Best Frontline Policy Action Podcasts (2025)

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Holiday Postbag: Lucy Connolly, Lucy Letby, the Leveson Review and Two-Tier Justice 34:28

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10h ago34:28

34:28

Is Chris Philp’s tweet about the different outcomes in the Lucy Connolly/Ricky Jones cases simply moronic and embarrassing or something more sinister? What do the ITV and Panorama documentaries tell us about the safety of Lucy Letby’s convictions? What could potentially derail some of Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals for radical reform of the right to…

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Reptiles in Animal Shelters: Getting Their Care Right (Episode 282) 59:43

1d ago59:43

59:43

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, we welcome reptile enthusiast and animal welfare professional Tabitha Blewitt to talk about one of the most overlooked populations in shelters—reptiles. From proper housing and nutrition to common mistakes shelters make when caring for snakes, lizards, and turtles, Tabitha brings her expertise and pas…

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Is Our Government Any Good? Palestine Action, Shabana Mahmood, and Foreign Prisoners in UK Jails 38:47

7d ago38:47

38:47

In this week’s episode of Double Jeopardy, hosts Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen are joined once again by an old friend of the podcast, the award-winning, former BBC, journalist and crime and justice commentator Danny Shaw. Together, they dive into the legal, political, and social repercussions faced by Palestine Action supporters following mass arrests…

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Humane Leaders (Episode 281) 57:46

8d ago57:46

57:46

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop explore the challenges and responsibilities of leadership in animal welfare. From managing tough decisions to balancing compassion with community safety, they share lessons learned from the field. Along the way, they discuss Tallulah McGee’s thought-provoking article,…

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From the Frontlines to Humane Innovations (Episode 280) 53:35

15d ago53:35

53:35

In this episode, we sit down with John Peaveler, the founder and principal consultant of Humane Innovations LLC, a company driven by real-world experience in animal control, shelter systems, wildlife management, and disaster response. John brings over 20 years of global expertise to the table, having launched the first animal shelter and control pr…

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LIBOR, Farage’s Cure for Lawless Britain, and Palestine Action in the Dock: UK Justice Goes on Trial 37:08

22d ago37:08

37:08

What happens when the criminal justice system gets it wrong and takes years to admit it? And what does it say about the state of UK law when protestors are labelled terrorists while populists call for military-built prisons? From the Supreme Court’s critical judgment in the high-profile legal case against the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) t…

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Beachside Bonds: Building Humane Connections in the Field (Episode 279) 1:08:46

22d ago1:08:46

1:08:46

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel and Ashley sit down with Adam Blankenship, an Animal Control Officer in Virginia Beach, to talk about one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of the job: community engagement and education. Adam shares his passion for proactive outreach, building trust with the public, and empo…

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Bonus Episode: ALISHA - The Great White Discovery 1:07:49

24d ago1:07:49

1:07:49

In 2024, Project Hiu becomes entangled in a wild goose chase to track down the owners of a retrieved shark tag, only to discover it was the key to uncovering the longest recorded migration of a white shark, all the way from South Africa to Indonesia. Read the paper here: https://www.publish.csiro.au/WR/justaccepted/WR24145 Support the show…

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Super Injunctions, Afghanistan, and UK Law 46:22

29d ago46:22

46:22

Is it ever justified for the Government to secure a superinjunction in the face of a perceived risk to the life and limb of countless individuals caused by human error? A catastrophic data leak in February 2022 exposed over 18,000 Afghan applicants for resettlement in the UK to violent retribution by the Taliban and a superinjunction granted in Aug…

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The Animal Alliance: Advocacy in Action (Episode 278) 48:11

30d ago48:11

48:11

In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with the passionate leaders of The Animal Alliance, an organization committed to advancing the welfare of animals through advocacy, education, and community action. We explore: How The Animal Alliance got started and what drives their mission today Their work in pushing for smarter legisla…

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Last Episode of This Season: What’s the Dumbest Thing Someone’s Ever Said to You About Sharks? 16:00

1M ago16:00

16:00

As I say goodbye for this season, I take to social media to ask for your answers to these questions and as usual, the results don’t disappoint. Follow Madison @sharkgirlmadison Follow Project Hiu @projecthiu Support the showBy Madison Stewart

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Sir Brian Leveson and Criminal Justice: A Requiem For Jury Trials in England and Wales? 49:01

1M ago49:01

49:01

The UK criminal justice system is facing an existential threat with court backlogs surging, trial complexity increasing, and decades of chronic underfunding pushing the system to the edge of collapse. Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined by Sir Brian Leveson to discuss the findings of his landmark independent review of the criminal courts. T…

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Spay, Neuter, Mentor: Dr. G’s Mobile Approach to Transforming Animal Welfare (Episode 277) 1:03:17

