The Animal Advocate
Welcome to The Animal Advocate, the podcast for animal lovers who want to become effective animal advocates. Whether you want to start your own nonprofit, inspire your community to adopt more animal-friendly practices, or push for legislative change, this podcast is here to arm you with the knowledge and inspiration you need. With over 20 years of experience in animal law and advocacy, your host, Penny Ellison, is a long-time devoted animal advocate. From teaching Animal Law and Ethics at the University of Pennsylvania Law School to serving on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania SPCA and founding the nonprofit Hand2Paw, Penny's mission is to educate animal lovers like you to advocate for greater protections for animals, to inspire individual action to protect habitat, and help you make ethical choices every day. If you're eager to learn and make a meaningful impact, feeling frustrated by the current political climate, and wondering how to make a difference, let The Animal Advocate be your guide. Join us each episode to learn about topics like what makes a strong or weak animal cruelty law, the different types of animal shelters, environmental practices that impact the lives of wild animals, and practical advice on things to consider before starting an animal rescue. Be sure to check out our website, www.animaladvocacyacademy.com, for more resources on how to be a better animal advocate and to learn more about our online courses. Remember – you don't need any credentials to be an advocate. Anyone can be the positive change you want to see! Compassion is great but compassionate action is infinitely better.
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Are Humans Inherently Superior to Other Animals? The Question at the Root of Animal Advocacy
03/26/2026
Are Humans Inherently Superior to Other Animals? The Question at the Root of Animal Advocacy
What really separates humans from other animals? It's one of the oldest questions we've asked — and the answer keeps changing. Tool use was supposed to be uniquely human. Then we watched crows bend wire into hooks and octopuses carry coconut shells as portable shelter. Language was supposed to be uniquely human. Then bonobos, whales and other animals taught us differently. The list keeps getting shorter. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the framework we use to define human uniqueness is built on a standard we designed ourselves Which items on the current "uniquely human" list are likely to hold — and which are already being challenged by research What elephant grief, crow behavior, and rat empathy tell us about animal cognition and emotion How our laws and ethics need to evolve as our understanding of animals deepens Key Takeaway: Different doesn't mean superior. And the list of what makes humans unique keeps shrinking. It's time our actions and our laws caught up with what the evidence actually shows. Want to build your skills as an animal advocate? Access the free private audio series on the Four Cs of Legislative Advocacy for Animals at
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Can a Law Make Shelters Go No Kill?
03/19/2026
Can a Law Make Shelters Go No Kill?
When animals are dying in shelters, the demand for a law to stop it is completely understandable. But passing legislation that tells shelters when they can and can't euthanize is a lot more complicated than it sounds — and in the wrong conditions, it can hurt the very animals it's meant to help. In this episode, Penny Ellison — attorney, animal law professor, and longtime shelter advocate — takes on one of the most contested questions in animal welfare: can we legislate our way to no-kill? Utah just passed a right-to-rescue law requiring shelters to give rescue organizations the opportunity to pull at-risk animals before euthanasia. The organization that helped draft it — Best Friends Animal Society — has spent more than a decade building the rescue infrastructure in Utah to make it work. Most states aren't starting from there. Before other states follow Utah's lead, there are some real questions worth asking. In this episode, you'll learn: What "no-kill" actually means — and why the question to ask about any shelter isn't whether they euthanize, but whether they're doing everything possible to reduce it How California's Hayden Law became the model for right-to-rescue legislation — and why euthanasia numbers are still high there decades later Why laws that restrict when shelters can euthanize create serious problems around professional judgment, rescue capacity, and public safety Why Utah's law may make sense for Utah specifically — and why that doesn't mean it's ready to export everywhere What actually reduces euthanasia over time, and what advocates should be pushing for instead How to respond when someone is criticizing your local shelter on social media Key Takeaway: Euthanasia isn't the root problem — it's what happens when the real problems driving animals into shelters go unsolved. Legislation can help, but not with a quick mandate. It takes funding, upstream investment, and sustained commitment from communities and lawmakers alike. Want to go deeper on legislative advocacy for animals? The Four C's of Legislative Advocacy for Animals is a free private podcast series that will give you the framework you need to start making a difference. Find it at .
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Animal Control Funding: Why Shelters Walk Away from City Contracts
03/05/2026
Animal Control Funding: Why Shelters Walk Away from City Contracts
Somewhere in your community, someone sees an injured stray dog and dials for help — and there's no one there to answer. Municipal animal control has been structurally underfunded for decades, and the nonprofits quietly filling that gap are reaching a breaking point. In this episode, host Penny Ellison examines why the contract model between cities and animal shelters keeps collapsing — and what advocates can push for to change it. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the contract model looks reasonable on paper but fails in practice How nonprofits end up subsidizing a government public safety function with donor dollars Real examples from New York, Idaho, and California of contracts unraveling Why a state mandate without funding doesn't actually solve the problem Five policy levers advocates can push for — from minimum contract standards to county-level consolidation Key Takeaway: Animal control is a public safety function, not a charity. Funding gaps built into the contracts that run most shelters lead to unavoidable crises — unless we rewrite the rules to require funding that matches the real cost of care. If you want to build the advocacy skills to push for the kind of policy change this issue demands, download The Four C's of Legislative Advocacy for Animals — a free private audio series at AnimalAdvocacyAcademy.com/fourcs. Subscribe for more episodes on animal law, effective advocacy, and practical solutions for change — because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better. Contact us anytime at
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How Philadelphia Passed a Breeding Moratorium 15-0: A Framework for Animal Advocates
02/24/2026
How Philadelphia Passed a Breeding Moratorium 15-0: A Framework for Animal Advocates
Philadelphia's City Council just voted 15 to 0 to pass a 3-year moratorium on unlicensed dog breeding and puppy sales — a bill that Penny Ellison helped draft and testified in favor of in council hearings. In this episode, she walks through exactly how it happened and what advocates everywhere can learn from it. Using Philadelphia's moratorium as a case study, Penny breaks down her Four Cs framework — Common Sense, Collaboration, Communication, and Compromise — and shows how each one played out in real time, from the first draft to the unanimous roll call vote. In this episode, you'll learn: Common Sense: Why calling it a moratorium instead of a ban made the bill easier to explain, harder to oppose, and cleared the path to a unanimous vote Collaboration: How to build a coalition where different voices make different arguments — even when everyone agrees on the goal Communication: Why message discipline before hearings matters as much as what happens inside the chamber, and what the AKC got wrong because of it Compromise: What the drafting team gave up, what they held onto, and how to know the difference between a must have and a nice to have when you're in the room Key Takeaway: A perfect bill that doesn't pass helps no one. A good bill that passes 15 to 0 changes things — and the difference is usually found in how you frame it, who shows up, and what you're willing to let go. If this episode made you think differently about how animal laws get passed, I created a short private audio series called The Four C's of Legislative Advocacy for Animals. It lays out a practical framework for advocates who want laws that work in the real world. You can download it free at .
