In this episode of “Coast to Coast AM,” Art Bell starts by greeting listeners from a variety of locations, under a full moon. He introduces an unusual story about two women from Higginsville, Missouri, who find a dead cat in a parking space at an Olive Garden. One of the women, a cat lover, puts the cat in a shopping bag and places it on the trunk of their car before going into the restaurant. While they watch from inside, a well-dressed woman steals the bag, not knowing its contents, and faints upon discovering the cat, leading to a comical yet dark series of events involving an ambulance.
Art uses this story to segue into a discussion about the significance of pets in people’s lives, mentioning his own cats and a caller’s disturbing claim that pet food in America might contain rendered pets. He expresses his initial skepticism but warns listeners that the following segment may be distressing. Art introduces Ann Martin, the author of “Food Pets Die For,” who confirms the horrifying reality that euthanized pets are rendered into pet food. Ann details her investigation, tracing the path of euthanized pets from animal clinics to rendering plants. The process includes cooking various types of garbage and dead animals into a substance known as “meat meal,” which is then used in pet food.
Ann Martin continues discussing the disturbing practice of using euthanized pets in rendering processes for pet food and livestock feed. Art expresses his horror at the idea, comparing it to the situation in England with mad cow disease. Ann explains that the drugs used to euthanize pets, such as sodium pentobarbital, survive the rendering process and end up in pet food. Despite strict regulations, even places like California can’t avoid this issue.
Ann describes how the rendering process includes everything from the animals: fur, tags, flea collars, and plastic bags. This means all parts of the euthanized animals, including any associated contaminants, end up in the final product. The lack of awareness and transparency about this practice is shocking, even to veterinarians.
Art emphasizes that pet food manufacturers often do not know what is in the protein sources they receive from rendering plants. Ann confirms this, adding that manufacturers request that companion animals not be included, but there is no way to guarantee compliance. The conversation highlights the troubling extent of this practice worldwide, with Ann expressing her physical and emotional distress upon learning the truth.
Ann admits that while there is no concrete evidence of serious health effects from these practices, the presence of drugs like sodium pentobarbital in pet food is esthetically repulsive. The lack of studies by the pet food industry or veterinary colleges means the true impact remains unknown.
Ann emphasizes the importance of informing people about what happens to their pets after euthanasia. She reveals that many people, including veterinarians, assume pets are cremated, but in reality, they are often sent to rendering plants unless a pet owner specifically requests and pays for cremation.
Ann explains that rendering plants process pets with their fur, tags, flea collars, and even the plastic bags they arrive in. This means all these materials, along with the drugs used for euthanasia, end up in the final product. Art expresses his disbelief, particularly given the assumption that California, with its strict regulations, would avoid such practices. Ann recounts her futile attempts to get clear answers from officials about the inclusion of rendered pets in pet food.
Art asks about the rendering process, and Ann describes how animals are ground up, cooked, and separated into grease and meat meal. This process includes not just pets but also livestock, roadkill, zoo animals, and more. Ann’s revelations highlight the shocking reality of what happens to euthanized pets and the lack of transparency in the industry. Art warns listeners again about the distressing nature of the topic.
Art Bell continues his conversation with Ann Martin, reading a fax from a listener in England who claims that dead dogs and cats intended for cremation are instead shipped to rendering plants for use in cosmetics. Ann notes that while this might happen in England, rendering for human consumption in the US and Canada involves inspected materials. The conversation then shifts to the distressing reality of poor people eating pet food due to economic hardship, a phenomenon more common in the US.
Ann explains her motivation for writing her book, driven by the shock and need to inform people about the disturbing contents of commercial pet food. She recounts how older generations fed pets human food, leading to healthier and longer-lived animals. Art shares a personal story about his cat dying from feline leukemia and suspects it might have been rendered, which Ann confirms could be possible.
Ann reveals that many veterinarians were unaware of these practices and, upon learning, canceled contracts with companies involved in rendering pets. This has led to the use of humane societies for incineration instead. She acknowledges the financial implications, noting the billions of dollars involved in the rendering industry. Despite the challenges, Ann insists on the importance of exposing the truth, supported by government correspondence and her research. She describes the secrecy surrounding rendering plants, which operate behind high fences and under cover of night.
Ann Martin discusses the support she has received from others aware of the rendering practices. Despite some threatening letters, she continues her work because people deserve to know the truth. Art Bell notes the lack of mainstream coverage on this issue, mentioning only a Baltimore newspaper that once featured photos of the rendering process to emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering pets.
