Episodes
Lori leads off this episode exploring the issue of genetic defects in purebred dogs. There are over 500 known genetic defects in purebred dogs, causing health problems, many severe, at a much greater rate than in mixed breed dogs. These genetic defects go along with selective breeding to a “standard” and these standards are established […]
Published 12/19/23
Published 12/19/23
Peter begins with hot news items including a mass bird killing at Chicago’s McCormick Place, Gavin Newsom signs a fur sale ban in California, a 17’ 2” Burmese python was captured and killed in the Everglades, hero dog in Lebanon saves dumped newborn human, and we say farewell to friend of animals Bob Barker. Lori […]
Published 11/24/23
Peter begins with the iconic Paul Watson, who continues to fight for animals and the seas. Now leading the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, his new book is titled, Hitman for the Kindness Club – High Seas Escapades and Heroic Adventures of an Eco-Activist. Paul discusses the roots of his activism, his role in virtually crushing […]
Published 10/28/23
Lori begins with the sad news of the death of Lolita (also known as Tokitae and Toki), an orca who has lived nearly her entire life in the small tank at the Miami Seaquarium. Even though there were discussions and reports about plans to transport her to a seaside sanctuary, Lori was skeptical that was […]
Published 09/27/23
Lori leads off this episode exploring the issue of genetic defects in purebred dogs. There are over 500 known genetic defects in purebred dogs, causing health problems, many severe, at a much greater rate than in mixed breed dogs. These genetic defects go along with selective breeding to a “standard” and these standards are established […]
Published 09/20/23
We dive into a topic every pet owner should consider: What happens to your pets if you’re no longer around to care for them? Join Peter as he sits down with Attorney Ilene McCauley to discuss the intricacies of future planning for our cherished pets. A passionate animal enthusiast, McCauley applies her expertise to assist […]
Published 09/04/23
Lori begins the show with worrisome events surrounding the ever-expanding offshore wind farm industry and its probable detrimental effect on whales. The recent alarming increase of the deaths of whales, mostly humpbacks, along the eastern shores of the US coincided with increased construction of wind farms and windf arm activity. There are many ways offshore […]
Published 08/31/23
This episode of Animals Today dives deep into the world of mosquitoes and their impact on our world. Did you know August 20th was World Mosquito Day? We discuss the history of these little pests, particularly their notorious connection to diseases like malaria. Discover how Sir Ronald Ross changed the game in 1897 by unveiling […]
Published 08/19/23
Peter begins the show welcoming Patrick Battuello to discuss the work of his organization, Horseracing Wrongs, in exposing the many cruelties thrust upon horses in the racing industry. Dedicated to ending the cruel and deadly horse racing industry in the United States, Horseracing Wrongs was the first and continues to be the only organization to […]
Published 08/09/23
Lori begins the show by taking on the still controversial topic of laws and regulations aimed at specific dog breeds, generally referred to as breed specific legislation. There are hundreds of such laws and regulations on the books across the US, which regulate or ban certain dog breeds.  Breed specific legislation (BSL) typically targets pit bull […]
Published 07/31/23
During the summer heat, you may come across a situation where an animal, typically a dog, has been left alone in a car that is too warm for comfort or safety. Even though it’s no secret that leaving dogs in hot cars is dangerous and often illegal, it continues to happen too frequently. So, we […]
Published 07/21/23
Peter begins with an animal news round-up including giraffe conservation, why people must not approach wild animals in national parks or anywhere, imagining a world teeming with T. rexes, mad cow madness and the continuing tragedy of horse racing. Lori then continues the giraffe theme with facts and queries about these magnificent, gentle beings. June […]
Published 06/28/23
We begin the show with a delightful romp across the animal kingdom and the animated creatures of renown with Lori and Peter. Apologies to Jim Henson. Then, learn about the early days of the Audubon Society, why and how it came to be, with Kate Kelly. Peter continues by welcoming Karen Menczer, Founder and Director […]
Published 06/04/23
Lori begins with a monologue about the state of the contemporary wind turbine industry, and their negative effects on animals. There is a lot of evidence that eagles are killed by wind turbines despite efforts of the companies to avoid being transparent. Lori favors efforts to move toward green energy but argues that animal protection […]
Published 05/23/23
Lori begins the show with the story of the five activists who, in 2017, entered Circle Four Farms in Utah, intent on documenting animal abuse at Smithfield Foods huge pig facility housed there. But not only was extremely graphic video obtained, but the men also rescued 2 nearly dead piglets, which was not part of […]
Published 03/28/23
Lori’s First guest is Steve Hindi, who leads SHARK (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness).  They discuss a variety of topics including canned pigeon shoots, rodeos and hunting. The hour concludes with Peter taking one of his first of many animal related quizzes. Lori continues discussing the most common reasons animals go to the veterinarian, and […]
Published 03/22/23
Lori begins with something any animal advocate ought to know about: the history of the animal rights and welfare movements.  From the practices of ancient spiritual teachers of India, to the ideas of modern philosophers, Lori hopes this condensed history will inspire you to continue learning on your own. Next, do you have a plan […]
Published 01/16/23
Lori begins the show with news about some aggressive urban squirrels in Queens, NYC, who are reportedly jumping onto people and attacking them. Authorities advise against hand feeding, which probably contributed to the bold behaviors these animals are displaying. Fortunately squirrels rarely harbor rabies, and no documented case of transmission of rabies to humans has […]
Published 12/04/22
In recognition of International Orangutan Day, Lori and Peter kick off discussing some of the fascinating facts about these great apes. These gentle creatures are the largest tree-dwelling animals on earth. Indeed they even sleep in the trees, fashioning leafy nests each evening for that purpose. Orangutans are native to only 2 island on earth, […]
Published 11/14/22
Lori begins with a monologue about the state of the contemporary wind turbine industry, and their negative effects on animals. There is a lot of evidence that eagles are killed by wind turbines despite efforts of the companies to avoid being transparent. Lori favors efforts to move toward green energy but argues that animal protection […]
Published 10/14/22
Lori begins with a detailed exploration into the ethics of dog breeding. The purebred dog industry not only creates innumerable animals with genetic defects, causing dogs to have a lifetime of medical problems and diseases, but also interferes with the adoption of healthy dogs confined in shelters by enticing people to buy from breeders instead […]
Published 09/29/22
If you believe your pet was harmed by the actions of your veterinarian, what are your legal options for recourse? In this episode, Lori explores many aspects of veterinary malpractice with attorney Bob Ferber, former Los Angeles animal cruelty prosecutor. Although there are some parallels between the law as it relates to medical malpractice issues […]
Published 08/25/22
During the summer heat, you may come across a situation where an animal, typically a dog, has been left alone in a car that is too warm for comfort or safety. Even though it’s no secret that leaving dogs in hot cars is dangerous and often illegal, it continues to happen too frequently. So, we […]
Published 08/03/22
Lori begins the show by taking on the still controversial topic of laws and regulations aimed at specific dog breeds, generally referred to as breed specific legislation. There are hundreds of such laws and regulations on the books across the US, which regulate or ban certain dog breeds.  Breed specific legislation (BSL) typically targets pit bull […]
Published 07/02/22