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From Protest to Policy: Ending Horse-Drawn Carriages in Philadelphia
02/18/2026
From Protest to Policy: Ending Horse-Drawn Carriages in Philadelphia
For nearly a decade, one Philadelphia advocate has worked to end horse-drawn carriage rides in the city—not with outrage, but with strategy. In this episode, I speak with Janet White, founder of Carriage Horse Freedom, about how she moved from street protests to drafting legislation, building scientific credibility, and proposing a viable replacement model that changed the political conversation. We examine what it really takes to push for a legislative ban on a long-standing practice—and why persistence, data, and creative problem-solving matter more than credentials. In this episode, we discuss: Why incremental “welfare improvements” weren’t enough How veterinary science shaped the case for a ban The public safety and liability issues cities must consider What it means to draft legislation instead of just demanding change The “ban-and-replace” model—and how electric carriages reframed the debate Key Takeaway: When you ask legislators to end a harmful practice, you need more than moral conviction—you need facts, strategy, and a workable alternative. Turning “stop this” into “here’s something better” can make all the difference. If you’re interested in building your own effective advocacy campaign, start with my free private podcast series, The Four C’s of Legislative Advocacy for Animals. It walks you through the framework behind successful animal policy reform efforts. Get access here: 👉
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Why Public Opinion Is the Most Underrated Tool in Animal Advocacy
02/12/2026
Why Public Opinion Is the Most Underrated Tool in Animal Advocacy
What kind of advocacy really improves the lives of animals? Is it public education? Is it passing laws? Is it litigation? Host Penny Ellison spent nearly two decades trying to figure out which one mattered most — and the answer she's come to may surprise you: public opinion has to move first. When it moves far enough, everything else follows. Sometimes that makes a law possible. Sometimes it makes a law unnecessary. And that second outcome is often better than people realize — because laws require enforcement, and enforcement is chronically underfunded. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the USDA has roughly one inspector for every 150 licensed facilities — and what that tells us about relying on laws alone How local circus bans made Ringling Brothers' business model collapse before any federal law was passed What the documentary Blackfish accomplished that years of litigation against SeaWorld could not Why the global fur market declined through consumer attitudes, not legislation The difference between practices that happen behind closed doors (where you need laws) and those that happen in public view (where opinion can do the work) Why shaming people never works — and what does Key Takeaway: The most effective advocacy isn't always a new law. For practices the public can see, shifting how people feel about them can be more powerful than passing a law that never gets enforced. The sequence often goes: public opinion shifts first, practices change, and laws follow to lock in the progress. If you want to learn more about how to talk about animal issues in ways that open minds instead of closing them, download The Four C's of Legislative Advocacy for Animals — a free private audio series at . Subscribe for more episodes on animal law, effective advocacy, and practical solutions for change — because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better. Contact us anytime at
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How Animal Protection Laws Really Get Passed: Lessons from Texas
02/04/2026
How Animal Protection Laws Really Get Passed: Lessons from Texas
Passing animal protection laws is rarely as simple as drafting a good bill and building public support. In this episode, Penny Ellison speaks with Shelby Bobosky of the Texas Humane Legislation Network about what legislative advocacy really looks like in one of the toughest political environments in the country. They explore the unglamorous but essential work of stopping harmful bills, why unexpected allies—from sheriffs to hunters—often determine success, and how enforceability shapes whether laws help animals or quietly fail. Drawing on Texas examples, including the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act and efforts to shut down the puppy mill pipeline, this conversation offers a grounded look at how real progress happens. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why defeating bad bills is as important as passing new ones How enforcement realities should shape legislative drafting What advocates misunderstand about statewide spay/neuter mandates How compromise can still lead to meaningful protection for animals Key Takeaway: Effective animal advocacy depends on patience, coalition-building, and laws designed to be enforced—not just passed. If this episode made you think differently about how animal laws are made, I created a short private audio series called The Four C’s of Legislative Advocacy for Animals. It lays out a practical framework for advocates who want laws that work in the real world. You can download it free at AnimalAdvocacyAcademy.com/4Cs.
