Because They Need Us - Our Political Fight to Save Animals

with Judie Mancuso & Nick Sackett

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PETS & ANIMALS

Saving & protecting animals, one law at a time. socialcompassion.substack.com

JAN 19

Plant Protein, Power, and the Future of Food — with T.K. Pillan - Because They Need Us with Judie Mancuso

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

30 min
JAN 7

Saving Horses, Millions of Chicks & Ending Animal Fighting - Because They Need Us with Judie Mancuso

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

1h 19m
JAN 1

Part 1 : Protecting Horses with the SAFE Act - Because They Need Us with Judie Mancuso

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

15 min
12/27/2025

Immediate Threats to Wolves in California and USA - Because They Need Us with Judie Mancuso

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

14 min
12/18/2025

Global Wins for Animals & New Laws Protecting Pets - Because They Need Us with Judie Mancuso

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

17 min
12/16/2025

URGENT - SPAY & NEUTER ACTION NEEDED! - Because They Need Us with Judie Mancuso

URGENT!! TIME SENSITIVE SPAY & NEUTER ACTION NEEDED REGISTER FOR PET LOVER’S PLATE The 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 GRANTS We 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. PT This 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 grants@cdfa.ca.govno 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 Agriculture Tel: (916) 657-3231 grants@cdfa.ca.gov Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

6 min

6 Episodes

Saving & protecting animals, one law at a time. socialcompassion.substack.com

Creator

with Judie Mancuso & Nick Sackett
Years Active

2K
Episodes

6
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Social Compassion in Legislation
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Because They Need Us - Our Political Fight to Save Animals