This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast.

In this powerful and enlightening episode, Stacey LeBaron sits down with attorney Joyce Glass, a passionate and pioneering voice in animal welfare law. From her start as a bankruptcy attorney to becoming a tireless advocate for animals, Joyce shares the deeply personal journey that led her to found a pro bono legal practice focused on protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. Her mission is clear: addressing animal cruelty not only helps animals but also creates safer, more compassionate communities.

Joyce walks us through her work drafting legislation, collaborating with law enforcement, and handling complex animal cruelty cases across New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina. Learn how laws like Desmond's Law in Connecticut and innovative partnerships such as the Fund for Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk Inc. are creating new models for justice. She explains why recognizing the link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence is crucial, and why community collaboration is key to long-term solutions.

Listeners will gain insight into the legal classification of animals, the challenges of prosecuting cruelty cases, and the evolving role of courtroom advocates. Whether you're a community cat caregiver or just passionate about animal welfare, this episode empowers you to take action and be the voice animals need.

Press Play Now For:

• How Joyce Glass transitioned from finance law to animal advocacy
• Why community-level collaboration matters more than state mandates
• An overview of Desmond's Law and its real-world impact
• What to do if you witness animal cruelty
• How trail cams and Ring doorbells are changing investigations
• The case for expanding protections to all animals, not just cats and dogs

Resources & Links:

• Desmond's Law (https://harvardlawreview.org/forum/vol-134/desmonds-law-early-impressions-of-connecticutrsquos-court-advocate-program-for-animal-cruelty-cases/)
• Desmond's Army (https://www.desmondsarmy.org/)
• Fund for Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk Inc. (https://factssaves.org/)
• Find Joyce on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-glass-7708b1158/)

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies645)
• Underfoot Podcast (https://communitycatcentral.com/underfoot-podcast)

Follow & Review

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast.

As 2025 draws to a close, host Stacy LeBaron takes the mic solo to share heartfelt reflections, bold vision, and a rallying cry for cat advocates everywhere. In this special year-end episode, Stacy unveils Community Cats Central, a transformative evolution of the Community Cats Podcast, designed to deepen education, networking, and support for cat lovers turning their passion into action.

This isn't just a look back—it's a forward march. Stacy encourages each listener to embrace their leadership potential, set attainable goals for 2026, and build stronger bonds within their communities. With stories like the Newburyport case study and a touching tribute to her late friend Betty Bro, this episode bridges the personal and the strategic, reminding us that every cat saved starts with a connection, a plan, and a little courage.

Whether you're new to TNR or a seasoned advocate, this episode is your invitation to step into leadership and create lasting change.

Press Play Now For:

• A preview of the 2026 vision for Community Cats Central
• Tips to set realistic goals and avoid burnout in rescue work
• Why YOU are a leader—even if you don't feel like one
• The power of positive connections in advocacy
• Sneak peeks at new on-demand TNR courses and January events
• A moving tribute to cat champion and what she teaches us about legacy

Resources Mentioned:

• Community Cats Central (http://communitycatscentral.com)
• Newburyport TNR Case Study (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5704110/)
• TNR Certification Workshop – Jan 3 (https://communitycatscentral.thinkific.com/courses/tnrcert-january-2026)
• The Cat Conference – Jan 24–25 ()
• Community Cat Program Management Course – Starts Jan 26 ()
• All About Animals Rescue – Michigan ()

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies645)
• Underfoot Podcast (https://communitycatcentral.com/underfoot-podcast)

Follow & Review

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.