The effort to ban horse slaughter in the U.S. gained new momentum recently when four powerful members of Congress introduced a bill known as the SAFE act in a Capitol Hill press conference. We were there to speak with several influential figures in the animal welfare community who were also in attendance. Sam Litzinger speaks with Dr. Rindy Anderson of Duke University about how and why she and a team researchers created a new, robotic avian species affectionately called "Robosparrow."

Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James

A San Diego woman is having difficulty keeping her dogs indoors and seeks the advice of Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society. A Florida man needs help with his poodle’s peculiar lack of discipline. In Chicago, a 2-year-old Corgi injures a leg, and its caretaker wants to know if surgery is an option. We also feature BirdNote, our weekly review of avian species.

Dr. Gary Weitzman speaks with a Maryland woman who wants to make her parakeet more “sociable." In Washington, D.C., a woman is looking for ways to change her two cats’ aggressive behavior toward strangers. A Tennessee man has a cat that was diagnosed with feline leukemia and he wants advice.

Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Glory Days” (from “Racing Stripes” original soundtrack) by Mark Isham

Jim and Jamie Dutcher are National Geographic explorers, award-winning filmmakers, authors and the first family of wolf conservation. For two decades, the study of wolves has been their life’s work. Between 1990 and 1996, the Dutchers did what many considered impossible -- actually living with a pack of wolves in Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness. Sam Litzinger speaks to the Dutchers about their personal experiences with the often misunderstood canine species. After that, it’s The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh.

Actress, Author and Filmmaker Isabella Rossellini unveils her new series of short films about motherhood in the animal kingdom, Mammas, which airs on the Sundance Channel. Here's a link to see excerpts from the series. We travel to New Orleans for a chat with Ken Foster, founder of renowned pit bull rescue organization The Sula Foundation. Ken recently published a book about his affection for and commitment to the loyal, loving but often unappreciated breed, I’m A Good Dog.

Music: “Home” by Pat Metheny; “Your Mother Should Know” by The Beatles

A cat and its colon health is the primary concern of a Maryland woman, and Dr. Gary Weitzman enlists the input of author and veterinary critical care specialist Dr. Justine Lee in an attempt to offer the best advice. A San Diego man wants to know more about the possibility of chiropractic treatments for his Chihuahua. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Flik’s Machine" (from “A Bug’s Life” original soundtrack) by Randy Newman

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society encounters a woman seeking to diagnose the cause of bumps resembling "zits" on her cat’s chin. An elderly Dalmatian in Virginia has started pacing inexplicably and its caretaker is seeking advice. A Maryland woman wants to curb her Lhasa Apso’s curious appetite for stuffed animals and underwear. We also feature BirdNote, a weekly review of avian species.

For years, the Argentine Ant has been known as the most aggressive and widespread invasive ant species the U.S. But researchers at North Carolina State University have confirmed that the insect is challenged by a new and more ambitious rival for territory in urban areas, the Asian Needle Ant , a species that is harmful to people. Entomologist Eleanor Spicer Rice is primarily responsible for this stinging revelation and she shares her findings with us. Sam Litzinger also speaks with author Amy Stewart about her book Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon’s Army & Other Diabolical Insects”.

Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James; “Flik’s Machine” (from “A Bug’s Life” original soundtrack) by Randy Newman