Animals & Politics

Pets & Cruelty, Action Alerts, Federal Legislation  /  Nov 17, 2020

HSUS undercover investigation shows dogs in dismal conditions at puppy mills while USDA turns a blind eye

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

An HSUS undercover investigator has recorded video footage of animals living in dismal conditions at puppy mills in the Midwest that have never or only rarely been cited for neglecting the animals in their care by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the federal agency whose job is to ensure these operations abide by the Animal Welfare Act.

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Wildlife  /  Nov 16, 2020

Victory! Court upholds Obama-era protections for Alaska’s brown bears, disallows baiting

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

A federal court has ruled that brown bears in Alaska’s Kenai National Wildlife Refuge should continue to be protected from the cruel and biologically unsound hunting practice of baiting—luring these animals with piles of rotting foods like donuts and pastries and then killing them.

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Wildlife, Federal Legislation  /  Nov 13, 2020

U.S. will deny visas to wildlife traffickers

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The United States is one of the world’s largest destinations for illegal wildlife products. Each year, traffickers smuggle in millions of dollars’ worth of items from poached animals, including shark fins, pangolin scales, ivory trinkets, animal trophies, and live animals like monkeys, parrots and snakes for the pet trade and entertainment.

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Elections  /  Nov 13, 2020

2020 Election a very good one for animals

We knew for certain coming into this election season that it would be a fateful one for animals, and at both the state and federal levels the Humane Society Legislative Fund made significant commitments, including endorsements, independent expenditures, and direct candidate contributions. We are thrilled with the results of our efforts to elect animal welfare champions, send anti-animal legislators packing, and remind the nation of the value and importance of political advocacy for animals.

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Equines, Action Alerts, Federal Legislation  /  Nov 12, 2020

For the new administration, swift reinstatement of 2016 horse soring rule is the right call

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

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Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation  /  Nov 11, 2020

Senate appropriations package has both good and bad news for animals

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The Senate Committee on Appropriations today released a package of 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2021, and it is a mixed bag for animals.

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Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Elections, In the News  /  Nov 09, 2020

A time of hope for animals

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

As Joe Biden and Kamala Harris head to the White House, they bring with them a proven track record of protecting animals.

In past years, we have worked with both the president- and vice-president-elect to strengthen laws on wildlife, marine mammals, farm animals, and so much more, and we look forward to continue working with them in coming years.

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Elections  /  Nov 07, 2020

Congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris!

The Humane Society Legislative Fund was the only politically active national animal protection organization to endorse Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in their bid to lead this nation as President and Vice President. We were proud to do so, and we could not be happier to see them prevail. 

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Wildlife  /  Nov 06, 2020

HSUS, allies headed to court to fight wolf delisting

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

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Elections  /  Nov 04, 2020

Patience – every vote counts

We thought it might come to this, and with no declared winner in the presidential election, and a number of important House and Senate seats in play, we are in a holding pattern with our Humane Society Legislative Fund review of key outcomes. There are some tight races and slim margins out there, votes are still being counted in many jurisdictions, and we ask for your patience as we develop a full report. We’re making assessments on all relevant races as quickly as possible so that we can report back to you.

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Wildlife, Action Alerts, Federal Legislation, In the News  /  Nov 03, 2020

Man charged in leopard mauling incident is a notorious backyard breeder of primates

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

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Equines, Action Alerts, Federal Legislation  /  Nov 02, 2020

Kentucky voters say a decisive 'yes' to legislation ending walking horse soring

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

An overwhelming majority of Kentucky voters oppose horse soring—the intentional infliction of pain on the hooves and legs of Tennessee walking horses and related breeds—and want Congress to end it, according to the results of a new poll we are releasing today.

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