Ann believes this practice has been ongoing as long as the pet food industry has existed, driven by the cheap protein source that euthanized pets provide. She highlights the horrifying parallel with mad cow disease, where cows fed on cow remains led to a brain disease in humans. Similarly, the rendering of pets could lead to unknown health risks for pets and possibly humans. Ann mentions over 100 cats in England that have died from a form of mad cow disease, a worrying sign of the potential consequences.
Art shares a story about a microorganism that, when activated by pollutants, kills fish and is dangerous to humans. He draws a parallel to the rendering practices, suggesting that such unethical actions may have dire consequences. Ann confirms that cases of a similar disease affecting dogs have been reported in Norway, indicating a broader issue. The conversation concludes with Art expressing concern for Ann’s safety, given the powerful interests she is challenging.
Art Bell continues his conversation with Ann Martin, preparing to take calls from the audience. He briefly recaps the horrifying revelation that euthanized pets, along with roadkill and other dead animals, are rendered into pet food and livestock feed. Art reads from an article on the mad cow disease website, which warns about the potential for recycling diseases if infected animals are rendered indiscriminately. Ann confirms that she would not feed any commercial pet food to her pets, as she doesn’t trust any of the products she has encountered.
Art emphasizes the need for media attention on this issue and provides Ann’s email for reporters who wish to contact her. The first caller, Ruel from Sacramento, California, claims to have 15 years of experience in the meat and rendering industry. While agreeing with Ann’s general points, he asserts that her account is somewhat sensationalized. He states that rendering plants remove metal objects and skin the animals before rendering. Ruel explains that practices vary depending on whether the product is intended for human consumption, which is processed within slaughterhouses under USDA inspection.
Art Bell continues discussing the rendering process with Ann Martin and callers. A caller with experience in the meat and rendering industry explains that the rendering process involves heating the animals at high temperatures for several hours, which kills bacteria. He claims that metal tags are removed and animals are skinned before rendering, a point Ann refutes based on her research and experiences. The caller suggests that high temperatures should prevent disease transmission, but Art counters with concerns about prions, the infectious agents in mad cow disease, which can withstand extreme heat.
Art shares his personal experience of taking his cat to be euthanized, assuming it would be incinerated, only to learn that this is not usually the case due to the high cost of incineration. Another caller, who used to work with an animal shelter, supports Ann’s claim that animals are rendered with their fur and tags. This caller describes the horrifying experience of seeing dead pets loaded into barrels for rendering.
Ann emphasizes the shock and emotional distress people feel when they learn the truth about what happens to euthanized pets. Art reads a fax from a listener in Vancouver, who witnessed a meat packer unloading a dog carcass, highlighting the disturbing reality of the rendering industry. Ann confirms hearing similar stories, reinforcing the gravity of the issue. Another fax supports Ann’s exposure of the industry, expressing gratitude for the information despite its horrifying nature.
Art Bell continues his conversation with Ann Martin, discussing the disturbing realities of the rendering industry with callers and listeners. A caller from Oregon references a book published in 1982, “Doctor Pete Carnes Guide to Natural Health for Cats and Dogs,” which contains similar information about pet food ingredients. The caller shares personal experiences of pet health declining after switching to commercial pet food.
Art reads a contrasting opinion from a listener who acknowledges the grotesque nature of rendering but views it as a necessary process to handle animal waste. Ann suggests that pet food companies should invest in incinerators to properly dispose of euthanized animals instead of rendering them.
Another caller, a former rendering plant worker from New York, confirms much of what Ann says. He describes the process of rendering animals for non-human consumption, including cosmetic products. The caller explains that while cattle are processed without fur, smaller animals like cats and dogs go through the process with their fur. He notes that the pet food companies eventually stopped accepting products rendered from pets, leading to changes in some rendering practices.
Art emphasizes the shocking nature of these revelations and urges members of the press to investigate further. He reiterates the global scope of the issue, highlighting the ethical concerns of feeding pets to pets, which he equates to cannibalism.
Art Bell and Ann Martin continue discussing the disturbing realities of commercial pet food. Ann reiterates that she does not recommend any commercial pet food because labels reading “meat and bone meal” can include dogs and cats. This revelation shocks many listeners, including one who contacted their local animal shelter and learned that euthanized animals are picked up by rendering trucks.
