Because They Need Us - Our Political Fight to Save Animals

Because They Need Us Episode 7 : The Battle to Save Dogs from Los Angeles' Skid Row | hosted by Judie Mancuso, Founder, CEO & President of Social Compassion in Legislation, featuring Joey Tuccio, Volunteer at Starts With One Today Rescue, and Nick Sackett, Director of Legislative Affairs for Social Compassion in Legislation In this Episode Judie Mancuso and her team confront the harsh realities of animal cruelty on Los Angeles’ Skid Row. The conversation begins with frontline accounts from Joey of Starts With One Today, who shares disturbing recent cases—including a dog subjected to unauthorized surgical treatment and others suffering in extreme heat and neglect. These stories underscore a critical issue: while California has animal protection laws in place, enforcement gaps and delayed law enforcement response often leave animals without immediate help. Nickolaus, Director of Legislative Affairs, breaks down California’s veterinary and animal cruelty laws, explaining the legal complexities that make prosecution difficult; especially when evidence is delayed or mishandled. The group highlights how misinterpretation of statutes and lack of dedicated personnel continue to hinder justice for abused animals. The discussion also explores the broader connection between animal cruelty and other forms of violence, reinforcing the need for systemic change. From advocating for faster law enforcement intervention to proposing dedicated response teams for high-risk areas like Skid Row, the episode outlines actionable solutions to improve outcomes for animals in crisis. Despite the heavy subject matter, this episode is grounded in action and hope, highlighting collaboration between advocates, lawmakers, and rescue organizations working tirelessly to create a more compassionate future. Key Takeaways - Animal cruelty cases on Skid Row reveal serious enforcement failures - Existing laws are often underutilized due to delays and lack of resources - Stronger coordination between agencies is critical for timely intervention - Advocacy and legislation remain powerful tools for systemic change Next Steps & Ongoing Efforts The team is actively supporting rescue efforts, advancing key legislation, coordinating with local officials, and preparing to engage with new leadership at LA Animal Services to push for dedicated animal cruelty response protocols. Support Starts with One Today https://www.instagram.com/startswithonetoday Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

Because They Need Us | Episode 6 : Activating the Next Level of Animal AdvocacyIn this EpisodeIn this powerful episode of Because They Need Us, host Judie Mancuso is joined by Social Compassion in Legislation fellow and attorney, Bella Niven, and social media manager, Julie Jordan, to unpack some of the most pressing animal protection issues making headlines today.The conversation begins with the heartbreaking story of a beloved California black bear — known to locals as “Blondie” — who was killed by wildlife officials, leaving her cubs orphaned. From there, the discussion expands into the broader failures of wildlife management, exploring how lethal force is too often used as a first response instead of compassionate, science-backed solutions like relocation and coexistence strategies.The team also examines the fragile recovery of species like wolves and the potential reintroduction of California grizzly bears, emphasizing the critical role predators play in maintaining ecological balance, and what’s at stake if we continue down a path of reactive, short-term decision-making.Shifting from wildlife to domestic animals, Judie shares firsthand experiences from decades in rescue work, including a harrowing account of animal hoarding cases. The episode highlights the thin line between rescue and neglect, and the urgent need for stronger oversight, accountability, and intervention to prevent mass suffering.Finally, the conversation turns toward solutions. Judie outlines the importance of advancing legislation like an Animal Abuse Registry—modeled after existing public safety laws—to prevent repeat offenders from gaining access to animals. The group underscores how public participation through support letters and advocacy can directly influence whether these life-saving laws pass.This episode is both a wake-up call and a call to action: protecting animals requires not only compassion, but persistence, policy change, and public engagement.What You’ll Learn* Why lethal wildlife management policies are failing animals—and ecosystems* The ripple effects of killing apex species and separating animal families* How animal hoarding cases escalate—and why enforcement matters* The link between animal abuse and broader societal violence* How proposed legislation like an Animal Abuse Registry could prevent future harm* Simple, effective ways you can help pass animal protection lawsTake ActionVisit Social Compassion in Legislation’s website to submit a quick support letter and help advance critical animal protection bills—your voice truly makes a difference. Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

