Apr 27, 2023
Susan Hargreaves has been deeply passionate about animals since childhood. Her journey as an activist began when she visited a chicken hatchery with her aunt, only to witness the cruel separation of male chicks who were to be gassed and suffocated and females who were to be raised in cramped quarters to end up as a meal. This experience changed her life forever.
As a young girl, Susan organized walkouts to raise awareness about seal killing and conducted undercover investigations of slaughterhouses and stockyards. She has been actively involved in direct actions against circuses and rodeos, where she had been arrested and banned from the Toronto Sky Dome for life.
Susan explains the cruelty behind rodeos, including the use of electric prods and flank straps, and shares how she and her team successfully shut down a rodeo in Canada.
Inspired by her passion for animal welfare, Susan founded Animal Hero Kids, a nonprofit organization that promotes kindness to all species and recognizes bravery and compassion in youth.
She has educated elementary, middle, and high school students about animal welfare and the changing attitudes towards vegetarianism and veganism in schools.
When visiting schools, Susan emphasizes the message of kindness to all species and engages kids with her costume characters, such as Ronnie the Cow.
Her work with Animal Hero Kids has led to an annual award ceremony and a youth summit aimed at spreading the message of kindness to animals to a mainstream audience. She also collaborates with horse and cat rescue organizations and has authored several books including Animal Heroes, which recognizes female animal heroes.
Susan also shares her experience hosting the Los Angeles Animal Hero Awards, where they recognized the superintendent of the LAUSD school district for creating Meatless Mondays.
Throughout the episode, Susan Hargreaves' unwavering passion for animal welfare shines through, and she provides valuable insights into educating young people about kindness to all species.
HealthScience.org/Podcast/025-Susan-Hargreaves