Stephen Wells—the executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund ALDF)—traces his intriguing, sometimes colorful, career path before joining ALDF, particularly his years in Alaska, where, among other developments, he formalized his commitment to becoming a professional animal advocate. 
(His early time in Alaska included participating in the clean up of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and living for a period in a cabin with no running water or electricity.) Wells outlines some key aspects of ALDF’s mission and operation, including the distinct niche it occupies among national animal welfare organizations. Wells addresses some of ALDF’s recent efforts—and victories—including help pass the California Orca Protection Act, which prohibits the breeding
of captive orca in that state. (ALDF is introducing a comparable bill in Florida.) Extending the orca theme a bit, Wells addresses ALDF’s concerted efforts—joined by other organizations, including PETA–to achieve the release of Lolita, the orca who has lived by herself in a singularly small tank at Miami Seaquarium. He also talks briefly about the “Careers In Animal Law” panel he was due to appear on locally at Stetson University College of Law, and fields some listener calls. (http://aldf.org)
ALSO: I spoke briefly with Don Goldstein, of Greyhound Rescue Adoptions of Tampa Bay (GREAT), who over the years has become “Talking Animals”’s greyhound legislation expert. Goldstein described two new pieces of pending Florida legislation—HB 743 (and Senate companion bill, SB 512), that carry important implications for greyhounds, and those who care about them. (www.great-greyhound.org)
COMEDY CORNER: Eddie Izzard “Talk To The Animals” (www.eddieizzard.com)
MUSIC: Rebekah Pulley’s “Talking Animals Theme,” instrumentals
NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE: We did not play Name That Animal Tune today
AUDIO ARCHIVE:
