Animals
The ethics of owning pets
Professor Kevin Stafford, an expert in animal behaviour and welfare from Massey University's Institute of Vet, Animal and Biomedical Sciences talks about the debate on the ethics of pet ownership… Audio
The dark side of tiger tourism
A study of Thailand's rapidly expanding 'tiger tourism' has found that its growth is fuelling the cruel treatment of tigers for the entertainment of visitors. Audio, Gallery
Epilepsy Assistance Dogs
Trained dogs are helping people with epilepsy through their seizures and could even be acting as an early warning system. Audio, Gallery
Wgtn councillors vote for cat microchip proposal
A Wellington City Council committee has voted in favour of compulsory microchipping for all cats over 12 weeks old after a fiery debate, amid threats of possible legal action.
Frog sounds
Kirsten Parris of The University of Melbourne is the author of Ecology of Urban Environments (Wiley). She loves frogs and is studying how the noises we humans make affect frog habitats, and even the… Audio
Joanna Tuckwell - Eradicating Rabies
Wellington lawyer Joanna Tuckwell spearheads a global programme (in the Asia Pacific Region) for World Animal Protection called Better Lives for Dogs. The programme, which aims to eradicate rabies… Audio
Are we smart enough to know how smart animals are?
Animal intelligence has been underestimated for centuries according to world renowned biologist Frans de Waal. He challenges our assumptions about what animals are capable and wonders if we are just… Audio
According to NZ law, animals have feelings
Last year a change in New Zealand law acknowledged that that animals are sentient. What does this mean for animal rights, welfare and farming practices? We talk to former vet and animal law expert Ian… Audio
Pug life – the cost of cute
Dogs bred to have short, wide heads, such as pugs and French and British bulldogs are prone to serious health complications including breathing difficulties, skin and eye conditions and digestive… Audio
The Serengeti Rules
Sean Carroll's a biologist and science writer and we talk to him about his new book 'The Serengeti Rules: The Quest to Discover How Life Works and Why it Matters' (Princeton University Press). Audio
Philip Armstrong: sheep
Kim Hill talks to the Head of the Department of English at the University of Canterbury, and co-director of New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies about his new book, Sheep. Audio
The end could be nigh for rodeos
A Parliamentary Select Committee is now considering animal welfare concerns after being presented with a 60,000 signature petition. Audio
Dressage downer
A type of equestrian noseband is causing animal welfare concerns in the lead-up to the Rio Olympics. An Australian study has highlighted the stress response of horses fitted with restrictive 'crank'… Audio
Shoeing horses
Jason Wood's a farrier (and ex-cowboy!) based in Manawatu. We join him on his daily rounds, ensuring the region's horses stay well shod. Audio, Gallery
Councillors hear submissions on animal control proposals
A Wellington woman who was attacked by a dog is one of nearly 800 people and groups weighing on the city council's proposed new animal control rules. Audio
Michel Faber: grief, creativity and faith
Kim Hill talks to Michel Faber, award-winning author of a range of writing, including the novels Under My Skin and The Book of Strange New Things, who is a guest at the Auckland Writers Festival. Audio
Charles Foster: being a beast
Kim Hill talks to veterinarian, lawyer and passionate naturalist Charles Foster, who took on the neuro-scientific and literary challenge of living like a fox, badger, otter, deer and swift to write… Audio
Dogs make you healthier
New research shows that people who own dogs recover more quickly from heart attacks than those without a canine companion. Audio
Dogs of Wellington
Wellington's dogs and their owners were out in force for The Big Dog Walk With Lots Of Dogs over the weekend. Daniela Maoate-Cox pawsed to catch up with canines and their humans. Audio, Gallery
Gov urged to do more to stop pit bull attacks
Animal control officers and local government leaders are urging the Government to step up and do more to stop the carnage pit bull type dogs are causing. Their calls follow a horrific attack by a pit… Audio