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Understanding Animal Shelters: Roles, Challenges, and Misconceptions
01/28/2026
Understanding Animal Shelters: Roles, Challenges, and Misconceptions
Encore episode: This conversation onte different types of animal shelters and how they function has come up repeatedly in recent discussions about social media, advocacy, and public expectations — so we’re resurfacing it for new listeners as well as longtime listeners. In this episode of The Animal Advocate, we dive into animal sheltering. Learn about the different types of shelters - from municipal facilities to private SPCAs to foster-based rescues - and understand their unique roles, challenges, and contributions to animal welfare. We explain how these organizations work together as an ecosystem to serve animals and communities, while addressing common misconceptions and criticisms of shelters. The episode includes practical guidance on evaluating local shelters and ends with actionable steps for listeners to become more informed animal advocates in their own communities. Topics Covered: (0:10) Introduction to the Episode (2:32) Online criticism of Animal Shelters (3:11) Animal Sheltering as an "Ecosystem" (3:30) Municipal Animal Shelters (6:34) SPCA's and Humane Societies (8:41) Enforcement of Animal Cruelty Laws (9:35) Rescue Organizations, #adoptagrownup (12:30) Definition (and criiticisms) of No Kill (14:30) Evaluating Your Local Animal Shelter (15:30) Using the terms "Euthanasia" and "Kill shelter" (16:13) Listener Q&A about responding to online criticisms of animal shelters (17:07) “Be the Change” segment: Investigating your local shelters Resources Mentioned: ● Follow us: ● Website: ● Email:
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How to Help Animal Shelters on Social Media: Do’s and Don’ts from Shelter Staff
01/22/2026
How to Help Animal Shelters on Social Media: Do’s and Don’ts from Shelter Staff
If you follow your local animal shelter on social media, your engagement can help save lives—but some well-intended comments and shares make things harder for shelter staff and reduce the chance that animals find homes. In this episode, Penny Ellison shares what shelter staff say actually helps on social media—and what doesn’t—drawing on feedback from people who manage shelter accounts every day and years of experience inside animal welfare organizations. In this episode, we discuss: How comments can unintentionally stall adoptions Why “cross-posting” and tagging rescues often backfires What kind of sharing reaches people who can actually help When concerns should be raised privately instead of publicly How tone, trust, and specificity affect outcomes for animals Key Takeaway: Social media is a powerful advocacy tool, but helping animals online requires intention—small changes in how we comment, share, and engage can make a meaningful difference for shelters and the animals they serve. 🔗 Full episode and resources:
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Beyond Dog Walking: How to Help Animal Shelters in Ways They Actually Need
01/14/2026
Beyond Dog Walking: How to Help Animal Shelters in Ways They Actually Need
You don't need to walk dogs, handle animals, or commit to weekly shifts to help shelters. But thinking you do? That's why shelters are buried in work volunteers could easily handle. Many people want to help but feel limited by time, emotional bandwidth, or training requirements. This episode looks at the behind-the-scenes support shelters consistently say they need—administrative work, laundry, food programs, creative help, community outreach—the kind of work that keeps shelters functioning day to day. In this episode: Why some well-intended volunteer help creates more work instead of less The non-animal-handling support shelters regularly struggle to staff How remote, flexible, and short-term volunteering can still make real impact Why asking shelters what they need matters more than guessing Key takeaway: The most effective way to help isn't offering what you assume they need—it's asking what would help right now and doing that. 🔗 Full episode and resources:
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Why French Bulldogs Can't Breathe: The Truth About Breeding for Looks
01/07/2026
Why French Bulldogs Can't Breathe: The Truth About Breeding for Looks
Everyone loves French Bulldogs. But behind those adorable bat ears and smushed faces lies a troubling reality: many of these dogs struggle to breathe every single day of their lives. Host Penny Ellison, animal law professor and advocate, examines how selective breeding for appearance has created dogs predisposed to suffering—and what we can do about it. In this episode, we explore: What selective breeding is and how the shift from breeding for function to breeding for looks has harmed dogs Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)—why flat-faced dogs can't breathe properly and what those "cute" snorting sounds really mean The health consequences beyond breathing: eye problems, dental issues, sleep apnea, inability to regulate body temperature, and reproductive failure How Bulldogs looked in the 1850s versus today—and what that transformation reveals Other breeds paying the price. of selective breeding: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dachshunds The shelter irony: why flat-faced dogs get adopted in minutes while healthy mixed breeds wait for months How other countries are responding—from Germany's constitutional protections to Norway's breeding ban to the UK's new respiratory testing requirements at Crufts Key Takeaway: We created these breeds, and we can reverse the trend. Every time we choose health over appearance, share information about these issues, support breeders who prioritize welfare or, of course, choose a shelter dog, we move closer to a world where loving dogs doesn't mean condemning them to struggle. Resources Mentioned: British Veterinary Association's UK's targeting brachycephalic breeds in advertising "" – New York Times Magazine article on how bulldogs have changed over time
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What Animal Advocates Can Learn from The World of Wine
01/01/2026
What Animal Advocates Can Learn from The World of Wine
What can animal advocates learn from the world of wine? At first glance, the connection isn’t obvious. One is associated with pleasure and tradition; the other with reducing suffering and changing law and policy. But the comparison turns out to be more revealing than it seems. This episode examines what the world of wine understands about persuasion, patience, and human behavior—and what animal advocacy can learn from it. Not wine itself, but the way the wine world has learned how to invite people in, keep them engaged, and let interest deepen over time. Drawing on examples from animal law and advocacy, the episode looks at why advocates often overwhelm people at the point of entry, why context matters more than we like to admit, and how insisting on one-size-fits-all solutions can undermine otherwise good policy. It also reflects on the long time horizons required for real change—and why some of the most meaningful advocacy work won’t show results right away. Key themes include: Why lowering the barrier to entry matters for persuasion What “terroir” can teach advocates about local context and strategy The difference between seriousness and effectiveness Why focus and curation are strategic, not indifferent How storytelling shapes identity in ways data alone cannot What thinking in decades looks like for animal advocacy As the year comes to a close, the episode also outlines a new rhythm for The Animal Advocate and reflects on patience, consistency, and human connection in advocacy work. You can find more resources and past episodes at
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Free Adoptions: Do Fees Really Protect Animals?
12/19/2025
Free Adoptions: Do Fees Really Protect Animals?