1M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we’re joined by the inspiring Dr. Alba Michelle Gonzalez—veterinarian, forensic expert, and founder of the Animal Welfare Junction podcast. Dr. G shares her journey from veterinary medicine to launching the Rascal Unit, a mobile clinic providing high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter and essential veterina…

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Lucy Letby: Will She Waive Privilege as UK Prosecutors Widen the Net? 42:40

1M ago42:40

42:40

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is reviewing new allegations against Letby herself, alongside claims of corporate failings that could amount to corporate manslaughter. As police investigate, questions are mounting about accountability at the highest levels of the health system and beyond. As police escalate their investigation into the National…

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No Kill, No Bull: PETA Is More Than Catchy Slogans (Episode 276) 1:03:33

1M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Daphna Nachminovitch, Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations at PETA, to unpack the growing controversy surrounding the “no-kill” movement—specifically the bold promises made by Best Friends Animal Society. With a reported annual revenue of $173 million, Best Friends has pledged a "no-kill nation …

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Shark First Aid - For Divers 1:15:58

1M ago1:15:58

1:15:58

This is the second episode I have done about shark first aid, the first one acting as an extension to my surfing guide to sharks… and this one expanding on the topic to not only focus on potential attacks of surfers, but those we face in the shark tourism industry as well. Joined once again by Benjamin Crook… clinical nurse educator in emergency an…

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Bombing Iran: Self-Defence or a Lawless Attack? 32:50

2M ago32:50

32:50

Has the United States & Israel broken international law by bombing Iran? Or was it an act of Self-Defence? Professor Marko Milanovic, a leading expert in international law joins Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC to assess the legality of the recent Israeli and US military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities. From Article 51 of the UN Charter …

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Throwback Episode: The Impact of the Fourth of July and Animal Shelters 42:12

2M ago42:12

42:12

In this classic Animal Control Report episode, we tackled the annual chaos that hits shelters and animal control agencies around the Fourth of July. With fireworks booming, pets go missing in record numbers, kennels fill up overnight, and officers work overtime to reunite families. We break down why this holiday is one of the most intense for the f…

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Endangered Sharks on Etsy 1:04:03

2M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

A groundbreaking study titled Prevalence of Endangered Shark Trophies In Automated Detection of Online Trade sheds light on the alarming online trade of endangered shark species right under our noses. Tune in for an insight into how you may have endangered shark species in your everyday life without even realizing it, and tune in to the end of the …

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When UK Law and Politics Collide: Abortion, Assisted Dying, and Bombing Iran 42:01

2M ago42:01

42:01

How should members of Parliament decide matters of life and death? In the midst of passionate public debate, Parliament has begun to rewrite the legal boundaries around abortion and assisted dying, but what does that mean for the future of UK law? And has the United States broken international law by bombing Iran? Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC e…

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The Director’s Chair: From Local Shelter to National Voice (Episode 275) 1:02:36

2M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

In this episode, we sit down with Audra Michael, the current Secretary of NACA and Director of Pinal County Animal Control in Arizona. With a career in animal welfare that began in 2007, Audra has served in nearly every field role imaginable—from training new officers to supervising field operations. Audra is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrato…

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Throwback Episode: Break the Window: Saving Dogs from Hot Cars 48:13

2M ago48:13

48:13

In this classic episode from our Humane Roundup days, we tackled a life-saving topic that never goes out of season: the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars. With temperatures rising and summer in full swing, we revisited the heartbreaking realities and legal consequences of heatstroke in pets. You'll hear real-life stories, expert advice, and pract…

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Politics and Money in UK Justice: Juries, Abortion and the Double Jeopardy Postbag 45:03

2M ago45:03

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What happens when a justice system is asked to do more with less and at what cost to fairness, freedom, and the rule of law? Crime and justice commentator Danny Shaw appears on the show to examine the political and legal fallout from the UK government’s spending review. With stretched police forces, an underfunded probation service, and mounting pr…

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Return of the MEG 1:03:34

2M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

In the thrilling second instalment of our Megalodon series, PhD palaeontologist Jack Cooper returns to dive deeper into the legend and science of the Megalodon, debunking myths, exploring its extinction, and revealing what this ancient apex predator can teach us about modern shark conservation. Jack’s website: https://www.drjackacooper.com/ Support…

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UK Politics and Bad Science: Investigating the Graveyard Spiral of Forensic Science in England and Wales 41:59

2M ago41:59

41:59

Is Britain still a world leader in forensic science or are we sleepwalking into a criminal justice crisis? Once considered the gold standard, the UK’s forensic science system is not working well for anyone – not for the police, not for the suppliers of services, not for the courts and, by extension, not for the public. Yet we all believe it to be a…

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From Humane Investigator to Humor Instigator (Episode 274) 55:21