Ann explains that she feeds her cats a diet of two-thirds meat (chicken, beef, but not pork) and one-third whole grains and raw vegetables. Another caller from the San Joaquin Valley expresses deep gratitude to Ann for exposing this issue, drawing a parallel to the dystopian film “Soylent Green” and questioning how far society is from such a reality. He highlights the deceptive nature of pet food labeling and questions the laws and possible actions to stop this practice.
Melissa from California asks about feeding dogs. Ann suggests a diet of one-third meat, one-third whole grains, and one-third vegetables or fruits, all fit for human consumption. Kathy from Duluth, Minnesota, a veterinary clinic worker, is concerned about the implications for her clinic. She inquires about verifying the cremation service used by her clinic and whether it truly incinerates the animals. Ann advises following the truck to ensure transparency.
Kathy also questions the fate of euthanasia agents and antibiotics in rendered animals. Ann confirms that substances like sodium pentobarbital are not removed during rendering. Kathy asks if even “natural” pet food brands can be trusted, but Ann emphasizes that many pet food producers may not know the true contents of their products, making it difficult to guarantee their safety.
Ann reiterates that there are no testing methods to ascertain the exact source of proteins in pet food other than expensive DNA testing. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to determine what is really in pet food.
A caller from Oregon mentions zoos and the raw meat fed to large cats, suggesting that zoos should also be aware of these issues. Ann recounts incidents where barbiturates were found in meat, which could have come from rendered animals. Another caller from Jamestown, New York, asks if any human food products use rendered animals. Ann hopes none, but mentions that livestock and cattle feed regulations could lead to cows being fed other cows.
Art raises the issue of labeling, questioning if legislation could force pet food companies to list specific ingredients. Ann doubts this will happen due to the powerful pet food industry’s influence. She contacted representatives from 27 US states, none of which prohibit the use of rendered companion animals in pet food.
Charlotte from Seattle, who has a guide dog, asks about the fate of retired guide dogs. Ann suspects they end up the same as other pets, confirming the grim reality. Sherry from Monterey is concerned about her cats, especially one with urinary issues. Ann advises using a homemade diet and recommends Dr. Pitcairn’s book for guidance on proper nutrition.
Art and Ann emphasize the lack of transparency and regulation in the pet food industry, urging listeners to be cautious and consider homemade diets for their pets.
Ann Martin explains the lack of research in the area of pet food safety, noting that vet colleges are heavily funded by the pet food industry and are unlikely to conduct studies that could harm the industry. She clarifies that the price of pet food does not correlate with its quality, as expensive brands can still contain rendered animals.
Ann’s book, “Food Pets Die For,” is set to be published by NewSage Press in Portland, Oregon, and will be available in the US and Canada. She mentions that Dr. Michael Fox, Vice President of the Humane Society of the US, wrote the foreword to her book. Art expresses his desire to have Ann back on the show when the book is released in September.
Ann provides her email address for further inquiries, particularly from the press. Art praises Ann for her bravery in exposing these issues and encourages listeners to consider the ethical implications of what they’ve learned.
Art discusses his personal stance on the abortion bill, emphasizing that while he finds the procedure horrifying, he supports its use if it means saving the life of the mother. He shares a hypothetical scenario where he would choose to save his wife’s life over continuing with a birth that would endanger her.
The conversation shifts to the case of First Lieutenant Kelly Flynn, whose court-martial has been delayed. Art outlines the evolving narrative, initially sympathizing with Flynn but noting the complexities that have emerged, including allegations of lying and fraternization, which complicate the case.
He then touches on various news topics, including the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations to prevent explosions in airline fuel tanks and sportscaster Marv Albert’s indictment on charges of forcible sodomy and assault.
Art reads a report about a strange light observed over Albuquerque, describing it as a bright, diamond-shaped object moving very slowly in the sky.
Art Bell discusses upcoming guests and topics for future shows, including an investigation into UFO sightings in Phoenix by Councilwoman Frances Emma Barwood, who will appear on the program. He praises her courage for addressing such controversial issues. Following that, Terence McKenna will discuss his theory of “Timewave Zero,” which involves the concept of tachyon radiation and its relation to impending colossal events.
On Friday night, Art will host Victor, who allegedly took a photograph of an alien interrogation at Area 51. This photo is exclusively on Art’s website. Victor will be interviewed using a voice-changing device, followed by Sean David Morton and possibly Whitley Strieber, who has seen the entire videotape of the interrogation.
After covering these topics, Art opens the lines for listeners. Tina from Kentucky calls in, expressing her distress over the pet food revelations. She asks for advice on safe foods for her cat, to which Art reiterates Ann Martin’s recommendation of feeding pets human-grade food, like turkey and chicken.