Do adoption fees really protect animals — or do they just make us feel better? For years, many in animal welfare have believed that adoption fees act as a safeguard: if someone can’t afford the fee, how will they afford the pet? Free adoptions, the argument goes, invite impulse decisions and bad outcomes. In this episode, I explain why I once believed that too — and why I’ve changed my mind. Drawing on my experience working directly with shelters, serving on the board of the Pennsylvania SPCA, and running programs that connect people and animals, I examine what actually happens during fee-waived adoption events. I also take a close look at the research often cited to support free adoptions — including its strengths and its limitations — and explain why the data is encouraging, but not definitive. This isn’t a simple pro- or anti-fee argument. It’s a conversation about shelter capacity, long-stay animals, euthanasia for space, and what really protects animals in a system under strain. Key topics include: Why adoption fees were thought to be a protective filter What shelters see in real life during fee-waived events The limits of survey-based research on adoption outcomes Why fees don’t measure commitment — and what does When fee-waived adoptions work, and when they don’t If you work in animal welfare, sheltering, or advocacy — or if you care about evidence-based policy for animals — this episode is for you. You can find more resources and past episodes at
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Her Name Is Tangi: Why Housing Policy Is Animal Welfare Policy
12/11/2025
Her Name Is Tangi: Why Housing Policy Is Animal Welfare Policy
When a dog ends up in a taped-shut box outside a shelter, it’s not a single-issue problem — it’s a sign of how many pressures families and animals are facing right now. In this episode, Penny shares why she set aside her planned topic to talk about the growing number of families forced to give up pets because they can’t find or keep housing that allows them. Tangi’s story illustrates what’s happening across the country, and why advocates need to treat this as a housing issue just as much as an animal welfare issue. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why cases like Tangi’s are becoming more common How eviction, application barriers, and pet policies intersect What research says about pet retention and family stability Why shelters can’t carry this burden alone The policy solutions that would help families keep their animals How advocates can push for pet-inclusive housing in their own communities If you care about reducing shelter intake, increasing safety nets for pet owners, and making sure fewer animals end up in crisis situations, this episode gives you a clear path forward. Resources: – (podcast archive, tools, and resources) If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who cares about animals too — it helps more than you know.
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When Cruelty Laws Collide With Inaccessible Vet Care: What Advocates Can Do
12/03/2025
When Cruelty Laws Collide With Inaccessible Vet Care: What Advocates Can Do
Cruelty laws require pet owners to provide necessary veterinary care, but in many communities that care is financially or geographically out of reach—and the law offers no workable way to address that gap. In this episode, I examine what happens when statutes mandate “necessary veterinary care,” but many communities face barriers such as high cost, lack of clinics, transportation challenges, or the absence of a veterinarian accepting new clients. We cover: Why inability—not unwillingness—to access treatment is often the real issue How veterinary deserts, clinic shortages, and transportation barriers shape outcomes How assumptions about neglect can obscure the truth about what families face What subsidized veterinary services, mobile clinics, and telehealth reform could change Policy approaches that support families and reduce shelter intake Practical ways advocates can help build fairer and more compassionate systems Key takeaway: We all want to protect animals, but we have to be careful that we’re not criminalizing poverty when families cannot access the veterinary care the law requires — and if we truly prioritize animal welfare, we need to work together to make that care accessible. When we lead with compassion and push for systems that support people as well as animals, more pets receive the care they need and more families stay together. Resources mentioned: Because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better.
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Ending Cat Declawing: Which States Are Enacting Bans in 2025?
11/22/2025
Ending Cat Declawing: Which States Are Enacting Bans in 2025?
Declawing isn’t a nail trim—it’s the amputation of the last bone of each toe. In this episode, I break down what the procedure involves, the states banning it, and what advocates should know about the growing movement to end it. We cover: What declawing is—and why it's far more invasive than most owners realize Documented health impacts: chronic pain, nerve damage, back problems, and behavioral changes Why declawed cats bite more often, and how that affects human health The seven states that have enacted statewide bans, plus pending bills in Minnesota, Illinois, and Pennsylvania How California’s progression from local ordinances to a statewide prohibition reflects national momentum How major veterinary organizations are shifting their positions Humane, effective alternatives to declawing Practical steps advocates can take to move policy forward Key takeaway: Declawing doesn’t protect furniture—it causes lasting pain and serious behavioral risks. States and cities across the country are recognizing this and ending the practice. Understanding the evidence and supporting legislative change can help protect cats everywhere. Resources mentioned: Links to pending legislation in Minnesota ( and ) Illinois (), and Pennsylvania (. and ) Existing state bans: , , , , , and Animal Advocacy Academy — Because compassion is great, but compassionate action is even better.
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Emotional Support Animals and the Housing Crisis: Loophole or Lifeline
11/12/2025
Emotional Support Animals and the Housing Crisis: Loophole or Lifeline
Rising rents and restrictive housing policies are forcing more families to surrender beloved pets to shelters—a heartbreaking choice driven by systemic issues. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are often seen as a lifeline, but confusion abounds about what ESAs truly are, how they differ from service animals, and what rights pet owners actually have. Animal law expert Penny Ellison breaks down the legal realities, dispels myths, and arms advocates with the tools to support families facing housing crises. In this episode, we explore: The critical differences between emotional support animals (ESAs) and ADA-defined service animals What legal protections exist for ESAs under the Fair Housing Act—and what doesn’t apply The specific documentation required to qualify for an ESA accommodation (and how to spot scams) Why legitimate ESA requests matter—and how misuse harms those most in need Advocacy steps you can take to fight excessive pet fees, breed restrictions, and unfair housing barriers Real-world advice for navigating housing searches when your mental health depends on your pet Key Takeaway: Emotional Support Animals are a vital tool for people with diagnosed mental health disabilities—but they aren’t a loophole for pet policies. Advocates must understand and communicate the law clearly, support legitimate requests, and work for systemic change in housing policy to keep families together. Resources mentioned: on Assistance Animals and Reasonable Housing Accommodations , , and ordinances protecting tenants with pets Animal Advocacy Academy: animaladvocacyacademy.com Subscribe for more episodes on animal law, advocacy, and systemic solutions. Because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better.
