December 31, 2025

Happy New Year!

Because They Need Us

Episode Three, Part One

Co-hosted by Simone Reyes, SCIL Board Member, with special guest Wayne Pacelle

We are moments away from 2026, and yes, we are still working for the animals. It is hard to take a break when there is so much left to do. Tomorrow, we will pause and hope you can, too.

Welcome to Episode Three, Part One of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL).

Hosted by Judie Mancuso, Founder, CEO, and President of SCIL, with co-host and SCIL Board Member Simone Reyes, and special guest Wayne Pacelle, President of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, and founder of Animal Wellness Action PAC.

The first part of this multi-part episode with Wayne Pacelle focuses on federal legislation—H.R. 1661/S. 775, the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act—which seeks to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption both within the United States and abroad, specifically targeting live exports of horses to Canada and Mexico. This legislation is a response to the alarming findings of a national investigation conducted by the Center for a Humane Economy, which shed light on the inhumane practices associated with the horse slaughter industry.

This slightly under 15-minute episode provides timely and informative insight into current federal policy and explains how passage of the SAFE Act would change outcomes for horses nationwide. A fact sheet on the issue is available, and you can click the image below to view the bill as well.

Why Your End-of-Year Donation Matters

Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL) turns compassion into law. We have sponsored 30 landmark animal protection laws in California—more than any other organization of our kind—serving as a steadfast voice for the voiceless in the Capitol.

Our work stops cruelty before it happens, from banning fur trapping and wild-animal circuses to ensuring pets are not left behind in disasters through the FOUND Act (AB 478). We rescue animals through policy, demand transparency in animal shelters, and defend both wildlife and companion animals across the state. We also protect families, holding abusers accountable when they threaten pets, and champion humane choices in schools, shelters, and public institutions, including expanding plant-based food options and humane education. Every policy we advance is grounded in data, transparency, science, and expert collaboration.

SCIL changes hearts and votes, by mobilizing the public, standing up to powerful special interests, and partnering with allies to deliver real results. Our work at the state level often becomes a national and international model, inspiring the next generation of advocates while responding swiftly in times of crisis, from wildfires to floods. We act locally and think globally, bridging compassion and science to build durable, ethical policy. As a lean and effective nonprofit, we ensure that every dollar goes directly toward action and impact. And we are just getting started: with continued support, 2026 will bring even more lifesaving victories for animals.

As we close out our 18th year of protecting and saving animals, we are deeply grateful for your continued support. Your help makes the progress outlined above possible and ensures that animals have a strong, effective voice where it matters most. As we look ahead to 2026, we hope you will consider a year-end gift to help us build on this momentum and achieve even more lifesaving victories for animals.

With deepest gratitude,

Judie & the SCIL Team

Judie Mancuso, founder/CEO/president

Social Compassion, 501(c)(3)

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

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