Nick Sackett, Dr. Kimmy Cushman, Samantha Lau and Anita Kranjc explore the broader justice dimensions of food systems—climate justice, food sovereignty, Indigenous rights, and the global impacts of industrial meat production in the Amazon and across Africa. Listeners will hear how plant-based policies can reduce deforestation, restore ecosystems, improve public health, and expand access to healthy, affordable food.In This EpisodeIn this 6-Part Episode of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), Judie is joined by leaders of the global Plant Based Treaty movement — Anita Krajnc, founder of Animal Save Movement, President of Plant Based Treaty, Dr. Kimmy Cushman, Scientific Advisor and Campaigner, and Samantha Lau, U.S. Liaison — for a powerful conversation on why food must be central to climate action.• Why food is missing from most climate action plans• The climate impact of animal agriculture and methane emissions• The origins and goals of the Plant-Based Treaty• How cities are leading the way on plant-based policy• Food justice, Indigenous rights, and global equity• Reducing deforestation through food system reform• Strategies for advancing plant-based legislation• How listeners can take action locally and globally🟩 The Plant Based Treaty Movement ExplainedInspired by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, the PlantBased Treaty launched in 2021 to address a major gap in climate policy: the impact of animal agriculture. Together, the guests explain how industrial animal farming is a leading driver of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and public health challenges; and why transforming our food system is essential to keeping global warming below catastrophic thresholds.💚 More about the Plant Based TreatyOur MissionTo promote a shift towards a just, plant-based food system that would enable us to live safely within our planetary boundaries and reforest the Earth.Our VisionOur vision is a global Plant Based Treaty attached to the Paris Agreement, and best practices in plant-based food policy implemented by cities and other institutions.Our theory of change is to create bottom-up pressure on governments to negotiate a global Plant Based Treaty by getting endorsements from millions of individuals including notable celebrities, scientists and politicians, tens of thousands of groups and businesses, and hundreds of cities.✅ Endorse the Plant Based Treaty today!https://plantbasedtreaty.org/ Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

Part 4 : Judie and Dr. Kimmy Cushman Discuss How Cambridge Came to Endorse the Plant-Based TreatyCambridge joins the growing list of cities that have endorsed the Plant-Based Treaty. Dr. Cushman & Judie Mancuso discuss the steps of how to enroll community & governmental support for plant based initiatives.In This Episode:In this 6-Part Episode of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), Judie is joined by leaders of the global Plant Based Treaty movement — Anita Krajnc, founder of Animal Save Movement, President of Plant Based Treaty, Dr. Kimmy Cushman, Scientific Advisor and Campaigner, and Samantha Lau, U.S. Liaison — for a powerful conversation on why food must be central to climate action.• Why food is missing from most climate action plans• The climate impact of animal agriculture and methane emissions• The origins and goals of the Plant-Based Treaty• How cities are leading the way on plant-based policy• Food justice, Indigenous rights, and global equity• Reducing deforestation through food system reform• Strategies for advancing plant-based legislation• How listeners can take action locally and globally🟩 The Plant Based Treaty Movement ExplainedInspired by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, the PlantBased Treaty launched in 2021 to address a major gap in climate policy: the impact of animal agriculture. Together, the guests explain how industrial animal farming is a leading driver of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and public health challenges; and why transforming our food system is essential to keeping global warming below catastrophic thresholds.💚 More about the Plant Based TreatyOur MissionTo promote a shift towards a just, plant-based food system that would enable us to live safely within our planetary boundaries and reforest the Earth.Our VisionOur vision is a global Plant Based Treaty attached to the Paris Agreement, and best practices in plant-based food policy implemented by cities and other institutions.Our theory of change is to create bottom-up pressure on governments to negotiate a global Plant Based Treaty by getting endorsements from millions of individuals including notable celebrities, scientists and politicians, tens of thousands of groups and businesses, and hundreds of cities.✅ Endorse the Plant Based Treaty today!https://plantbasedtreaty.org/ Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

