{"podcast":{"title":"United We Spay","slug":"united-we-spay-6721497","podcast_index_feed_id":6721497,"rss_url":"https://feeds.libsyn.com/494283/rss","website_url":"https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/","image_url":"https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/a/7/9/5/a795a5dc01dbc474e5bbc093207a2619/Final_UWS.jpg","author":"United Spay Alliance","episode_count":33,"summary":"Welcome to United We Spay - the show dedicated to promoting affordable spay/neuter services across the USA and beyond. In each episode, we delve into the heart of a movement that's changing the lives of animals and communities for the better. Our mission is clear: build awareness, educate, and empower. In this podcast, we'll explore the inspiring stories and voices that drive the spay/neuter movement, all while keeping our eyes on the bigger picture. Hosted by Stacy LeBaron, our team at United Spay Alliance is here to make a difference by tackling the root causes of overpopulation, ensuring that every animal has the chance for a better life. Join us as we embark on a journey to address the problems and pain points faced by grassroots rescue and shelter workers, and the general public. We'll answer the three most common questions we receive, discuss the challenges of finding low-cost spay/neuter services, and explore strategies for recruiting more veterinarians to support these crucial efforts. What truly irks us is when the animal welfare space fixates on the symptoms of overpopulation, rather than focusing on prevention through spay/neuter. We believe it's time to change the conv…","last_synced_at":"2026-07-02T18:19:15.165816+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/united-we-spay-6721497"},"episode":{"title":"014: Policy and Progress: Expanding Spay/Neuter Access Through Legislative Advocacy with Loren Breen","slug":"014-policy-and-progress-expanding-spay-neuter-access-through-legislative-advocacy-with-loren-breen","published_at":"2025-01-02T09:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/united-we-spay-6721497/014-policy-and-progress-expanding-spay-neuter-access-through-legislative-advocacy-with-loren-breen","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/united-we-spay-6721497","url":"https://0759aabc-07b2-466f-8bc4-9f829c391c44.libsyn.com/014-policy-and-progress-expanding-spayneuter-access-through-legislative-advocacy-with-loren-breen","audio_url":"https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/0759aabc-07b2-466f-8bc4-9f829c391c44/UWS_Ep014_master.mp3?dest-id=4225473","summary":"On this episode of United We Spay, Loren Breen, the Director of Policy, Research, and Government Affairs at the Animal Policy Group, joins Stacy to unpack the significant rise in spay-neuter legislative activity—from a mere 100 bills in 2017 to over 2300 in recent years. We navigate the landscape of spay-neuter laws, exploring prohibitive bills and creative tax initiatives like California's tax designation for euthanasia prevention and Louisiana's innovative pet stamp program. Despite many bills facing obstacles, Loren shares strategic approaches to propel these initiatives forward, including the critical role of veterinarians and collaboration with state associations. Addressing the pressing veterinary staffing shortage, we examine legislative responses reshaping the roles of veterinary technicians and mid-level professionals. California's pioneering bill allowing registered veterinary technicians to conduct neuter surgeries under supervision might set a precedent nationwide, while telemedicine is gaining traction in states like Florida, potentially easing staffing woes. We also widen our gaze to global spay-neuter advocacy efforts, encouraging our listeners to engage with resources offered by the United Spay Alliance. Stay informed each month as we share meaningful conversations to advance animal welfare globally. In this episode, you will hear: A surge in spay-neuter legislation, from 100 bills in 2017 to over 2300 recently California's euthanasia prevention tax and Louisiana's pet stamp program Veterinary staffing shortage solutions, including expanded roles for vet techs and telemedicine innovations California's bill for RVTs to perform neuter surgeries under supervision Efforts by United Spay Alliance and resources for engagement Importance of collaboration and v…","meta_description":"On this episode of United We Spay, Loren Breen, the Director of Policy, Research, and Government Affairs at the Animal Policy Group, joins Stacy to unpack…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1478,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/united-we-spay-6721497/episodes/014-policy-and-progress-expanding-spay-neuter-access-through-legislative-advocacy-with-loren-breen/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/united-we-spay-6721497/014-policy-and-progress-expanding-spay-neuter-access-through-legislative-advocacy-with-loren-breen.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}