Pets & Cruelty, Federal Legislation  /  

We are one year closer to a fur-free future, thanks to progress in 2023

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

It is the height of absurdity that, in 2023, animals continue to be born to be killed and skinned for a coat trim or a pom-pom on a hat. But we are heartened that with each year we see monumental progress toward our vision: a world in which not a single animal is killed just for fashion.

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State Legislation  /  

Californians – Where do your state legislators stand on animal protection?

As we come to the end of 2023, we reflect on the legislative and political progress made by our movement for animals. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed four animal protection bills this year. These newly passed laws will expand veterinary access, keep families and pets together during extreme weather events, and support alternatives to animal testing methods. Each law is a humane accomplishment to celebrate—and we should ask ourselves who made their passage possible.

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Farm Animals, Federal Legislation, State Legislation  /  

2023: A truly historic year in our work for farm animals

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

May 11, 2023, stands out as historic for animal protection: On that day, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision upholding California’s Proposition 12, the nation’s strongest farm animal protection law, a move that rejected the pork industry’s challenge to the law.

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Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, In the News  /  

UN recognizes children’s right to be free from exposure to violence against animals

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The United Nations’ Committee on the Rights of the Child has formally recognized the damage that witnessing violence, including violence to animals, can cause to children. The U.N. declared that children have a right to be protected from exposure to that violence.

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Animals in Research, Action Alerts  /  

Tell the FDA: No new animal tests for sunscreen ingredients

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering requiring companies to conduct new animal tests for several sunscreen ingredients that have been in use for decades. If this happens, companies would be forced either to test on animals or be limited to just two ingredients to produce sunscreen and products containing SPF (sun protection factor).

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Wildlife, Federal Legislation, State Legislation  /  

In 2023, we fought for wild animals all over the world

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Wild animals face a chilling multitude of threats. At a time when so many are vulnerable to the unprecedented impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and ongoing human encroachment on shrinking habitats, imperiled animals continue to be killed for nothing more than a trophy, a prize, a pelt or a trinket. Others suffer at the hands of traffickers and breeders who want to lock them in cages for entertainment.

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

Have your federal legislators come through for animals this year? Check the Humane Scorecard preview!

Each year, we use the Humane Scorecard to provide a snapshot of some key animal protection issues and this year is no different. There are many new members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in the 118th Congress who need to see the importance of animals in our communities—and there’s still time.

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Elections  /  

2023 Election Recap: Another stellar year for humane candidates

By Brad Pyle

Please enjoy our blog from HSLF’s political director, Brad Pyle, sharing out election results for humane candidates.

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Wildlife, Federal Legislation  /  

Brazen attacks on Endangered Species Act emerge in U.S. House funding bill

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Just a few weeks short of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act’s passage, opponents in the U.S. Congress have pushed through a series of hostile amendments to undermine the landmark law during the House appropriations funding process. That’s the grim reality of the contemporary political landscape for the Endangered Species Act, which was one of the most popular and bipartisan laws passed in American history.

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Farm Animals  /  

USDA finalizes organic farming rule, clarifying gestation crate ban for animal welfare and public health

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

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Animals in Research, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation, In the News  /  

Beagles arrive on Capitol Hill in support of Better CARE for Animals Act

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

This week, we had the pleasure of gathering with beagles and lawmakers on Capitol Hill to show our support for a promising new bill that would usher in a new era of animal protection at the federal level in the U.S.

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