Because They Need Us Episode 5, Part 3 : The Plant Based Treaty Goes Global - City Endorsements from Around the WorldJudie and her guests Anita Kranjc, Samantha Lau, and Kimmy Cushman highlight real-world progress, including city endorsements from Culver City, California to progress in Rhode Island, as well as international leadership from cities across Europe, including Amsterdam, Belfast & Edinburgh. They discuss how grassroots organizing, community engagement, and follow-through turn symbolic endorsements into meaningful policy action.In This Episode:In this 6-Part Episode of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), Judie is joined by leaders of the global Plant Based Treaty movement — Anita Krajnc, founder of Animal Save Movement, President of Plant Based Treaty, Dr. Kimmy Cushman, Scientific Advisor and Campaigner, and Samantha Lau, U.S. Liaison — for a powerful conversation on why food must be central to climate action.• Why food is missing from most climate action plans• The climate impact of animal agriculture and methane emissions• The origins and goals of the Plant-Based Treaty• How cities are leading the way on plant-based policy• Food justice, Indigenous rights, and global equity• Reducing deforestation through food system reform• Strategies for advancing plant-based legislation• How listeners can take action locally and globally🟩 The Plant Based Treaty Movement ExplainedInspired by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, the PlantBased Treaty launched in 2021 to address a major gap in climate policy: the impact of animal agriculture. Together, the guests explain how industrial animal farming is a leading driver of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and public health challenges; and why transforming our food system is essential to keeping global warming below catastrophic thresholds.💚 More about the Plant Based TreatyOur MissionTo promote a shift towards a just, plant-based food system that would enable us to live safely within our planetary boundaries and reforest the Earth.Our VisionOur vision is a global Plant Based Treaty attached to the Paris Agreement, and best practices in plant-based food policy implemented by cities and other institutions.Our theory of change is to create bottom-up pressure on governments to negotiate a global Plant Based Treaty by getting endorsements from millions of individuals including notable celebrities, scientists and politicians, tens of thousands of groups and businesses, and hundreds of cities.✅ Endorse the Plant Based Treaty today!https://plantbasedtreaty.org/ Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Food, Climate, and the Fight for a Just Future - Part 2/6 ⚛️ From Dark Matter to Plant-Based How a Physics PhD Transitioned to Plant Based Food System AdvocacyDr. Kimmy Cushman discusses her journey from being a theoretical physicist researcher to the Scientific Advisor for Plant Based Treaty, and how science holds the keys to creating a more sustainable and compassionate world.Dr. Cushman is a scientific advisor and campaigner at Plant Based Treaty, helping to bring the global food system into focus in societal, academic, and political conversations around the climate emergency, the biodiversity crisis, food security, and public health. 🌱📜 The Plant-Based Treaty Movement ExplainedIn this 6-Part Episode of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), Judie is joined by leaders of the global Plant-Based Treaty movement—Anita Krajnc, founder of Animal Save Movement, President of Plant Based Treaty, Dr. Kimmy Cushman, Scientific Advisor and Campaigner, and Samantha Lau, U.S. Liaison —for a powerful conversation on why food must be central to climate action.The full episode explores:• Why food is missing from most climate action plans• The climate impact of animal agriculture and methane emissions• The origins and goals of the Plant-Based Treaty• How cities are leading the way on plant-based policy• Food justice, Indigenous rights, and global equity• Reducing deforestation through food system reform• Strategies for advancing plant-based legislation• How listeners can take action locally and globallyWATCH PART 1 : What is the Plant-Based Treaty? with Anita Krajnc & Judie MancusoEndorse the Plant Based Treaty today! Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

🌱 📜 What is the Plant-Based Treaty? Listen to the movement's Global Coordinator, Anita Krajnc, discuss this and MUCH more in Food, Climate, and the Fight for a Just Future - Because They Need Us Episode 5 : Part 1/6 🟩 The Plant-Based Treaty Movement ExplainedInspired by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Plant-Based Treaty launched in 2021 to address a major gap in climate policy: the impact of animal agriculture. Together, the guests explain how industrial animal farming is a leading driver of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and public health challenges; and why transforming our food system is essential to keeping global warming below catastrophic thresholds.💚 More about the Plant Based TreatyOur MissionTo promote a shift towards a just, plant-based food system that would enable us to live safely within our planetary boundaries and reforest the Earth.Our VisionOur vision is a global Plant Based Treaty attached to the Paris Agreement, and best practices in plant-based food policy implemented by cities and other institutions.Our theory of change is to create bottom-up pressure on governments to negotiate a global Plant Based Treaty by getting endorsements from millions of individuals including notable celebrities, scientists and politicians, tens of thousands of groups and businesses, and hundreds of cities. ✅ Endorse the Plant Based Treaty today!#plantbasedtreaty #becausetheyneedus #plantbased #judiemancuso #anitakrajnc Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this episode of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), inspired by Judie Mancuso’s memoir of the same name.In this conversation, Judie is joined by T.K. Pillan, a longtime plant-based food entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, for a thoughtful discussion on the past, present, and future of plant-based advocacy.Judie and T.K. reflect on the early momentum of the plant-based movement, the cultural and industry forces that helped it grow, and the resistance that has slowed progress in recent years. Drawing on his experience building and investing in mission-driven food companies, T.K. discusses the need to re-educate consumers about the benefits of plant protein and address misconceptions around health, processing, and nutrition.Judie shares her perspective as a 35-year vegan and longtime animal advocate, highlighting how powerful meat and dairy interests have shaped public narratives and policy outcomes. Together, they explore why messaging matters, how polarizing labels have created confusion, and why focusing on the benefits of plant protein—rather than ideology—may be key to accelerating adoption.The episode concludes with a forward-looking conversation about collaboration, content strategy, and how advocacy, business, and policy can better align to rebuild momentum and expand the reach of the movement.Topics Covered* Lessons from the early plant-based movement* Why progress has slowed in recent years* Industry influence and public perception* Health myths and misunderstandings about plant-based foods* Reframing the conversation around plant protein* The role of business, investment, and policy* Strategies to reach broader audiences and regain momentum Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Because They Need Us, Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation(SCIL), is joined by animal protection leader Wayne Pacelle and SCIL Board Member Simone Reyes for a wide-ranging, substantive discussion on the most pressing animal welfare issues facing our country today.This episode covers:• Ending horse slaughter and advancing the SAFE Act• Stopping the mass killing of male chicks in the egg industry• Chick shipping through the U.S. mail and animal fighting laws• Reducing and replacing animal testing through modern science• Why animal protection must remain bipartisan — and how we winThis is a candid, policy-focused conversation grounded in real legislative progress and real opportunities for change.Please listen, share, and take action — because animals need us. Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

