December 19, 2025

Because They Need Us: Global Wins for Animals & New Laws Protecting Pets


Our Political Fight to Save Animals with Judie Mancuso & Nickolaus Sackett of Social Compassion in Legislation

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL). This podcast is a natural extension of Judie Mancuso’s memoir of the same name, expanding on the themes that define SCIL’s work—animal protection, legislative advocacy, and moral responsibility—through timely conversations about real-world policy, cultural shifts, and the ongoing political fight to protect animals through law.


Hosted by Judie Mancuso, Founder, CEO, and President of SCIL, and Nickolaus Sackett, Director of Legislative Affairs, this podcast covers global animal protection news, legislative victories, and the political work required to turn compassion into law.



In this episode, we discuss new animal protection policies in Europe, major cultural shifts away from fur, recent SCIL-sponsored laws passed in California, and how advocates can begin proposing animal protection legislation in their own states.


Today’s episode includes;

- Spain & France’s new protective animal policies 

- New York Fashion Week & Vogue saying “NO” to fur

- The law SCIL sponsored to end fur trapping in California

- Resources to propose animal laws in your state

- ABC coverage of new SCIL bills that passed this year, SB 221, which expands the criminal stalking law to include threats to a victim’s pet, and AB 478, which addresses the need for emergency preparedness for animals.

- L.A. Times uncovers corruption in State Fair system years after Cedar the Goat tragedy

- National Animal Rights Day


DONATE TODAY FOR

A CUSTOM PORTRAIT OF YOUR BELOVED ANIMAL!

You love your cute doggie or kitty or other wonderful animal that warms your home. We all do! Now you can have a quality, custom portrait of them when you donate to our 501(c)(3)!


We’re thrilled to share that our new team member, Julie Jordan, is an accomplished fine artist! We’re excited to offer her artistic talent as a special fundraising opportunity: custom animal portraits created just for you.


Choose from three canvas options:


  • Heart-shaped canvas (4" wide) — minimum donation: $250
  • 12" x 12" canvas — minimum donation: $500
  • 20" x 20" canvas — minimum donation: $1,500


How it works:


  1. Click the link to donate and choose the size and quantity you prefer.
  2. Email us a photo of your animal.
    

Your generosity supports our mission — and you’ll receive a beautiful keepsake in return.

21 Reasons to give!

1.   We turn compassion into law. SCIL has sponsored 30 landmark animal protection laws in California—more than any other organization of its kind.

2.   We’re the voice for the voiceless. Every animal deserves a champion in the Capitol.

3.   We stop cruelty before it happens. From banning fur trapping to prohibiting wild-animal circuses, we end systemic abuse at the source.

4.   We rescue animals through policy. Our FOUND Act (AB 478) ensures pets aren’t left behind in disasters.

5.   We fight to give students humane choices. From our work on dissection in schools to our support for humane education, we fight for the rights of compassionate students.

6.   We demand shelter transparency. Bills like AB 631 and AB 793 shine a light on shelter outcomes.

7.   We fight for wildlife. From bobcats to whales, we protect California’s most vulnerable species.

8.   We defend companion animals. SCIL laws have saved countless cats and dogs from suffering and euthanasia.

9.   We protect families. SB 221 ensures stalkers are held accountable when they threaten a victim’s pet.

10. We champion plant-based progress. From ensuring state hospitals and prisons offer vegan options to supporting state hearings and policy, we push for sustainable, compassionate food systems.

11. We lead with facts. Every bill is grounded in data, transparency, and expert collaboration.

12. We make legislators care. Our advocacy changes hearts—and votes—in Sacramento and beyond.

13. We act locally and think globally. SCIL policies often become national and international models.

14. We mobilize the public. Hundreds of thousands of citizens have joined our calls to action and made history for animals.

15. We bridge compassion and science. Our policies respect both ethics and evidence.

16. We inspire the next generation. SCIL gives young advocates tools to create lasting change.

17. We stand up to powerful lobbies. No special interests—just special compassion.

18. We partner for impact. Working with allies like PETAPCRMCenter for Biological Diversity, and many other organizations, we collaborate to get results.

19. We respond in crises. From wildfires to floods, we advocate for emergency animal rescue reform.

20. We make every dollar count. SCIL is a lean, effective nonprofit—your donation goes straight to action.

21. We’ve only just begun. With your help, 2026 will bring even more lifesaving victories.

As we close out our 18th year of saving and protecting animals, we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment. Together, we are achieving lasting, meaningful progress for the voiceless beings who need us most.


Thank you for being an indispensable part of our team. Please consider donating to help us accomplish even more for animals in 2026!


With tons of gratitude, Judie & Team

Judie Mancuso, founder/CEO/president

Social Compassion, 501(c)(3)

Social Compassion in Legislation, 501(c)(4)

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