Better Life for Animals 015: Giving Animals Agency, A New Model for Sanctuary Ethics with Marc Bekoff
Why are 95 percent of dogs used in U.S. biomedical research purpose-bred beagles? And what does this reveal about our relationship with animals?
In this compelling episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss sits down with renowned ethologist Marc Bekoff, PhD—author, activist, and longtime collaborator with Jane Goodall—to explore how society must shift from outdated ideas of animal welfare to a model rooted in well-being, agency, and compassion.
Dr. Bekoff shares powerful insights on:
-
Why “welfare” often justifies suffering—and what true well-being requires
-
How sanctuaries can restore dignity through freedom and choice
-
The role of dogs as a gateway to expanding empathy for all species
-
The unseen emotional toll of wildlife reintroduction programs
-
Why language matters when advocating for animals
-
The future of compassionate conservation, where every individual counts
From redefining how we view captivity—even in our homes—to inspiring the next generation of changemakers, this conversation offers a hopeful, urgent call to action.
Tune in and discover how a shift in mindset can lead to a better life for all animals—and ourselves.