USDA Delivers A Crucial Blow to Puppy Mills; Scientists Offer New Hope For An Endangered Species

Summary: Kevin Shea, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new administrator of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, made big news last week with the institution of rules that will restrict the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits via phone, email and Internet. Non-retail pet sales are a primary source of revenue for large-scale, commercial breeding operations known as puppy mills, which are often associated with animal mistreatment. We speak to Shea about the intent and implications of the new regulations. Amy Quinton of Capitol Public Radio in Sacramento, Calif., tells the story of inventive efforts to bring the white abalone back from the brink of extinction. The sea snail is rapidly disappearing from its native habitat in the coastal waters of Northern California. We find out why and what is being done to reverse the decline. Music: “Kari” by Bob James & Earl Klugh; “Turtle Island” by Mike Oldfield