2M ago55:21

55:21

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, we sit down with Clay Foley, the stand-up comedian and animal advocate behind Comedy to the Rescue, a unique organization that uses comedy shows to support animal shelters and rescue groups. Clay shares how he combined his passion for stand-up with a mission to make a difference—one laugh (and one adoptio…

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THE SHARK FELON (A Presidential Pardon, Corruption & Why Saving Sharks Nearly Landed Me in Jail) 45:33

3M ago45:33

45:33

In today’s very special episode, I sit down with my partner, Tanner, to discuss how his attempt to save sharks and do the right thing nearly landed him in jail. We recorded this episode a week after learning that Tanner had been pardoned by President Donald Trump. In August 2020, Tanner Mansell, a crew member on a shark-diving charter boat off the …

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David Gauke: Solving the UK Prison Crisis 41:38

3M ago41:38

41:38

Why does Britain lock up so many people and is there a better way? The UK has the highest incarceration rate in Western Europe, yet reoffending remains rampant and prisons are at breaking point. What’s gone wrong in our approach to crime and punishment - and is the public ready for a smarter, more effective system? Former Justice Secretary David Ga…

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Have Shark Populations Boomed? 52:44

3M ago52:44

52:44

In this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate about whether shark populations are truly booming or if this claim is based on misconceptions. With growing concerns from fishermen, particularly in the U.S. and viral discussions on social media, we explore whether sharks are increasing in numbers or simply recovering to historical baseline levels. …

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Christine Mott: Legal Eagle, Animal Ally, and Owl Whisperer (Episode 273) 47:39

3M ago47:39

47:39

In this engaging episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, we’re joined by Christine Mott, a powerhouse attorney, dedicated animal advocate, award-winning author, and strategic advisor. Christine brings a wealth of expertise from her work advising businesses and nonprofits on commercial contracts, governance, and corporate strategy. Her impressive cl…

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State Threats and Subversion: Keeping UK Politics Clean 41:20

3M ago41:20

41:20

What if your political beliefs on Brexit, climate change or even gender identity were being subtly shaped by a foreign power? From hostile state actors exploiting social media to the legal grey zone between terrorism and subversion, Jonathan Hall KC, the UK’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorism and State Threat Legislation joins Double Jeopardy to un…

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Offsetting Cruelty: How Animal Shelters and Farmkind.Giving Save Lives (Episode 272) 46:07

3M ago46:07

46:07

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, we’re exploring how smart, evidence-based giving can bridge the gap between farmed animals and the animals we see every day in our shelters. We sit down with the team from Farmkind.Giving, an organization that uses rigorous research to recommend top animal charities—ensuring that every donation goes t…

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Confessions of a Shark Tracker- Richard Fitzpatrick 1:01:42

3M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

This episode is ideal for anyone pursuing a career in marine biology as we sit down with Richard Fitzpatrick, an Australian marine biologist, award-winning cinematographer, and shark expert. Based in Queensland, he has spent decades studying marine life, particularly sharks and other large predators, contributing to scientific research and conserva…

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100th Episode of Double Jeopardy - Terminating the Cruelty of Victorian Era Abortion Laws: The Campaign to Decriminalise Abortion Across the UK 47:48

3M ago47:48

47:48

In three of the four nations of the UK, abortion remains a crime under legislation passed in 1861, subject to the exemptions from criminal liability in the Abortion Act 1967. Paradoxically, abortion was decriminalised in Northern Ireland in 2019, so that it is now seen as a matter of healthcare rather than the criminal law. Recent prosecutions in E…

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SMART Animal Shelters & Rescues (Bonus Episode From Muddy Paws & Hairballs Podcast) 52:39

3M ago52:39

52:39

*Bonus Episode from the Muddy Paws and Hairballs podcast The no-kill movement promised to revolutionize animal sheltering by saving lives and ending unnecessary euthanasia. But behind the catchy slogans and glowing statistics, a different reality lurks – one that’s rarely discussed. In this eye-opening conversation with animal welfare expert Daniel…

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Debating the Rule of Law in the UK: Hermer versus Wolfson 45:56

3M ago45:56

45:56

The clash between David Wolfson KC’s “thin” interpretation of legal principle and Attorney General Richard Hermer’s “thick” is explained through the experienced legal eyes of Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC on this episode of Double Jeopardy. They dig into the political implications of these contrasting views, the role of parliamentary sovereignty…

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Did Social Media Screw Sharks? 42:07

3M ago42:07

42:07

Welcome back to Shark Stories! After a long break, join us for a good old-fashioned rant as I ask my social media following to tell me… has social media screwed our sharks? In this episode, I read your answers and give you my personal take on the issues. From redirecting shark videos to recreational shark fishing, has social media screwed our shark…

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Every Seat’s an Exit Row with Pilots to the Rescue (Episode 271) 51:43

