Because They Need Us
My Political Fight to Save Animals
by Judie Mancusco
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Pub Date 3 Dec 2024 | Archive Date 2 Dec 2024
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Description
Judie Mancuso worked for decades in animal rescue before Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. Volunteering in New Orleans, tending to all the dogs and cats left to fend for themselves, she couldn’t stop thinking about her home state of California. Shelters were already euthanizing half a million animals every year due to overcrowding. How many would die if a natural disaster struck?
Judie returned home and founded Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), a nonprofit focused specifically on passing laws to save animals.
In Because They Need Us, Judie recounts how she learned to go up against weak-willed politicians, rich corporations, and special interests to protect domestic animals and wildlife. Her group’s landmark successes include California’s first-in-the-nation ban on sales of mill-bred animals in pet stores, and laws prohibiting sales of animal-tested cosmetics and products made from the skins of various reptiles, hippos, and other species.
This deep dive into the workings of political power is a must-read for animal lovers, policy advocates, and anyone who needs proof that commitment and compassion can win the day.
Advance Praise
“Because They Need Us is not a collection of anecdotes about someone’s past accomplishments as much as it is a road map. It’s an ethical road map, a life road, a road map for success! Like all of Judie’s efforts, it’s replete with passion, moral conviction, and a sense of purpose.” — ANTHONY RENDON, speaker emeritus of the California Assembly
“Because They Need Us is a powerful account of how things get done in government when armed with boundless energy, moral conviction, and perseverance—even when facing mountainous, well-funded opposition. It’s no surprise that morally flexible legislators and unscrupulous lobbyists are on edge when Judie walks into a room. They know her moral conviction on behalf of our beloved animals runs far deeper than the surface nature of transactional politics.” —ASH KALRA, California State Assembly member and compassionate vegan
“Judie Mancuso is a Joan of Arc for animals, a force that, as you will read, could not be bought for a million dollars. Why are pet shops banned from selling puppy mill pups? Judie is the reason. Woe to any special interest groups that think they can outspend and outsmart Judie. Almost anything to do with animal protection in the state of California is because of her and her devoted team of vigorous animal defenders. Because They Need Us is eye-opening and jaw-dropping, revealing the lobbyists’ games as well as the commitment and determination it takes to defeat them.” — INGRID NEWKIRK, bestselling author and founder and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
“Because They Need Us is a brilliantly written blow-by-blow account of the grit and political smarts it takes to defeat huge corporate forces in the name of decency and compassion. This book could be a textbook for anyone who aims to change the world, as Judie Mancuso has masterfully done.” — DR. NEAL D. BARNARD, author, psychiatrist, and founding president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Marketing Plan
As part of the marketing for Because They Need Us, we are pursuing national and genre-focused media along with bookstore representation and speaking opportunities.
As part of the marketing for Because They Need Us, we are pursuing national and genre-focused media along with bookstore representation and speaking opportunities.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798891383456 |
| PRICE | US$25.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 280 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Maggie J, Bookseller
How do some people have so much energy? This is a fast moving book about the authors' commitment to saving animals and to making their lives better. It tells of the constant battle between those who care about these animals and those who want to want to profit in any way they can from them. It is filled with stories that the author, along with some celebrities, helped pass legislation to protect so many different animals from so many different life-threatening situations. It also tells of those battles that have yet to be won and those animals yet to be saved. This is a whirlwind. I thank NetGalley and Amplify publishing for the advance read.
Cara A, Reviewer
I learned so much in this book, not just about the process of advocating for new laws that protect animals but the passion, dedication, and connections required to do it successfully. I often found myself thinking, 'Thank God for these people' as I read. It's a long game, for sure, and one the average animal-lover likely wouldn't have the patience or tough skin needed to take it on. So, thank you, Judie Mancusco and all the heroes you write about for speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. Because They Need Us is an education for sure, but also a well-written book that anyone serious about making this country a better place for animals needs to read.
Thanks to Net Galley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and offer my honest review.
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