risks to animal safety and question the program’s accreditation and effectiveness. Together, we unpack the facts, hear from both sides of the aisle, and discuss how this controversial initiative could reshape veterinary medicine—not only in Colorado but nationwide. Tune in for an insightful conversation about innovation, ethics, and the future of veterinary care.

In this special crosspost episode of The Animal Welfare Junction, Dr. Michelle Gonzalez (Dr. G) sits down with Daniel Ettinger, host of The Animal Control Report, for an inspiring conversation about SMART animal shelters. SMART—Save More Animals Responsibly Together—represents a forward-thinking approach to animal welfare, focusing on collaboration, community needs, and sustainable solutions for improving outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.

Daniel shares insights into the evolution of SMART shelters, their guiding principles, and how they are redefining the future of animal welfare. Whether you're an animal welfare professional or an advocate for positive change, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable ideas.

For more information on SMART, visit [keepithumane.com](http://www.keepithumane.com).

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**Mentioned in This Episode:**

- *Keep It Humane Podcast Network*: Discover more incredible animal welfare content at [keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork](http://keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork).

- *Tomahawk Live Trap*: Enjoy 10% off your purchase at [livetrap.com](http://livetrap.com) with the code **keepithumane** at checkout.

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In the season finale of The Animal Control Report, hosts Daniel, Ashley, and Ashlee sit down with Tori Fugate, Chief Communications Officer for Shelter Animals Count, to discuss the transformative role of data transparency in animal welfare. With her extensive experience as a communications professional and her leadership at Missouri’s largest shelter, KC Pet Project, Tori brings a fresh perspective on how data collection can drive impactful change.

Discover how Shelter Animals Count empowers animal welfare organizations by streamlining shelter data collection, fostering transparency, and promoting meaningful evaluation. Tori explains how this data provides a clearer picture of the movement's progress in saving companion animals and preventing homelessness while equipping shelters with tools to share their compelling stories.

Join us as we delve into Tori’s journey, her passion for elevating the field of animal sheltering, and the vital work being done nationwide to improve outcomes for animals and communities alike. Don’t miss this insightful conversation to close out the season!

**About Our Guest**

Tori Fugate is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and an award-winning communications professional. As the Chief Communications Officer of Shelter Animals Count, she’s using her expertise to enhance data transparency and elevate the stories of animal welfare organizations across the country. Her previous role at KC Pet Project saw her spearheading media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and fundraising, helping the organization rise to national prominence. Now, Tori is committed to driving the success of Shelter Animals Count by leveraging data to make a lasting impact.