Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: June 3, 2025 Title: Joe Casados From The AZ Humane Society Helps Us Understand The Need To Pass State Bill 1658 To Help Curb Animal Cruelty In AZ

Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg teams up with co-hosts Brady Bogen and Dick Toledo to shed light on a critical issue affecting animals across Arizona. The episode features a special guest, Joe Casados from the Arizona Humane Society, who delves into the necessity of passing State Bill 1658 aimed at curbing animal cruelty in the state.

The Urgent Need for State Bill 1658

The conversation kicks off with Brady Bogen expressing frustration over the current state of animal welfare laws in Arizona. He points out the challenges faced by the Humane Society, emphasizing the ambiguity in existing legislation that hampers effective intervention in cases of animal neglect.

Brady Bogen (02:55):
"Anybody who's trying to help, I'm for. You just threw out some numbers to us off the air about what the Humane Society is going through as far as breaking records."

Joe Casados further elaborates on the staggering number of pets in foster care, highlighting a record high of over 1,000 animals currently needing homes.

Nick Toledo (03:05):
"We have a thousand pets in foster. We were able to get a thousand people to agree to have a pet in their home care for them. That's amazing."

Clarifying and Strengthening Animal Welfare Laws

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around State Bill 1658, which seeks to redefine and clarify the existing standards of pet care. The bill aims to eliminate the subjectivity inherent in terms like "adequate" food and water by specifying concrete requirements.

Nick Toledo (04:54):
"It just needs to be clean water."

Brady Bogen (04:59):
"And something that's... not just on the ground."

By setting clear standards—such as ensuring water is drinkable and food is free from contamination like maggots—the bill aims to provide law enforcement and animal welfare officers with unambiguous criteria to assess and address cases of neglect.

Overcoming Legislative Hurdles

Despite bipartisan support for SB 1658, the bill faces roadblocks within the legislative process. Representative Montenegro, the Speaker of the House, has impeded the bill's progression by preventing it from being voted on, a move that has baffled supporters who see the bill as both necessary and non-controversial.

Nick Toledo (06:30):
"And all of a sudden it costs no tax money. All it is is about saving pets from dangerous situations when those happen."

The hosts express frustration over the lack of transparency regarding Montenegro's opposition. They urge listeners to take action by contacting the Speaker to advocate for the bill's passage.

Call to Action: Mobilizing Community Support

Recognizing the critical juncture at which SB 1658 stands, John Holmberg and Brady Bogen rally listeners to support the bill by reaching out to their legislative representative. They emphasize the simplicity and impact of such actions, encouraging immediate and widespread community engagement.

Brady Bogen (09:03):
"We're calling on the ghouls. We have to get this put up on our Facebook page, put it on our Instagram, put it on everything."

Nick Toledo (09:24):
"Please reach out. It takes 10, 15 seconds, and every voice matters."

The episode underscores the importance of collective effort in influencing legislative change, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable animals.

Addressing Opposition and Misconceptions

The discussion also touches upon the opposition from groups like AZ Farm and Ranch, questioning their stance against the bill. Nick Toledo clarifies that the bill exclusively targets companion animals, ensuring that livestock and agricultural practices remain unaffected.

Nick Toledo (07:44):
"The farm groups were all happy with that. They signed a neutral, except for this one group, one with a lobbyist named Patrick Bray."

This clarification aims to dispel myths and misconceptions that the bill seeks to impose undue restrictions on farming communities, thereby garnering broader support.

Personal Anecdotes and Host Perspectives

Throughout the episode, the hosts infuse personal anecdotes and light-hearted banter, making the discussion relatable and engaging. From humorous remarks about animal behavior to critiques of unrelated topics like Swedish cuisine, the hosts maintain a balance between humor and the gravity of the issue at hand.

Brady Bogen (12:52):
"Anybody who's trying to help, I'm for... And anybody out there who has maggots in their dog bowl, you got a lot more going on than you should."

Concluding Remarks and Final Push

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reiterate the urgency of supporting SB 1658. They stress that the bill is a crucial step towards ensuring that all companion animals receive the care and protection they deserve, free from the ambiguities of current laws.

Nick Toledo (15:00):
"Thank you guys so much. Thank you. Everyone that's listening, please reach out."

The episode ends with a heartfelt thanks to Joe Casados and the Arizona Humane Society for their unwavering commitment to animal welfare, leaving listeners both informed and motivated to take action.

Key Takeaways

• State Bill 1658 aims to clearly define the minimum standards for pet care in Arizona, addressing the shortcomings of existing laws.
• The bill enjoys bipartisan support but faces opposition from specific interest groups and legislative blockers like Representative Montenegro.
• Over 1,000 pets are currently in foster care, with numbers rising, underscoring the urgent need for effective legislative action.
• Community engagement is crucial; listeners are encouraged to contact their legislators to advocate for the bill's passage.
• The bill specifically targets companion animals, ensuring that agricultural practices remain unaffected.

Notable Quotes

• Brady Bogen (04:59):
  "And something that's... not just on the ground."

• Nick Toledo (07:44):
  "The farm groups were all happy with that. They signed a neutral, except for this one group, one with a lobbyist named Patrick Bray."

• Brady Bogen (09:06):
  "We're calling on the ghouls. We have to get this put up on our Facebook page, put it on our Instagram, put it on everything."

• Nick Toledo (15:00):
  "Thank you guys so much. Thank you. Everyone that's listening, please reach out."

This episode serves as a clarion call for Arizona residents to unite in support of clearer and more effective animal welfare legislation. By highlighting the real-world impact of SB 1658 and the barriers it faces, Holmberg's Morning Sickness not only educates its audience but also empowers them to become advocates for change.