Desmond's Army Podcast

Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PETS & ANIMALS

Join the fight for the voiceless with the Desmond's Army Podcast @DesmondsPodcast - produced by Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates—a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Connecticut. Guided by our motto #SpeakingForTheVoiceless, we shine a spotlight on the harsh realities of animal abuse and its proven links to domestic violence and broader societal harm. Each episode delivers powerful education, in-depth updates on criminal cases involving animal abusers, and unwavering advocacy for justice and accountability. Whether you're an animal lover, a concerned citizen, or someone passionate about breaking cycles of violence, this podcast empowers you to make a difference. We are streaming on-demand 24/7 on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, SUBCRIBE and contact us at desmondspodcast@gmail.com !

Episodes

  1. The Smolak Case

    1D AGO

    The Smolak Case

    In this episode of the Desmond's Army podcast, hosts Matt Caron and Zilla Cannamela discuss the complex and troubling case of Sarah Smolak, an individual charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty. The conversation delves into the rescue of a dog named Marshmallow, the subsequent investigation, and the broader implications for animal welfare and rescue practices. Michele Walsh from AMA Animal Rescue shares insights into the case, the challenges faced, and the ongoing efforts to ensure justice for the animals involved. The episode highlights the importance of community advocacy and the need for stricter oversight in animal rescue operations. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Desmond's Army Podcast04:35 Marshmallow's Journey and Adoption07:51 Communication Breakdown and Concerns12:46 Community Response and Investigations16:13 The Horrors Uncovered17:41 Understanding the Mind of an Abuser19:24 The Autopsy Revelation20:05 David Reid's Connection21:05 The Layered Charges Against Smolak21:45 Conditions of the Seized Dogs22:57 New Victims Emerge24:18 Complexities of the Case26:42 The Civil Case Against Smolak27:24 Continued Cruelty Allegations28:20 Violations of Release Conditions31:40 Fostering Controversies35:13 The Role of the Town36:01 The Psychological Control of Abusers39:52 Lessons Learned by AMA Animal Rescue43:48 Next Steps in the Case

    46 min

  2. JAN 21

    The Data

    In this episode of the Desmond's Army podcast, host Matt Caron is joined by Zilla Canamella, the president of Desmond's Army, and attorney advocate Joyce Glass. They discuss the ongoing efforts in animal advocacy, particularly focusing on the implications of Desmond's Law, which aims to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. The conversation highlights the importance of data in understanding the effectiveness of the law, as well as the challenges faced by attorney advocates in navigating the legal system. Joyce shares insights from a recent study conducted by Desmond's Army, revealing alarming statistics about animal cruelty cases in Connecticut, including the prevalence of misdemeanors over felonies and the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.

    46 min
  3. The Cases

    12/31/2025

    The Cases

    In this episode 🎙️ of the Desmond's Army Podcast 🐾, host Matt Caron and Vice President Linda Pleva discuss various cases of animal cruelty and neglect, highlighting the urgent need for legislative changes in Connecticut ⚖️. They cover specific cases, including the abandonment of dogs Eeyore and Piglet, the opening of a controversial retail pet shop 🚫, and the tragic stories of Bambi and Bear, who suffered from starvation and neglect💔. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy and community involvement. 00:00 Introduction to Desmond's Army Podcast 02:03 Case Review: Eeyore and Piglet 07:46 The Impact of Retail Pet Shops 16:06 Justice for Bambi 24:02 The Tragedy of Bear's Starvation 27:06 The Responsibility of Pet Owners 29:15 The Sarah Smolak Case: A Foster's Perspective 33:36 The Impact of Animal Cruelty on Children 39:23 The Need for an Animal Abuser Registry 42:00 The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence 48:02 Advocating for Stronger Animal Welfare Laws

    45 min
  4. The Link

    12/17/2025

    The Link

    In this episode of the Desmond's Army podcast, President Zilla Cannamela, Vice President Linda Pleva and Host Matt Caron engage in a profound discussion with Phil Arkow, a leading figure in animal welfare. They explore the critical link between animal cruelty and domestic violence, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, education, and collaboration among various agencies. Personal stories highlight the emotional impact of these issues, while the conversation also addresses the challenges faced in the legal system regarding accountability for animal cruelty. The episode concludes with a call to action for more pet-friendly shelters and increased awareness of these interconnected issues. CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Desmond's Army Podcast02:45 The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence05:38 Legislation and Pet Protection Orders08:40 Phil Arkow's Journey in Animal Welfare11:39 Understanding the Link: Research and Findings14:41 Challenges in the Legal System17:20 Rehabilitation vs. Incarceration20:26 Breaking the Cycle of Reoffending23:33 Enforcement of Animal Cruelty Laws25:29 Navigating Legislative Challenges for Animal Welfare27:44 Understanding the Link Between Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse31:33 The Importance of Pet-Friendly Shelters34:26 Best Practices in Animal Welfare Legislation37:08 The Complexity of Reporting Animal Cruelty40:41 Personal Stories: The Impact of Domestic Violence44:29 Educating Legislators on the Human-Animal Bond45:04 The Power of Impact Statements45:40 The Importance of Education in Animal Welfare46:41 Rising Trends in Animal Cruelty48:38 Lack of Accountability in Animal Cruelty Cases50:38 The Judicial System's Role in Animal Welfare54:33 Collaboration for Better Outcomes in Animal Protection57:29 The Need for Education and Awareness01:00:20 Community Engagement and Fundraising EffortsPODCAST LINKS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/DesmondsArmy/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/desmondsarmy/ SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3x5sBMmMa1YefZJIqLEbqe?si=94858bc49ae747df APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/desmonds-army-podcast/id1859699183 YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjJiUk74ljKJ3ZD1hAIxUoR2KMToEwURm

    1h 1m
  5. The Beginning

    12/08/2025

    The Beginning

    Welcome to the Desmond's Army Podcast @DesmondsPodcast. This is Episode 1 featuring Desmond's Army President and Co-Founder Zilla Cannamela. We are discussing Desmond's Law, the beginnings of how Desmond's Army was formed, and all about our mission to keep #SpeekingForTheVoiceless. Please, LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE and contact us at desmondspodcast@gmail.com.

    42 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Join the fight for the voiceless with the Desmond's Army Podcast @DesmondsPodcast - produced by Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates—a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Connecticut. Guided by our motto #SpeakingForTheVoiceless, we shine a spotlight on the harsh realities of animal abuse and its proven links to domestic violence and broader societal harm. Each episode delivers powerful education, in-depth updates on criminal cases involving animal abusers, and unwavering advocacy for justice and accountability. Whether you're an animal lover, a concerned citizen, or someone passionate about breaking cycles of violence, this podcast empowers you to make a difference. We are streaming on-demand 24/7 on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, SUBCRIBE and contact us at desmondspodcast@gmail.com !

Information

  • Creator
    Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates
  • Show Website
    Desmond's Army Podcast