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How to Start an Animal Advocacy Group and Get Results: Lessons from Pennsylvania Voters for Animals
11/05/2025
How to Start an Animal Advocacy Group and Get Results: Lessons from Pennsylvania Voters for Animals
Think you need a law degree or years of experience to pass animal protection laws? Suzanne Gonzalez started Pennsylvania Voters for Animals with no legislative background and helped pass a comprehensive pet sales ban in Easton, PA. Host Penny Ellison shares their step-by-step blueprint that any group of committed advocates can replicate. In this episode, we explore: Why forming a 501(c)(4) instead of a 501(c)(3) gave Pennsylvania Voters for Animals more legislative power—and how to get pro bono legal help setting up your own organization The research shortcut: How to use other cities' successful ordinances as your starting point instead of reinventing the wheel Why local advocacy works better than jumping straight to state legislation—and how to mobilize community members to show up and testify Strategic partnerships that accelerate success: How Pennsylvania Voters for Animals connected with Voters for Animal Rights, Animal Defense Partnership, and World Animal Protection US How to handle opposition from the pet trade industry—and when to compromise without abandoning your principles Key Takeaway: You don't need a law degree, political connections, or massive resources to pass animal protection laws. Suzanne and Pennsylvania Voters for Animals proved that ordinary people with commitment, strategic partnerships, and a willingness to learn can achieve results—one community at a time. Resources Mentioned: If you're in Pennsylvania and want to bring a pet sales ban or other animal protection ordinance to your community, reach out to Pennsylvania Voters for Animals at pavotersforanimals.org. They're building a network of advocates across the state and are eager to help you succeed. Even if you're in another state, they're happy to share their experiences and resources. Subscribe for more episodes on animal law, effective advocacy, and practical solutions for systemic change—because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better.
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Understanding Retail Pet Sale Bans: What They Do and Why They Matter
10/29/2025
Understanding Retail Pet Sale Bans: What They Do and Why They Matter
Over 400 cities, counties, and several U.S. states have banned or restricted retail pet sales—but why does it matter to animal welfare and shelter overcrowding? Host Penny Ellison, animal law professor and advocate, examines how laws targeting commercial pet stores are making a difference and what every animal lover needs to know. In this episode, we explore: How the retail pet store supply chain enables irresponsible, large-scale breeding operations—and why regulation struggles to keep up Why retail sales bans target the pipeline that moves puppies from “puppy mills” to store shelves, where transparency and welfare often fall short The real impact of these laws: animal welfare improvements, reduced shelter overcrowding, and better protection for consumers Criticisms and concerns—especially about online pet sales shifting the problem elsewhere—and how advocates can address gaps in current legislation Success stories from communities and states that have enacted pet store bans, including California, Maryland, and more Advocacy tips: Choosing local ordinances vs. state legislation, and why starting small can build big momentum for change Key Takeaway: Retail pet sale bans don’t punish responsible breeders—they close the door on sales channels notorious for animal cruelty and consumer deception. Combined with online sales regulation, these laws shrink the market for irresponsibly bred animals and help animals, shelters, and dog loving families. Resources Mentioned: Find our advocacy guides including our Listen to on spotting irresponsible breeders. Explore for tackling online puppy sales. Get involved—contact your local representatives, look up current ordinance Subscribe for more episodes on animal law, effective advocacy, and practical solutions for systemic change—because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better.
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How Delaware Created a Statewide Office of Animal Welfare- A Model for Advocates
10/15/2025
How Delaware Created a Statewide Office of Animal Welfare- A Model for Advocates
Over the past decade, Delaware has altered more than 40,000 pets and vaccinated over 31,000 animals against rabies through a single coordinated program. They've achieved a 90% save rate across their shelter system. How? By creating a centralized Office of Animal Welfare that coordinates everything from lost pets to cruelty investigations to subsidized spay neuter programs. Host Penny Ellison interviews Joanna Miller, Deputy Director of Delaware's Office of Animal Welfare, and Melody Purdy, the Spay and Neuter Program Coordinator. They reveal how Delaware consolidated fragmented animal services under one state office—and why this model is working so well that other states are starting to follow. In this episode, we explore: Why Delaware created a centralized Office of Animal Welfare in 2013 What animal welfare looked like before—and the problems they were trying to solve All the functions now grouped under one office: shelter regulation, animal control, cruelty enforcement, disaster response, and spay/neuter programs How a $3 rabies vaccination surcharge funds accessible spay/neuter services The pet food manufacturer's fee that generates over $1 million annually for animal welfare How Delaware's voucher program serves low-income pet owners—and why owned pets are the top priority The grant program that funds spay/neuter for homeless animals and TNR programs Why having one central point of contact eliminates confusion for the community and increases returns to owner How this model enables cooperation between animal control officers, shelters, and rescues The challenges of funding animal services through nonprofits versus state programs Why advocates in other states should consider pushing for similar centralized offices Joanna and Melody share practical details about funding mechanisms, eligibility requirements, and how the program has grown from $350,000 to $1.5 million annually. Key Takeaway: Centralizing animal welfare services under one state office creates efficiency, eliminates confusion, ensures consistent funding, and enables true collaboration across agencies. Delaware's model proves that comprehensive, coordinated animal welfare programs work—and other states can replicate them. Resources mentioned: Delaware Spay Neuter Program: Contact Joanna and Melody with questions: Podcast show notes, transcripts and previous episodes: Joanna and Melody have offered to speak with advocates interested in bringing this model to their own states. Send your questions and we'll get them answered! Subscribe for more on animal law, advocacy, and taking compassionate action in your community. Because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better.
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Five Advocacy Lessons from Jane Goodall
10/08/2025
Five Advocacy Lessons from Jane Goodall
When animal advocates face criticism, burnout, and tough ethical choices, how can they stay effective and inspired? In this episode of The Animal Advocate, I pay tribute to the legendary Dr. Jane Goodall by exploring five powerful advocacy lessons we can all apply—no matter where we are in our advocacy journey. Discover how Jane's optimism, strategic messaging, belief in youth, holistic worldview, and coalition-building changed the world for animals and people. Whether you're just starting out or deep in the movement, you'll find ideas you can apply to carry forward Jane's legacy. In this episode, I share five lessons from Jane Goodall's approach to advocacy: Stay positive and hopeful—even while witnessing suffering Connect animal issues to human benefits to bring more people to your cause Invest in young people as a core strategy for lasting change See animal welfare as interconnected with housing, economics, public health, and social justice Work with unlikely allies without compromising your principles We also explore: When to draw hard boundaries and decline opportunities that contradict your ethics Why you can't (and shouldn't try to) do it all—and how to focus your advocacy strategically One simple action step you can take this week to apply these lessons Key Takeaway: Jane Goodall showed us that effective advocacy requires both unwavering compassion for animals and strategic pragmatism about working with people. You don't have to do everything, but you do have to do something. Resources mentioned: Jane Goodall's Youth Program, to our newsletter for more on animal law, advocacy, and taking compassionate action in your community. Contact us anytime at podcast@animaladvocacyacademy.com Because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better
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When Advocacy Brings Backlash: Dr. Crystal Heath on Standing Strong
10/03/2025
When Advocacy Brings Backlash: Dr. Crystal Heath on Standing Strong
When animal advocates speak up—especially against powerful industry interests—they often face backlash. To be effecive, advocates have to prepare to face criticism and retaliation and use ut to strengthen their resolve. Dr. Crystal Heath is a shelter veterinarian, animal welfare advocate, and founder of Our Honor, a nonprofit working to expose and end systemic harms in animal care systems. Known for challenging unethical practices both within and outside her profession, Dr. Heath has faced criticism, professional retaliation, and outright misinformation campaigns. In this episode, she joins us to reveal how real progress for animals requires both courage and strategic advocacy—plus a dash of ethical resilience. In this episode, we explore: Why most farm animals in the US have virtually zero legal protections, and how state laws like California’s Prop 12 are trying to fill the gap The disturbing industry practice of “ventilation shutdown”—what it actually means for animals, and why it’s so controversial How animal welfare advocates inside veterinary medicine are often maligned, silenced, and targeted— and why Dr. Heath believes transparency and collaboration are the keys to change The truth about the Save our Bacon Act (f.k.a. the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression "EATS" Act) and the real public health risks it could worsen Why veterinarians are vital voices for both animal welfare and food safety—and how companion animal practitioners can support their farm animal colleagues What it takes to build “ethical resilience,” prepare for criticism, and keep advocating even when faced with adversity Dr. Heath shares hard-won lessons from her journey, including how to use Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to uncover industry strategies, and why connecting veterinarians and advocates is a powerful force for change. Key Takeaway: Effective animal advocacy means being prepared for criticism, prioritizing truth, and supporting state-level regulations that protect both animal welfare and public health. Resources mentioned: Learn more about Dr. Crystal Heath’s work and support veterinarians speaking out: . Their Motto: "Embrace your conscience. We'll back you up." FOIA Fridays with Dr. Heath: Discover how transparency tools can expose industry messaging (find episodes and info on ) so that you can reach out to tell them to oppose the "Save our Bacon Act, HR4673 and the PURR Act (HR597). Subscribe for more episodes on animal law, systemic change, and practical advocacy for every animal lover. ____________________________________________________________________________ Because compassion is great—but compassionate action is infinitely better.
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Why Local Governments Should Be Required to Provide Animal Control Services
09/25/2025
Why Local Governments Should Be Required to Provide Animal Control Services
When you find an injured stray dog in your neighborhood, who do you call? In many communities across America, the answer might surprise you: there's often no one officially responsible for helping. This creates dangerous gaps that leave both animals and people at risk. Host Penny Ellison talks with Brian Hackett, Director of Government and Community Relations at Associated Humane Societies of New Jersey, about the uneven patchwork of animal control across the country. This continues our series exploring potential legislation that can move the needle for animals. This week's focus: making local animal control services mandatory in every community. In this episode, we explore: The fact that only 13 states require local governments to provide animal control services How Pennsylvania and New Jersey handle stray animal control differently —what works and what doesn't What happens when critical services are left to underfunded charities instead of being treated as public safety functions Real-world examples of implementation challenges, even when laws exist Why reliable animal control benefits both animal welfare and community safety How to research and advocate for stronger animal control laws in your area Action steps you can take to improve services where you live Brian shares insights from years of working within the system, explaining how even states with legal mandates often fall short in implementation, and why sustainable animal control requires treating it as an essential government service like police or fire departments. Key Takeaway: Animal control isn't just about animal welfare—it's about public safety, community health, and creating systems that work for everyone. Every community deserves reliable, well-funded animal control services. Resources mentioned: Free Shelter Assessment Tool & Advocacy Resources: Podcast show notes, transcripts and previous episodes: Don't miss future episodes in this series as we continue exploring achievable legislation that can create real change for animals in your community. Subscribe for more on animal law, advocacy, and taking compassionate action in your community. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better
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How Animal Control Really Works: An Advocate's Guide
09/18/2025
How Animal Control Really Works: An Advocate's Guide
When it comes to stray animals, barking dog complaints, and lost pets, why do some towns seem to run efficient shelters while others barely cover the basics? The answer reveals a surprising patchwork of animal control models—and the role advocates can play in making them better. Host Penny Ellison breaks down how animal control really works, the difference between animal control and animal sheltering, and makes the argument that animal control should be considered an essential government function. This is the second in our series exploring potential legislation that can move the needle for animals: making local animal control services mandatory. In this episode, we explore: What animal control is—and how it differs from animal sheltering The three core models: direct government, private contracting, and regional partnerships What happens when some states mandate animal control while others leave it up to local choice How funding structures shape the quality of animal services The real reasons behind euthanasia in open admission municipal shelters How to research your community's animal control system and advocate for better outcomes Practical steps you can take—including what not to do when you see a shelter in crisis Penny answers a tough listener question about shelters euthanizing healthy animals, offering actionable, compassionate advice for people who want to help beyond just adopting. Key Takeaway: Animal control services may look different depending on a community’s needs and resources — but they are essential to the wellbeing of both animals and people. Local governments, whether municipal or county, should be required to provide them. Resources mentioned: Free Shelter Assessment Tool & Advocacy Resources: Podcast show notes, transcripts and previous episodes: - All the information you need to request public records including an interactive map to see the rules and process in your state Don’t miss next week’s episode featuring a veteran animal control leader from New Jersey, plus stories of regional innovation making a difference for pets and people. Subscribe for more on animal law, advocacy, and taking compassionate action in your community. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better.
