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Given I share my home with a little rescue cat, Loki, this conversation is very close to my heart. My guest, is an undercover investigator who goes by “Pete Paxton.” Pete has investigated hundreds of puppy mills as well at numerous facilities that use and abuse animals for food.

The common denominator? Whether an animal is being bred to be eaten. Or bred to be sold as a pet. Or stolen to be used in medical research. In ALL these scenarios the individual animal is seen as a means for profit. A number.

Pete is adamant, there is no way to guarantee the pet you buy from a store or a breeder did not suffer and 100% by buying not adopting you are absolutely contributing to puppy mills. You are feeding the demand for these individuals to be bred for profit in the same way that eating animals fuels the demand for them to be bred for slaughter.

Although Pete has seen the worst of what we do to animals, impressively his attitude is one of much more grace and compassion that what I have already demonstrated in this introduction. I’m not sure how he does the work OR how his sustains the patient, generous attitude he embodies… however I’m grateful he does.

Fair warning friends, this conversation does get graphic. It is also very thoughtful. I believe it is vitally important to understand the truth behind how companion animals (like “livestock” animals) are used and abused for profit.

In this conversation we cover:

• Pete’s becoming vegan journey.
• What, of Pete’s earlier life experiences prepared him for the horrors he has witnessed as an undercover investigator.
• Pete tells us about his first puppy mill case.
• Pete’s experiences as an undercover investigator at facilities that breed puppies, on dairy farms and farms with egg laying chickens.
• Pete’s experience of the other workers. Did spending time with them lead him to feel more or less compassion for them?
• After an intensive period on an investigation how does Pete then reintegrate back into society?
• In relation to HOPE, Pete has seen the worst in people – does he still have hope? What needs to change first? Individual consumer choices? Business? Legislation?
• Pete’s book, Rescue Dogs.
• The benefits to getting dogs from a rescue. You know WHO you’re getting.

Thank you for still being here after those details. As I shared up top, knowing the details allows us to be better informed in sharing the details.

It is evident Pete reflects a lot on the work he does and the best, most effective way to bring about change.

To delve deeper so far as the organizations Pete works on behalf of and recommends I will have you all linked up in the show notes below.

Connect with Companion Animal Protection Society across the socials: Facebook | Instagram

Also via the website, Companion Animal Protection Society:

Pete also mentioned, The Humane Society United States

Plus, GREY2K USA

Plus, SEED (Strategies for Ethical and Environmental Development)

Purchase Pete’s book (perfect to gift to people who think there are “good breeders”) Rescue Dogs: Where They Come From, Why They Act the Way They Do, and How to Love Them Well:

Pete mentioned the HBO Documentary, Dealing Dogs:

That’s it for this week in Healthification.

However, have you checked out my Plant Positive Journal yet? 

I am so very proud of this stunning journal. There is now also a fillable PDF version available for immediate download so wherever you are in the world you can still get Plant Positive with me!

If you are plant-based curious. Or already vegan and need a healthier approach to the lifestyle.

In this daily journal you will learn how to consistently prioritise food, exercise and other healthy habits that build on each other to have a compounding and lasting effect.

To help you create a BODY and LIFE you LOVE by successfully managing your TIME and your MIND.

It makes a great gift to YOU!

Or, for the loved one who is plant-based curious or who has been a valuable vegan ally to you.

You can check out the printed version HERE: 

Plus, the fillable PDF HERE: 

Importantly, the journal follows a twelve month format however is not dated so it is perfect to use at ANY time of the year.

With love and gratitude plant friends.

If you liked “Undercover Investigator Reveals The Truth Behind How Companion Animals Are Used and Abused For Profit.” you’ll also like Documenting the Horrific Reality of Animal Agribusiness with Undercover Investigator Erin Wing.

If you liked “Undercover Investigator Reveals The Truth Behind How Companion Animals Are Used and Abused For Profit.” you’ll also like Alexandra Paul, Accused To Acquittal, An Animal Rights Activists Learnings After The Fosters Farms Rescue and Trial.

If you liked “Undercover Investigator Reveals The Truth Behind How Companion Animals Are Used and Abused For Profit.” you’ll also like Photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur Brings Visibility To Hidden Animals Worldwide.

If you liked “Undercover Investigator Reveals The Truth Behind How Companion Animals Are Used and Abused For Profit.” you’ll also like Meat The Victims with Animal Activist Leah Doellinger.

If you liked “Undercover Investigator Reveals The Truth Behind How Companion Animals Are Used and Abused For Profit.” you’ll also like Hogwood: A Modern Horror Story with Viva!’s Juliet Gellatley.

If you liked “Undercover Investigator Reveals The Truth Behind How Companion Animals Are Used and Abused For Profit.” you’ll also like The Dog Who Ate The Vegetable Garden and Helped Save The Planet with Meg Hurley.