Every now and then, a seal makes an appearance in areas populated by humans, sparking a great deal of interest. Many of us remember Freddie the seal, who became a local celebrity in Teddington as people flocked to witness his playful antics. Sadly, Freddie's life was cut short when a dog, having slipped its harness negatively interacted with Freddie, leading to a tragic accident. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of how easily we can disrupt the delicate balance of nature. I had the op...
May 30, 2025•30 min
I zoomed over to America to speak to Meredith Whitney about IFAW's Big Cats in Captivity program in the USA. Meredith is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in this area and was able to offer a great deal of information to us. At times it was uncomfortable listening. But I am very grateful to IFAW and Meredith for the opportunity to hear about the issues. And even more grateful that Meredith was able to offer some advice to us of ways to av oid unwittingly becoming participants in the cat's ...
May 13, 2025•44 min
Ever wondered why we don’t share all the shelter managers post adoption updates? When we adopt a dog in the UK, most of us want to share our new family member with the world because we are so happy! What stops our Turkish families doing the same thing? This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dogdesk...
May 02, 2025•3 min
In the early 1990s, a series of very unpleasant attacks on humans by dogs, some resulting in fatalities, attracted the attention of the media. The government responded with what might be considered a knee-jerk reaction and breed-specific legislation, or BSL as it is commonly known, came into effect as part of the Dangerous Dogs Act. Within this piece of legislation, four breeds of dogs are banned, including the Pitbull Terrier. You might think that the action of banning these dogs considered dan...
May 02, 2025•29 min
Stray dogs have long been an integral part of Turkish life, though the relationship hasn't always been peaceful. Despite this, the country is home to numerous animal lovers who cherish these animals. Many people adopt as many dogs as they can manage, yet with millions of stray dogs around and only a small percentage of the population—about 5%—willing to take them into their homes, it becomes an insurmountable challenge to provide homes for all of them. Some strays are lucky & become communit...
Apr 26, 2025•3 min
Today my guest is author Paula S. Owens Paula has written a novel based on the story of the little brown dog. A brown terrier who suffered terribly in the name of science. Two ladies witnessed the terriers demise & vowed to do something about what they saw as wanton cruelty. Paula’s book will keep this very important event alive for years to come and serve as a reminder that we really aren't that much better than we were more than 100 years ago. We are still enslaving other species. We are s...
Apr 24, 2025•26 min
Dale and I had the pleasure of catching up with Dr. Aurelian Stefan, a dedicated veterinarian who tirelessly works with vulnerable dogs in Romania, a country where the plight of stray dogs is a pressing issue. Our conversation delved into the complexities surrounding this topic, as I often receive messages and emails, and engage in discussions with people who hold the belief that stray dogs should remain on the streets. During our discussion, we touched upon the ongoing debate about the importat...
Apr 16, 2025•26 min
Kangaroo culling is a practice that involves the reduction of kangaroo populations in certain areas to manage their numbers and mitigate the impact they might have on the environment, agriculture, and human activities. This process often raises ethical and ecological concerns, as kangaroos are iconic native wildlife in Australia. Michelle talks to Gregory Keightley about some of the concerns regarding Kangaroo culling This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, c...
Mar 28, 2025•34 min
Neil Waters is a passionate man who has been searching for evidence of the alleged extinct thylacine for years. He truly believes that this incredible animal, native to Australia, is alive and well, hiding from man in the bush. We loved speaking to Neil; his dedication to his mission is like no other we have ever come across. But is he on to something amazing or on a wild goose chase? Neil's relentless pursuit of the thylacine stems from his fascination with this unique creature, often referred ...
Feb 23, 2025•51 min
Marc & I had an intriguing discussion about the intersection of animals and morality. We pondered whether animals have the capacity for moral judgment or if their decisions are purely driven by instinct. This conversation took place shortly before the release of Marc's book, "A Dog's World," which he co-authored with Jessica Pierce. The book delves into the fascinating concept of how dogs might evolve in a world free from human influence. Dog Desk Animal Action is a reader-supported publicat...
Feb 01, 2025•51 min
By far the most enjoyable interview I have ever had the privilege to be involved in. Kevin is the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes to the dingo. We spoke about natural habitat, reproduction, social life, dispersal, the threats they face & more. Please listen until the end, I know you will love it! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dogdeskanimalaction.substack.com/subscribe...
Jan 01, 2025•50 min
I spoke to Mark Riley from Rocky’s Army about dog seizures. Rocky’s army support people who have had their dogs seized, offering them advice & helping them find any funds needed to fight their seized dogs’ corner. Mark & I met up prior to the XL Bully ban, please be aware of this where relevant. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dogdeskanimalaction.substack.com/subscribe...
Dec 13, 2024•53 min
After more than a hundred and fifty years grey wolves have returned to Germany. While I applaud their return I worry that not everyone will be as happy. How will shepherds react to the news that this apex predator is back on the scene? I ask Andreas Dinkelmeyer from IFAW how we are mitigating any conflict between wolves & man . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dogdeskanimalaction.substack.com/subscribe...
Dec 01, 2024•40 min
Brucellosis is caused by the bacteria Brucella canis. It is infectious & zoonotic. Drugs can control the infection but once a dog has it they have it for life. We received a number of messages from concerned listeners who were, quite frankly both confused & scared. So we sought out an academic with knowledge & experience for more information regarding the condition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit d...
Nov 12, 2024•47 min