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The Pet Care Access Crisis That Telehealth Could Help Solve: A Veterinarian's View
08/14/2025
The Pet Care Access Crisis That Telehealth Could Help Solve: A Veterinarian's View
Guest: Dr. Lauren Hughes, Heal House Call Veterinarians When veterinary costs skyrocket and transportation becomes impossible, pets suffer and families face heartbreaking surrender decisions. But what if the solution is already in your pocket? Dr. Lauren Hughes has practiced veterinary medicine across six states and seen firsthand how barriers to care harm animals and families. Now she's taking a different approach—bringing veterinary care directly to people's homes and, when allowed, she's used telehealth to reach those who can't afford traditional clinic visits. In this episode, we explore: Why veterinary costs have exploded since COVID (hint: it's not just corporate greed) How telehealth can prevent expensive emergencies through early intervention Real examples of successful virtual veterinary consultations The legal barriers keeping life-saving technology from pet owners who need it most Why a $55 telehealth visit can prevent a $5,000 emergency surgery Dr. Hughes shares stories from her grant-funded practice serving homeless clients, low-income seniors, and families in veterinary deserts—proving that when we remove barriers, everyone wins: pets get better care, owners save money, and emergencies are prevented. Key Takeaway: Veterinary telehealth laws need to change. We should trust licensed veterinarians to decide when virtual care is appropriate—just like we do with human doctors. Medicine is a practice for a reason, and veterinarians with their "boots on the ground" know what cases need in-person visits and which can be handled remotely. Resources mentioned: Ready to advocate for telehealth in your state? We've made it easy with template letters, talking points, and step-by-step guidance. Veterinary Telehealth Advocacy Toolkit: helps communities create programs that support the bond between humans and their natural environment, pets and agriculture. Subscribe for more episodes on animal law, advocacy, and systemic change. Because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better.
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Veterinary Telehealth: Expanding Access for Underserved Pet Owners
08/04/2025
Veterinary Telehealth: Expanding Access for Underserved Pet Owners
Millions of pet owners can't access basic veterinary care—not because vets don't want to help, but because a single legal requirement blocks the technology that could help them connect with each other. What if removing one outdated rule could transform pet healthcare overnight? In this episode, we expose how Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) laws and policies create artificial barriers that keep telehealth from reaching the communities that need it most. While human medicine embraces virtual care, veterinary regulations lag behind, forcing pet owners to choose between expensive emergency visits and watching their animals suffer. You'll learn: What a VCPR is and why it matters for every pet owner How COVID temporarily proved telehealth works—then states banned it again Why rural and low-income families are systematically excluded from virtual care Which states are leading telehealth reform Specific policy changes advocates can push for in their states This isn't about replacing in-person veterinary care—it's about creating flexible systems that expand access while maintaining safety. By examining successful telehealth models and emerging state legislation, we can identify upstream solutions that prevent pet surrenders and keep families together. The Animal Advocate explores systemic solutions to animal welfare challenges through smart policy and advocacy strategies. Find full show notes and links to resources at
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How Youth Activists are Taking on Unlicensed Breeders with Steve Hughes of Youth4Animals
07/23/2025
How Youth Activists are Taking on Unlicensed Breeders with Steve Hughes of Youth4Animals
Fighting Puppy Mills Through Youth Activism and "Samson's Law" After our last episode on cracking down on backyard breeders struck a nerve online, we're diving deeper into solutions with Steve Hughes, founder of Pets in Danger and Youth4Animals. Steve shares how he's mobilizing middle school, high school, and college students to combat the puppy mill pipeline through education and legislative advocacy. In This Episode You'll Learn: How "Samson's Law" would require breeder registration and hold online platforms accountable Why the "adopt never shop" message resonates with young people How students earn community service hours while becoming animal advocates The deceptive tactics backyard breeders use Why prevention through education beats rescue after the fact How to build the political momentum needed to pass pet protection laws Perfect for: Animal advocates, educators, students seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities, and anyone who wants to understand how grassroots organizing can create legislative change. Guest Bio: Steve Hughes founded Pets in Danger to prevent pet overpopulation and Youth4Animals to engage students in animal advocacy. His organizations are vetted by Florida school boards and help students nationwide earn community service hours while fighting for animals. Resources Mentioned: Youth4Animals: Connect with us: animaladvocacyacademy.com | "Compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better."
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Unlicensed Breeding and Shelter Overcrowding: A Novel Legislative Approach
07/04/2025
Unlicensed Breeding and Shelter Overcrowding: A Novel Legislative Approach
Every year, 6.5 million animals enter U.S. shelters while countless puppy ads flood Craigslist and Facebook. What if the solution isn't chasing individual breeders, but regulating the platforms that enable them? In this episode, we explore a revolutionary three-part regulatory framework that transforms online advertising platforms from passive enablers into active enforcement partners. Instead of playing whack-a-mole with hidden backyard breeders, this systems approach creates economic incentives that make unregistered breeding unprofitable. You'll learn: Why current breeder regulations miss the mark The hidden economics driving backyard breeding operations How mandatory registration + platform liability = fewer shelter intakes (and more adoptions!) Why this approach works when traditional enforcement fails Specific legislative language advocates can use in their states This isn't about building more shelters—it's about preventing the need for them. By following successful regulatory models from credit card and copyright industries, we can create upstream solutions that address root causes rather than just symptoms. The Animal Advocate explores systemic solutions to animal welfare challenges through smart policy and advocacy strategies.
