Animals Today Radio

Animals Today Radio


Animals Today March 26, 2023. Law breaking in animal activism: The Direct Action Everywhere and Smithfield Foods episode. Frog conservation. Pet safety and pesticides.

March 28, 2023

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 the plan. Ultimately, each of them, members of the organization Direct Action Everywhere, was charged with multiple counts, and three agreed to plea deals.


The activists who went to trial, Wayne Hsiung and Paul Darwin Picklesimer, ultimately were acquitted in October 2022 of the multiple charges of theft and burglary.


Lori goes on to ask the question of if and when it is permissible or desirable to break the law when helping, protecting or rescuing animals, and shares her ideas on this.


Then Peter welcomes frog expert and conservationist, Matt Ellerbeck, who discusses the decline of wild frogs due to habitat loss, frog harvesting, climate change and disease. We continue with a fast-moving animal trivia quiz, featuring Great Danes, Lassie, walruses, goats, and more.


To conclude, what risks do pesticides and rodenticides pose to your dogs and cats? What precautions should you take when your home or surrounding is treated to address pest problems? Veterinarian Robert Reed returns with good advice to keep dogs and cats from being harmed by the multitude of agents now in use.