Art emphasizes the importance of the information shared during the program and encourages listeners to get a copy of the two-hour segment to share with others. He underscores the potential impact of exposing the dark side of the pet food industry and the need for public awareness.
As the program transitions to open lines, Art reflects on the difficult decision to air the controversial topic, recognizing its significance despite potential backlash from the powerful pet food industry. He encourages listeners to spread the word and educate others about the disturbing practices uncovered.
Art Bell resumes discussing the recent interview with Ann Martin, emphasizing the importance of obtaining the two-hour recording and visiting the website for more information. He reads an email from Regina in Seattle, who eloquently articulates the instinctual wrongness of feeding pets to pets, likening it to a potential slippery slope towards justifying cannibalism.
A caller from Northern California, Tootie, recalls being the first to bring up the pet food rendering issue on the show and mentions a talk by John Lyman, suggesting that Leonard Horowitz might also be an insightful guest on the topic. Tootie highlights that while cats are carnivorous, they are not cannibalistic, reinforcing the unnatural and unethical nature of current rendering practices.
Carl from Fort Collins shares his personal experience of burying pets, emphasizing the deep emotional connection and the natural approach to handling deceased animals. He is surprised at the widespread shock over the rendering process, while Art passionately reaffirms his significant problem with it, especially considering the risks of disease transmission, drawing parallels to the mad cow disease crisis in Britain.
One caller mentions David Adair, a rocket scientist who allegedly built a fusion rocket at 17 and testified before Congress about UFOs but was not allowed to speak to the press. Art expresses skepticism but invites David Adair to contact him.
Another caller asks about the impact of partial-birth abortion on the mother’s life. Art reiterates his stance that if his wife’s life were in danger, he would choose to save her, even if it meant terminating the pregnancy. He questions why lawmakers can’t draft a reasonable law that allows for such procedures only when the mother’s life is at risk.
Billy from Birmingham calls in to clarify that changes were made to the abortion bill to protect doctors in cases where the mother’s life is in jeopardy. He states that the American Medical Association (AMA) now supports the bill due to these changes. Art acknowledges this but remains critical of the overall legislative process, emphasizing the need for clear and reasonable laws.
One caller from Medford, Oregon, mentions a special on Area 51 aired on TLC, which included footage supposedly taken inside the facility and showed an underground elevator. Art expresses skepticism about the authenticity of such footage but expresses interest in viewing it.
Another caller, Alex from Santa Ana, asks about the new show hours starting next month. Art explains that most stations will follow the earlier schedule, but for those that don’t, the break point will be 3 AM Pacific Time, with the show replaying from that point.
Art also addresses the heavy content of the night’s show, particularly the disturbing details about the pet food industry. A caller from Birmingham expresses disbelief at the horrors revealed but commends Art for his courage in airing the topic. Art reiterates his stance against cannibalism in any form, emphasizing the instinctual wrongness of such practices.
Art Bell continues addressing the controversial topic of partial-birth abortion. He reads a letter discussing the specifics of the Santorum bill and Clinton’s stance, emphasizing the need to protect the health and life of the mother. Art criticizes Washington lawmakers for failing to reach a reasonable compromise on this issue. He shares his hypothetical scenario, reaffirming his stance that if his wife’s life were at risk, he would do anything necessary to save her, even if it meant violating the law.
Art expresses frustration with politicians for not finding a balanced solution that protects both the mother’s and the child’s lives in rare, critical cases. He calls for a reasonable, nuanced approach to legislation rather than extreme positions.
A caller from Washington, D.C., discusses the terms of the abortion debate and shifts to the topic of cats and birds, sharing a personal story about a cat he once owned. Art acknowledges the natural behavior of cats preying on birds but reiterates that the discussion about pet food rendering is about preventing cannibalism, which is fundamentally wrong and can lead to diseases like mad cow disease.
Art Bell continues the discussion on pet food rendering, emphasizing the potential for catastrophic consequences if the unethical practice continues. He urges listeners to obtain the two-hour segment with Ann Martin for detailed information on the topic, as it’s unlikely to be discussed elsewhere.
A caller from East of the Rockies expresses disbelief at the rendering process, sharing personal experiences and agreeing with Art’s stance on the issue. Another caller from Willows, California, thanks Art for addressing the topic and highlights the importance of media in shaping public opinion. The caller mentions hearing about related issues on other platforms but notes the lack of national discussion until now.
