Have you ever wondered how you can influence laws that protect animals? In this episode, Nicole sits down with Brian Shapiro, the New York State Director of the Humane Society of the United States, to discuss how anyone can become a citizen lobbyist for animals. They share practical steps for reaching out to legislators, offer tips on effective advocacy, and dispel common misconceptions about politicians and the political process. Learn how to make your voice heard and take action for animals!

Brian Shapiro brings four decades of animal advocacy experience to the Humane Society of the United States. He has led the organization’s New York campaigns since 2012, successfully passing legislation ending the sale of illegal ivory and shark fins in the state, shutting down the inhumane “Puppy Mill Pipeline,” stopping wildlife killing contests, and helping to secure state funding for New York’s network of animal shelters. Shapiro is a board member of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, which represents the state’s animal shelters. He has served as an upstate county legislator and shelter director, and lives in Albany, NY.

Contact Brian: bshapiro@humanesociety.org

Brian Shapiro on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.shapiro.7

I'm Just a Bill - Schoolhouse Rock: https://youtu.be/SZ8psP4S6BQ?si=n6ZgzAGmQ8SbdY_v

Brian's Favorite Vegan Hot Dog

How to find your representatives in your state:

Google, "find my (state) senator/assemblymember/delegate/representatives"

Need help? Email us at nicolearciello@gmail.com

Visit us at inbehalfofanimals.org - Send us a question, comment, leave a review!

If you’re heartbroken by stories of animal cruelty and want to make a difference, "In Behalf of Animals" is the podcast for you.

Hosts Nicole Arciello and Patrick Battuello, vegan activists and leaders of Horseracing Wrongs, dive into animal rights issues, exploring the power of everyday choices.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned activist, this podcast offers inspiring stories and actionable insights to empower you to advocate for a kinder, more compassionate world. Join us for our first episode on October 4th, with new episodes every other Friday.

Don't forget to follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

Show website: https://inbehalfofanimals.alitu.com/

Follow Nicole and Patrick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolearciello/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inbehalfofanimals

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inbehalfofanimals/

What drives someone to advocate for animals? In this first episode of In Behalf of Animals, hosts Patrick and Nicole share their journeys into animal activism and the mission behind the podcast. Join us as we explore our motivations and vision for a compassionate world for all animals. Tune in and discover how you can be a voice for the voiceless!

Show notes:

To learn more about Nicole and Patrick: https://www.inbehalfofanimals.org/

Petco Stops Selling Rabbits: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/retail/2024/09/24/petco-rabbits-adoption/75351849007/

Patrick and Nicole's work at Horseracing Wrongs: https://horseracingwrongs.org/

Peter Singer: https://www.petersinger.info/

Earthlings Film: https://watch.unchainedtv.com/videos/earthlings-10-year-anniversary-edition

Meet Your Meat: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1667843/

Some of Nicole’s Favorite Vegan Recipe Resources:

https://www.theppk.com/recipes/

https://www.noracooks.com/

Can one person truly make a difference for animals? Jodie Wiederkehr of the Chicago Alliance for Animals joins Nicole to share how she led the fight to ban horse-drawn carriages in Chicago and shares the steps we all can take each day to become powerful advocates for animals.

Jodie Wiederkehr is the Founder and Executive Director of the Chicago Alliance for Animals (CAA), the Partnership to Ban Horse Carriages Worldwide, and the Center For Ethical Science (CFES).

Due to CAA’s relentless pressure on public officials, documentation of daily violations by Chicago's horse-drawn carriage operators, and regular media attention, CAA was able to ban horse-drawn carriages in the third largest city in the US in a record 2.5 years.

CAA's current campaigns include the fights to #FreeSpur, a huge African tortoise who was trafficked from her home and family in Africa and who's languished in a tiny, incredibly unnatural display case for more than thirty years and #FreeRocky, the lonely coyote/pack animal, who's been stuck all alone in a small cage in Chicagoland's bitter cold winters for more than six years now. CAA is also working to pass the bill to ban the sale of new fur in Chicago.

Jodie Wiederkehr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JodieWiederkehr

X: @JodieWiederkehr

Find Jodie's DAA's Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.chicagoallianceforanimals.org

Chicago Alliance for Animals

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChiAnimalRights

X: @ChiAnimalRights

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicago_alliance_for_animals/

Partnership to Ban Horse Carriages Worldwide:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557978831889

If Cage Walls Could Talk Radio Show:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ifcagewallscouldtalk/

To Find Actions for Animals:

In Behalf of Animals Blog: https://www.inbehalfofanimals.org/blog/

Patrick explores the ancient roots of animal rights, tracing them back over 2,000 years. He shares his passion for history and philosophy through readings from influential philosophers, scientists, and artists who advocated for kindness toward animals. Patrick challenges the common belief that animal rights began in the 1970s, offering a broader perspective on the longstanding tradition of compassion for animals throughout history.

Learn more about In Behalf of Animals, contact us, leave us a review and follow here: www.inbehalfofanimals.org

More about Patrick.