Because They Need Us, Episode Three, Part OneWelcome to Episode Three, Part One of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL).Hosted by Judie Mancuso, Founder, CEO, and President of SCIL, with co-host and SCIL Board Member Simone Reyes, and special guest Wayne Pacelle, President of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, and founder of Animal Wellness Action PAC.The first part of this multi-part episode with Wayne Pacelle focuses on federal legislation—H.R. 1661/S. 775, the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act—which seeks to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption both within the United States and abroad, specifically targeting live exports of horses to Canada and Mexico. This legislation is a response to the alarming findings of a national investigation conducted by the Center for a Humane Economy, which shed light on the inhumane practices associated with the horse slaughter industry.This slightly under 15-minute episode provides timely and informative insight into current federal policy and explains how passage of the SAFE Act would change outcomes for horses nationwide. Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Episode Two of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL).Hosted by Judie Mancuso, Founder, CEO, and President of SCIL, with guest Nickolaus Sackett, Director of Legislative Affairs, this episode examines the renewed killing of wolves in California as they struggle to recover after a century of extinction.We also discuss the broader national threat posed by Rep. Lauren Boebert’s bill, H.R. 845, which would strip federal protections from wolves nationwide.This is a short but critical episode on two urgent fronts in the fight to protect wildlife. We encourage you to listen, stay informed, and take action.Today’s Episode00:00 – Intro 00:33 – California is killing its endangered wolves02:52 – Judie Mancuso’s Letter to the Editor of the Sacramento Bee04:59 – New congressional bill threatens wolves nationwide 08:13 – Support SCIL & receive an original animal portrait Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Social Compassion in Legislation’s (SCIL) new podcast, Because They Need Us, Our Political Fight to Save Animals. Your hosts Judie Mancuso, Founder, CEO and President and Nick Sackett, Director of Legislative Affairs, will bring you global animal news and progress updates on their ongoing efforts to make the world a more compassionate place for all!Today’s episode includes;- Spain & France’s new protective animal policies - Vogue saying “NO” to fur- The law SCIL sponsored to end fur trapping in California- Resources to propose animal laws in your state- ABC coverage of new SCIL bills that passed this year, SB 221, which makes stalking pets illegal & AB 478, which addresses loopholes in emergency preparedness for animals.- L.A. Times uncovers corruption in State Fair system years after Cedar the Goat tragedy- National Animal Rights Day Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

URGENT!! TIME SENSITIVE SPAY & NEUTER ACTION NEEDEDREGISTER FOR PET LOVER’S PLATEThe vision behind the California Pet Lover’s License Plate is being fulfilled every year. First launched in 2013, the plate was created by Judie Mancuso, Dr. Gary Michelson, and Linda Starr, with generous support from Keely and Pierce Brosnan—who also contributed his own artwork for the design. Its purpose is simple and powerful: to provide sustainable funding for low-cost and free spay and neuter programs across California. If you don’t yet have your Pet Lover’s plate, please consider getting one and help continue this life-saving work! APPLY FOR SPAY & NEUTER GRANTSWe are thrilled to announce that the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will be granting out up to $500,000 in funding for the 2026 Pet Lover’s License Plate Grant Program (Pet Lover’s), which will mean over $2.5M dollars has now gone to spay and neuter!Applications for FUNDING are due by 5pm PT on Monday, January 5, 2026.**Attention Potential Applicants**  Join the CDFA webinar on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. PTThis will featuring an overview of the program and application process. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the program’s website for full details.Please review the 2026 Request for Grant Proposals for detailed application instructions.Grant Proposal Applications must be submitted electronically to [email protected] later than 5:00 p.m. PT on Monday, January 5, 2026.TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED!The CDFA is welcoming volunteers with knowledge and expertise in California’s veterinary, animal rescue/shelter, and animal services industries to serve on the 2026 Pet Lover’s Technical Review Committee (TRC). The TRC reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to CDFA on proposals submitted for funding.To participate in the 2026 Pet Lover’s TRC, download the application here:TRC Applications are due by 5pm PT on Monday, December 22, 2025.If you have questions about the process please contact: Office of Grants Administration California Department of Food and AgricultureTel: (916) [email protected] Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe