Animals and Politics

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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Wildlife, In the News / Oct 29, 2020

Breaking news: The U.S. just delisted gray wolves so trophy hunters can kill them

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

In a heinous move that defies both science and common sense, the United States has prematurely lifted federal protections for gray wolves in the lower 48 states, giving them carte blanche to open trophy hunting seasons on these beloved native carnivores.

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Wildlife / Oct 28, 2020

The U.S. is allowing trophy hunters to bring home hundreds of leopard trophies. We are suing to stop that

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Update March 25, 2022: Earlier this week, the Court denied Safari Club International’s motion to dismiss our case. Now that trophy hunters' attempt to derail our lawsuit has been shut down, the judge will allow us to proceed to the merits.

The number of leopards in sub-Saharan Africa has plummeted by 30% in just the last 20 years, putting the future of these unique animals in jeopardy. Yet the U.S. government continues to allow Americans to import nearly 300 leopard trophies a year.

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Elections / Oct 27, 2020