What if the milk and meat you buy are silently fueling cancer risks, antibiotic resistance, and the next pandemic?

In this compelling episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman sits down with Dr. Rajesh K. Reddy, a professor and expert in public health, to uncover the dark side of factory farming. Dr. Reddy exposes how dairy cows endure violent artificial insemination and calf separation, while beef cattle live in filthy feedlots—both pumped with antibiotics that breed resistant bacteria. These practices not only harm animals but also raise your risk of cancer and infections like livestock-associated MRSA.

From choosing plant-based milks like oat or almond to cutting back on processed meats, Dr. Reddy offers practical ways to break this cycle. Whether you’re a parent, a health-conscious eater, or concerned about the environment, this episode will empower you to make choices that protect your family, animals, and the planet.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Factory Farming Fuels Antibiotic Resistance
   Over 80% of U.S. antibiotics are used in livestock, often as “growth promoters” in cramped, unsanitary conditions. This breeds antibiotic-resistant bacteria like livestock-associated MRSA, which can infect workers, nearby communities, and consumers through contaminated meat.
2. Meat and Dairy Increase Cancer Risk
   Processed and red meats (bacon, sausage, beef) are linked to higher cancer risk, per the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Living near factory farms also raises cancer risks, including leukemia and lymphoma, especially for children of workers or nearby residents.
3. Plant-Based Choices Are a Game-Changer
   Opting for plant-based milks (soy, oat, almond) over dairy or reducing meat consumption can lower your health risks, reduce animal suffering, and combat environmental harm. Consumer demand drives change—your choices shape the market.

About the Guest – Dr. Rajesh K. Reddy

An Assistant Professor of Law, Rajesh K. Reddy directs the Animal Law Program at the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, where he teaches International Animal Law, Animal Legal Philosophy, and an emerging topics seminar dedicated to understanding and advancing the interest of insects. As part of his advocacy efforts, Rajesh also co-directs Lewis & Clark’s Animal Law Clinic. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Reddy

About the Show

Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health explores the intersection of animal welfare, public policy, and human health. Hosted by Dr. Johnny Lieberman, each episode invites changemakers, legal experts, and health advocates to shed light on what really impacts our communities—and what we can do about it.

About the Host

Dr. Johnny Lieberman is a physician, public health advocate, and lifelong animal lover with a passion for connecting the dots between animal welfare, human behavior, and the systems that shape our lives. With a background in both medicine and public health policy, Johnny brings a unique lens to conversations about how our treatment of animals impacts human health, the environment, and social justice.

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Whether he's discussing legislative loopholes or snuggling his rescue dog between recordings, Dr. Lieberman believes that creating a healthier world starts with how we treat its most vulnerable beings.