Art underscores the instinctual wrongness of cannibalism, which is at the core of the rendering controversy. He draws parallels to mad cow disease, pointing out the dangers of such practices. Art dismisses discussions about natural predatory behavior among species, emphasizing that the issue here is the deliberate feeding of rendered pets to other pets, which is fundamentally different and ethically wrong.
A caller from Austin describes the awful odor of a nearby pet food plant, which blends with the smell of an oil refinery. Art notes that animals instinctively avoid such places due to the smell of death.
Another caller shares an experience with a Whole Foods store, where an employee was aware of “pet-free pet food.” Art expresses hope that more people will become aware of this issue and that public pressure will eventually lead to change.
Dave from Phoenix suggests that organizations like PETA and the Committee for Science in the Public Interest should get involved in addressing the rendering issue. Art agrees, emphasizing the ethical implications of feeding pets parts of other pets, which is fundamentally different from one species preying on another.
Art and the callers discuss the concept of cannibalism in pet food, agreeing that it is inherently wrong and poses significant health risks. Art reiterates the need for public awareness and legislative action to address this unethical practice.
Another caller shares a personal story about an emergency C-section, highlighting the complexities of medical decisions. Art empathizes, underscoring the importance of having a loved one make such critical choices rather than the government. The caller expresses frustration about not being informed earlier about the rendering practices, feeling betrayed and questioning what other information might be hidden from the public.
A caller from Klamath Falls asks about the upcoming time change for the show, which Art confirms will start at 10 PM Pacific Time starting June 16th.
Another caller from Colorado presents a scenario where a doctor informs a husband that continuing a pregnancy poses a 40% risk to the mother’s life. Art emphasizes that such decisions should involve both parents if possible, and criticizes legislators for trying to define such complex medical situations. He argues that doctors should inform parents of risks and let them decide.
Art highlights the difficulty of creating absolute laws for such nuanced and urgent medical decisions, stressing the need for reasonable guidelines that people can agree on. He believes that while it is challenging, reasonable people can come up with acceptable guidelines.
A caller from Nashville, Tennessee, discusses the ethical implications of cannibalism in pet food, building on Regina’s earlier fax. Art and the caller agree on the instinctual repulsion against cannibalism, noting that it is rooted in the fear of becoming victims of such practices. Art emphasizes that this repulsion extends beyond immediate threats, pointing to the broader ethical concerns.
Art Bell continues his conversation with callers about the ethical and instinctual repulsion towards cannibalism, comparing it to societal taboos like incest. He emphasizes that while some analogies may be loose, the inherent understanding of what is wrong—like incest leading to deformities or feeding cows to cows resulting in mad cow disease—supports the argument against cannibalism in pet food. Art asserts that these instincts are verified by natural repercussions.
A caller tries to draw a distinction between cannibalism and the consequences of incest, but Art maintains that both are understood instinctually as wrong. He stresses that society’s tendency to mask these instincts is problematic. He then plugs his book, “The Quickening,” which is available for purchase.
Another caller questions the medical scenarios related to partial-birth abortion, suggesting alternatives like C-sections. Art explains that each medical situation is unique, and sometimes even a C-section may not be viable. He emphasizes the complexity of medical decisions and the lack of straightforward solutions.
A first-time caller discusses the practicalities of pet burial, noting that many people now live in urban areas without access to land for pet cemeteries. Art agrees, noting that most people trust their vets to handle their pets’ remains ethically, not realizing they might be rendered into pet food.
A caller from Seminole, Florida, mentions that they missed the first few hours of the show and discusses the coverage of mad cow disease by major media outlets. Art clarifies that while mad cow disease has been covered, the specific issue of rendering pets into pet food has not been discussed on a national level.
The caller also brings up recombinant bovine growth hormone (BGH) and its associated health risks, including increased cancer rates in cows. They mention that the Pure Food Campaign has a list of companies that do not use dairy products from cows treated with BGH. Art appreciates the information and reaffirms the importance of following instincts about what is right and wrong, especially when economic interests are at play.
Another caller from Pocatello offers a homemade dog food recipe using cracked wheat and water, and discusses the ongoing case of an Air Force officer facing court-martial for fraternization. Art acknowledges that fraternization rules were often bent in the past but notes that more details are emerging about the officer’s case, complicating the situation.
Art Bell wraps up the show by bidding goodnight to his audience from the high desert, signing off and promising to return with more discussions the next day.