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Rethinking Wildlife Protection: From Scarcity to Abundance
06/27/2025
Rethinking Wildlife Protection: From Scarcity to Abundance
Are our wildlife laws failing animals until it’s too late? In this episode of The Animal Advocate, Penny Ellison reveals how crisis-based conservation puts entire species and ecosystems at risk, discusses staggering declines in birds and biodiversity, and shares how we can flip the script to foster abundance. Discover proven solutions, real-life success stories, and practical steps you can take to help save wildlife—starting locally. Preserve biodiversity and make a difference for future generations. #WildlifeConservation #AnimalAdvocacy #Biodiversity #EnvironmentalProtection Show Notes 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction Why our approach to wildlife protection is fundamentally flawed. 01:10 – Silent Spring to Silent Seasons Reflecting on Rachel Carson’s legacy and the ongoing decline of bird populations. 03:00 – The Empty Forest Syndrome Explanation of how small decisions have led to massive wildlife losses and quieter forests. 04:25 – Flaws in Current Wildlife Laws Review of crisis-based legislation like the Endangered Species Act and its limitations. 06:35 – State Efforts and Underfunded Solutions Discussion of state wildlife action plans, conservation easements, and funding deficits. 08:43 – The Issue of Habitat Fragmentation Challenges of isolated conservation efforts and their impact on species survival. 10:15 – Why Wildlife Abundance Matters How wildlife loss affects ecosystems, the economy, and future generations. 11:02 – Proactive Local and Federal Solutions Actionable strategies for legal changes and incentives for private landowners. 13:06 – Success Stories in Conservation North American Wildlife Management Plan and effective private land restoration programs. 15:10 – Listener Questions & Be the Change Tips for individuals: create wildlife-friendly yards, support rehab centers, and get engaged locally. Reach out to diuscuss this or other animal advocacy matters to podcast@animaladvocacyacademy.com.
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Exotic Animal Trafficking and Safe Havens with Bobbi Brink
06/04/2025
Exotic Animal Trafficking and Safe Havens with Bobbi Brink
Have you ever wondered what really happens to lions, tigers, and bears after backyard breeders and shady roadside zoos are finally shut down? Who steps in for these animals when the authorities seize them? In this episode, host Penny Ellison sits down with Bobbi Brink, the founder and director of Lions, Tigers, and Bears Sanctuary—a GFAS-accredited sanctuary that offers rescued wild animals a second chance at a real life. Bobbi pulls back the curtain on the underworld of wildlife trafficking, exposes the sham “sanctuaries” that are little more than roadside attractions, and shares incredible stories of rescue, recovery, and advocacy. Together, we explore the challenges of caring for traumatized big cats and bears, the hard truths about legal gaps and enforcement, and why real sanctuaries—those that never breed, buy, or sell animals—are essential. You’ll also learn how you can get involved in the fight for stronger laws and better lives for exotic animals including leaving them in their natural habitat and fiercely protecting their right to exist there. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that will leave you inspired to act on behalf of animals who have no voice but ours. Episode Highlights: · 01:14 Where do confiscated wild animals go? Penny explains that government agencies rarely provide long-term care for seized wild animals; accredited sanctuaries must step in but are rare and underfunded. · 03:23 Only 8% of US facilities calling themselves sanctuaries are GFAS accredited; most "sanctuaries" don't provide proper care. · 05:17 Introduces guest Bobbi Brink, founder of Lions, Tigers, and Bears Sanctuary to discuss real sanctuary work and the crisis caused by exotic animal ownership. · 06:16 Bobbi describes rescuing wild animals nationwide, frequently working with authorities and serving as an education center. · 07:32 Many animals at the sanctuary come from wildlife trafficking, which is a large and lucrative market—it ranks right after drugs, weapons, and human trafficking. · 08:35 Animal trafficking methods include being hidden in luggage or vehicles; examples include tigers smuggled across the US/Mexico border. · 09:14 Exotic animals, like jaguars and tigers, can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars and may change hands multiple times. · 1010: Social media often tips off authorities about illegal private ownership or breeding; enforcement is inconsistent, and unlicensed breeders are common. · 11:50 Animal photo ops drive demand; baby animals are bred for short-term use, leading to an endless cycle of exploitation. · 12:46 Bobbi urges listeners never to take patronize a facility that allows you to photos with baby exotic animals, as this supports harmful industries. · 13:45 Avenues for advocacy—Bobbi spent years lobbying for the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which faced obstacles like circus industry pushback. · 16:06 Major differences between true, accredited sanctuaries and facilities misusing the term; accredited sanctuaries don't buy, sell, or breed animals and commit to animals for life. · 17:08 Regular audits and stringent standards separate accredited sanctuaries from others; Bobbi works with and supports peers to meet standards. · 18:41 High-profile incidents, like Zanesville, Ohio, helped pass laws restricting private ownership of exotic animals; but laws vary widely by state. · 20:12 Lions, Tigers, and Bears cares for 65 animals on 42 acres, with individualized care—many rescued animals arrive with health or psychological issues. · 21:39 Each animal's needs are different, e.g., declawed tigers or with metabolic bone disease require special medical and habitat considerations. · 23:23 None of the sanctuary’s residents can be released into the wild; if an animal could be rehabbed and released, that's prioritized and explored as a first option. · 24:33 Bobbi's advocacy is ongoing—her team pushes for new federal and state-level laws, like the Primate Public Safety Act and bans on traveling animal acts. · 27:18 People can help sanctuaries through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness; more info is available at lionstigersandbears.org. · 28: 44 Penny wraps up, encouraging listeners to act and referencing further resources at animaladvocacyacademy.com. Links: More questions or want to get involved: Email us at podcast@animaladvocacyacademy.com
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