Wildlife, Federal Legislation, In the News  /  

Two ‘big tusker’ elephants killed for the thrill by trophy hunters in Botswana

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

We learned last week about the outrageous killing of two iconic and rare “big tusker” male savanna elephants in an unpopulated corner of northern Botswana. “Big tusker” refers to an elephant with at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds but it effectively signifies an elephant who has survived for more than 50 years and whose knowledge and experience is irreplaceable to his herd.

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Animals in Research  /  

Undercover investigation exposes the horrors of animal testing—and more than 80 dogs who need our help

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Today we are releasing the results of our seven-month undercover investigation at one of America’s largest animal testing laboratories. We’re asking you to join us in changing an outdated industry—animal testing—and, more immediately, in urging the release of more than 80 dogs still suffering at the lab.

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Wildlife, Action Alerts  /  

Decades-long persistence pays off as proposed federal regulations will protect captive birds

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

When Humane Society of the United States investigators go out to take a close look at facilities that keep captive birds—roadside zoos, animal markets and others—they almost always return with the same dispiriting reports of dismal treatment and living conditions.

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Animals in Research  /  

It’s time to move past the cruel, inhumane practice of testing cosmetics on animals

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

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Farm Animals  /  

Supreme Court takes up pork industry’s attempt to overturn California’s Proposition 12

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the pork industry’s lawsuit that attempts to overturn California’s Proposition 12. Special interest groups have been trying to stop the implementation of the historic ballot measure, which passed in 2018 with 63% of California voters in support.

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Wildlife  /  

Our undercover investigation reveals why hippos desperately need federal protections under the Endangered Species Act

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

With their barrel shape, huge teeth and jaws that can open to almost 180 degrees, hippos are characteristically unique and one of the world’s most recognizable animals. Hippos are also a keystone species: As “ecosystem engineers,” their behavior helps shape and maintain landscapes and habitats and promote biodiversity. Their presence is indispensable to the African lake and river areas they inhabit.

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

Animal-friendly appropriations in Congress bring good news for all kinds of animals 

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Update 3/15/2022: President Biden signed the appropriations package into law.

Humane advocates often look to the passage of animal-friendly legislation as the strongest measure of progress in our work at the federal level, and clearly, good laws are important. But a nation that cares for animals needs to prove that in its spending commitments, too. For that reason, we work to secure strong animal protection laws and to shape congressional funding priorities for key federal agencies.

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

As President Biden addresses the state of the union, we continue to push for progress for animals

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

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Equines, Federal Legislation, In the News  /  

Kentucky Derby winner’s disqualification highlights ongoing need for horse racing reform

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The regulatory system in horse racing has been broken for years, and public confidence in the sport continues to wane. This week’s news that Medina Spirit is being stripped of his 2021 Kentucky Derby win is yet another blow.

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Wildlife, In the News  /  

Federal judge restores critical protections for many gray wolves, ending states’ cruel and irresponsible management

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Wolves across most of the continental United States must have Endangered Species Act protections restored, a federal judge ruled yesterday, effectively prohibiting trophy hunting of the species across most of the country.

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

2021 in review: How did your Members of Congress score on animal protection issues?

Accountability is critical to our work. Just as we are accountable to our supporters and the animals we seek to defend, we work to hold elected officials accountable for their track records and their commitment to animal protection legislation.

Today we have published our annual Humane Scorecard to track key votes, co-sponsorships and other actions by federal lawmakers in support of animal protection. We hope you find it a valuable tool, and we’re heartened that many legislators work hard to achieve a high score.

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Wildlife, Federal Legislation  /  

Key wildlife priorities advance in the House

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

It is the dream of a better world for animals that inspires our work, but it is action that will get us there, and that’s what made Friday’s events on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives momentous. All at once, in a single session, in one package—the America COMPETES Act (H.R. 4521)—the House voted to support half a dozen wildlife protection measures. As a result, we’re just steps away from achieving sweeping protections for hundreds of millions of animals worldwide.

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