Keep it Humane

Keep it Humane

Welcome to Keep it Humane: The Podcast (formerly The Animal Control Report)! Hosts Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop, and Ashlee Bishop explore the full spectrum of animal welfare from animal control officers, animal shelters and rescue to advocacy, policy, and community care. We share real stories, expert insights, and conversations that reshape how we talk about helping animals. Whether you're in the industry or simply care about animals, join us as we build understanding and Help People!

  1. 20. JAN.

    When ‘Save Them All’ Meets Reality: Who Sets the Rules in Animal Welfare? (Episode 297)

    In this episode of Keep it Humane, Daniel and Ashley sit down with Douglas Starr, Professor Emeritus of Science Journalism at Boston University and longtime science writer, to unpack one of the most polarizing topics in animal welfare today: the no-kill movement and the influence of large national organizations like Best Friends Animal Society. Douglas joins the show to discuss his recent Smithsonian Magazine article, “The Nation’s Biggest Animal Sanctuary Operates Under the Mantra ‘Save Them All.’ How Controversial Is That?”, which you can read here:👉 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/nations-biggest-animal-sanctuary-operates-under-mantra-save-them-all-how-controversial-180987638/ Drawing from time spent at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and extensive historical research, Douglas shares what he learned about the ideals, psychology, and politics behind the no-kill philosophy. While acknowledging the dedication of many working within the movement, the conversation explores how language, public pressure, and one-size-fits-all approaches can create unintended consequences for shelters, communities, and public safety. Together, Daniel, Ashley, and Douglas have an honest, nuanced discussion about the harm caused by labels like “kill shelter,” the pressure placed on municipal agencies, the silencing of dissenting voices, and the difficult ethical decisions faced by animal welfare professionals every day. With decades of combined experience, the episode emphasizes the need for balance—prioritizing humane care and community safety, accountability in pet ownership, access to spay and neuter services, and moving beyond slogans toward practical, collaborative solutions. This episode challenges simplistic narratives and invites listeners to think critically about what responsible animal welfare really looks like.

    55 Min.
  2. 02.12.2025 · BONUS

    Global Battles, Local Impact: Inside the Fight Against Animal Cruelty (Bonus Episode)

    In this powerful episode, Daniel Ettinger and Ashlee Bishop sit down with Nina Jackel, founder of Lady Freethinker, for an in-depth conversation about the global fight against animal cruelty and what it takes to create real, lasting change. Nina shares her remarkable journey from freelance journalist to leading an international nonprofit that exposes abuse, funds on-the-ground rescuers, and drives policy change around the world. From shutting down dog meat auction houses in South Korea to helping authorities dismantle a dogfighting ring in Chile—resulting in the longest animal cruelty sentence in the nation’s history—Nina walks us through some of Lady Freethinker’s most impactful victories. The discussion digs into the evolving landscape of online animal cruelty, challenges in prosecuting abuse cases under current laws, and why cross-organization communication remains one of the biggest obstacles in animal advocacy. Daniel, Ashlee, and Nina explore what meaningful collaboration could look like—from local enforcement to global activism—and how summits, networking, and unified messaging could strengthen the field. Listeners will also hear candid personal updates, reflections on leadership in animal welfare, and actionable ways to support Lady Freethinker’s work, including their investigative efforts, global campaigns, and upcoming initiative to tackle social media cruelty in 2026. If you care about animals, accountability, and the future of animal protection, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    48 Min.
  3. 25.11.2025

    Steffen Baldwin: The Dark Truth Behind the Animal “Rescuer” | Season Finale with Dr. G (Episode 295)

    In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop and Ashlee Bishop sit down with Dr. A. Michelle Gonzalez—veterinarian, forensic expert, and host of The Animal Welfare Junction. Dr. Gonzalez has been leading a groundbreaking investigative series on Steffen Baldwin, a self-proclaimed “trainer” whose history of animal cruelty and misconduct has sent shockwaves through the animal welfare community. Together, we unpack the complex layers of this case:• how Baldwin built influence in the dog-training world,• the red flags that were ignored or minimized,• the survivors—both canine and human—impacted by his actions,• and the systemic gaps that allow abusers to hide in plain sight. Dr. Gonzalez shares what she’s learned through extensive research, interviews, and forensic review for her podcast, offering a candid look at how misinformation, inadequate regulation, and industry silencing contribute to ongoing harm. Whether you work in animal control, sheltering, veterinary medicine, law enforcement, or advocacy, this episode provides essential insight into how we can better protect animals, empower victims, and build a safer, more accountable animal welfare landscape. This is an episode you won’t want to miss—honest, unsettling, educational, and ultimately a call to action for all who believe animals deserve better.

    1 Std. 1 Min.

Info

Welcome to Keep it Humane: The Podcast (formerly The Animal Control Report)! Hosts Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop, and Ashlee Bishop explore the full spectrum of animal welfare from animal control officers, animal shelters and rescue to advocacy, policy, and community care. We share real stories, expert insights, and conversations that reshape how we talk about helping animals. Whether you're in the industry or simply care about animals, join us as we build understanding and Help People!