Blog

In the aftermath of the terrible events of January 6, we should not underestimate the great damage done to our nation and the urgent need for healing that lies ahead. One of the most important pathways to social and political revival will be an even stronger commitment to a healthy and democratic process and governance. We can no longer take for granted the institutions that have made us proud to be Americans. We must make still greater personal and professional investments to strengthen them.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Thirty-seven chimpanzees languishing at a New Mexico primate laboratory are still waiting for the National Institutes of Health to fulfil a promise it made in 2015—to retire them to sanctuary after a lifetime spent in research.

Today, we’re giving these animals a helping hand by suing the federal agency, which has shamelessly reneged on this promise.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for the coronavirus in the first known cases of its transmission to non-human primates. The animals are believed to have contracted the virus from an asymptomatic zookeeper.

As our wounded nation seeks to transcend the events of January 6, we’re turning our attention to the important work of helping animals, confident that the things we do, as engaged citizens and advocates for animals, are good for the democratic institutions of government. The actions we take in relation to public policy for animals contribute to the vitality and health of American politics, providing, among other things, an area of concern—animal welfare—that attracts people of all political persuasions.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

A bill that would prohibit public contact with big cats like tigers, lions and leopards and ban the possession of these animals as pets was swiftly reintroduced in the U.S. House today, suggesting that the measure is poised for early action in Congress.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The Trump administration, in its final days, is attempting to undo crucial, century-old protections for migratory birds as a handout to the construction and oil and gas industries.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Update (1/25/2021): A Senate version of the Preventing Future Pandemics Act was introduced today by Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Cory Booker, D-N.J. The House version, introduced earlier this month, now has 50 cosponsors.

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.

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.