Lori begins with an impassioned discussion on behalf of her
favorite type of dog, the pit bull. More than other dogs these days, pit bulls
are often seen in a negative light.
This has led towns and communities to enact ordinances
against specific dog breeds, usually pit bulls, which typically restricts or
prohibits ownership of those dogs.
Lori explains how these types of laws, often referred to as
breed specific legislation, and are based on faulty premises and disregard
scientific evidence about their lack of effectiveness. Breed specific
legislation also unfairly perpetuates false negative stereotypes about the
targeted breeds. Fortunately, many communities that have such laws in place have
rescinded them, or are considering doing so.
Then we continue with news items including New York State
bans cat declawing over the objections of the New York State Veterinary Medical
Society, Japanese researchers seek to grow human organs in the bodies of other
live animals, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommends
widespread adoption of plant-based diets to save the planet, and more.
Peter then welcomes Monica Engebretson, North America Campaigns Manager for Cruelty Free International to discuss the HEARTS Act of 2019. The HEARTS Act (Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences Act) is federal legislation that seeks to encourage the use of humane and effective alternatives to animal testing for NIH funded research. After listening to this interview, read the text of the bill here and consider asking your legislators to co-sponsor the bill .
We conclude with Peter’s close encounter with a group of
javelinas, and a challenging little quiz about animals from around the globe.
Bonus question: What is a group of javelinas called? A squadron!
Research shows that perceptions about this dog depends on which person she’s pictured with. The post Animals Today August 10, 2019: In defense of pit bulls. Hot animal news. The HEARTS Act promotes alternatives to animal testing. Lightning round animal quiz. appeared first on Animals Today Radio .