Wildlife  /  

Proposed U.S. rule on critically endangered right whales is too weak to bring real change

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The National Marine Fisheries Service today released a proposed rule intended to reduce the risk of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales getting entangled in heavy ropes used in fishing gear such as that used for catching lobsters and crabs. Unfortunately, this long-anticipated rule falls far short of the protections that are really needed to ensure these marine mammals do not disappear forever.

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Equines, Federal Legislation, In the News  /  

Victory! Omnibus signed into law over weekend has major wins on horse racing, slaughter and soring

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

With the signing of the omnibus bill this past weekend, U.S. federal law now includes critical protections for horses we have fought hard for over many years. These include measures to stop the widespread drugging of racehorses and provide increased track safety, keep horse slaughter plants in the United States shuttered, and boost funding to stop the cruel soring of Tennessee walking horses and related breeds.

These are historic achievements, and we’re proud to share the details with you.

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

A photo finish for our animal protection agenda as the 116th Congress comes to a close

It is your support and engagement that makes it possible for the Humane Society Legislative Fund to carry the banner for animals in the U.S. Congress and in state legislatures; secure passage of animal protection statutes at every level; mobilize a healthy grassroots movement to press for good laws, regulations, and enforcement; and do what’s needed to elect humane-minded candidates. That’s why, on behalf of my colleagues, and with the deepest gratitude, I want to assure you that this year—as always—we were at the center of every pro-animal fight there was. 

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

Breaking news: Congress’s omnibus package includes big wins for animals

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The appropriations bill and accompanying coronavirus relief/stimulus package for fiscal year 2021 now advancing through Congress will bring critical and much-needed support to millions of Americans. We are also pleased to report that the package, which funds federal agencies, includes a number of wins for animals, including horses, wildlife, companion animals and animals in research.

We’ve advocated for these and other items throughout 2020. Here, in brief, are key measures in the package that benefit animals:

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Wildlife, In the News  /  

Mink living in the wild near Utah fur farm tests positive for coronavirus, increasing urgency to end fur farming

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

A mink living in the wild near an infected Utah fur farm has tested positive for the coronavirus, providing yet another pressing reason why the United States needs to end all mink fur farming without further delay.

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Wildlife  /  

U.S. House passes bill to prohibit keeping big cats as pets and for public contact

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The U.S. House has just passed a bill to prohibit public contact with big cats like tigers, lions and leopards as well as ban the possession of these animals as pets. The measure, which now awaits action in the Senate, has the potential to stop the endless cycle of breeding tiger cubs by those who charge the public to pet and take photos with the animals.

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In the News  /  

Victory! New Department of Transportation rule says airlines cannot ban certain breeds of service dogs

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The Department of Transportation has just finalized a rule that prohibits airlines from banning pit-bull-type dogs and certain other breeds from serving as service animals on flights.

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Wildlife, In the News  /  

U.S. inaction on infected fur farms poses serious public health risk

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

In the midst of a booming coronavirus surge across the United States, a related crisis is brewing on the nation’s mink fur farms where outbreaks have failed to be treated with the same level of concern and seriousness we have seen from other countries.

A recent striking example of this inaction can be found in how the United States has responded to news that a mutation of the coronavirus has been found on mink fur farms in seven countries, including in the United States.

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Pets & Cruelty, Action Alerts, Federal Legislation  /  

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  /  

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

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

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Wildlife, Federal Legislation  /  

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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