3M ago51:43

51:43

In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, hosts Daniel Ettinger, Ashlee Bishop and Ashley Bishop take to the skies with Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescue—a nonprofit organization that unites aviation and animal welfare in an extraordinary way. Michael shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to pilot on a mission, flying at-…

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Reforming Criminal Appeals and Righting the Wrongs of UK Justice 45:40

4M ago45:40

45:40

Given the gross miscarriages of justice exposed by the Post Office/Horizon scandal, the extraordinary delay in reversing the wrongful conviction of Andrew Malkinson due to repeated failures by the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the continuing calls for the case of Lucy Letby to be referred back to the Court of Appeal, is the criminal appeal s…

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Forget the Camel, Animal Law Is Human Law (Episode 270) 55:30

4M ago55:30

55:30

In this thought-provoking episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with Harvard-educated attorney and author Elizabeth MeLampy for a deep dive into the world of animal law, environmental justice, and the quirky cultural traditions that shape our relationships with animals. Elizabeth shares her journey from …

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Authoritarians Against Lawyers: Political Attacks on the Rule of Law 39:03

4M ago39:03

39:03

As support for populist movements grows, judicial independence and the rule of law are increasingly under attack. Lawyers around the world are becoming front-line defenders of democracy - and paying the price. Double Jeopardy hosts Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC explain the situation with expert legal commentary and legal system insights. Renowne…

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Humane Educators (Episode 269) 55:50

4M ago55:50

55:50

In this episode, we sit down with the Humane Educators of Texas to dive into their incredible work across the country. From their innovative training programs to their community outreach efforts, they’re helping reshape the future of animal welfare through education and advocacy. We explore Humane H.E.L.P. and how it is making an impact on compassi…

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Womanhood Defined: The UK Supreme Court Puts Biology and Science at the Heart of UK Discrimination and Human Rights Law and Transforms the Approach of UK Politics to Adult Human Females 38:47

4M ago38:47

38:47

What does the law say about who counts as a woman - and who gets to decide? Unpacking the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the definition of “woman” under the Equality Act 2010 and Gender Recognition Act is guest Karon Monaghan KC, one of the UK’s leading employment and discrimination law barristers. See here for a link to the judgment. The disc…

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KC’s Animal Control: Tethered in Transition Part Two (Episode 268) 45:37

4M ago45:37

45:37

In Part Two of our conversation about KC Pet Project, we discuss the unexpected loss of their animal control services contract and what it means for their organization, their staff, and the community they serve.

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Fake News on Asylum, The Battle to Define Human Rights Law, and Labour’s New UK Politics 36:49

4M ago36:49

36:49

What happens when political leaders and media outlets misrepresent court decisions, and how does this impact judicial independence and public trust in the UK legal system? A range of high-stakes UK law and UK politics issues that have dominated headlines recently are tackled in this listener-driven postbag edition of Double Jeopardy. Hosts Ken Macd…

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Behind the Door on Broadway St: We Complete Calls, Not Close Them (Episode 267) 1:04:35

4M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

In this gripping episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, we recount a disturbing case that unfolded on January 27, 2022, when a concerned citizen called Denver Animal Protection to report the sounds of a dog being beaten inside an apartment at 5190 Broadway Street. Officer Daniel Ettinger responded to the call and was met with silence, resistance, …

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Disclosure, Artificial Intelligence, and Modernising UK Criminal Justice: Will the Fisher Report Have Any Real Impact on Collapsed Trials and the Crumbling UK Justice System? 38:24

4M ago38:24

38:24

What happens when the very foundation of criminal justice - the prosecution disclosure process to the defence - fails to meet modern demands? This episode focuses on the Fisher Report, a groundbreaking review that addresses the critical issues surrounding prosecution disclosure in complex criminal trials, a key issue in the ongoing criminal justice…

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The State of Cruelty: Breaking Down ALDF’s Rankings (Episode 266) 49:04

5M ago49:04

49:04

In this episode, we’re joined by representatives from the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) to dive into their highly anticipated State Rankings Report, a comprehensive annual review of how each U.S. state protects—or fails to protect—animals through its laws. We break down the top-performing states, the ones falling behind, and what these rankings …

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Two Tier Justice, Mass Migration, and a Pound Shop Trump in the UK Parliament 40:28

5M ago40:28

40:28

Is the UK heading toward a constitutional clash over crime and justice? Exploring a wide range of pressing issues, from the government’s proposed emergency legislation to override revised sentencing guidelines, to the implications of an international summit on organised migration crime. Examining the complexities of asylum claims, the growing contr…

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475-Year Conviction: The Harshest Dogfighting Sentence in History (Episode 265) 51:40

5M ago51:40

51:40

In this powerful episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Rock, Georgia’s state animal crimes resource prosecutor, to discuss the staggering 475-year prison sentence handed down to Vincent Lemark Burrell for his role in a massive dogfighting operation. Jessica walks us through the details of this groundbreaking case—how an A…