By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will be proposing a rule that would ban predator control on the National Wildlife Refuge System. When finalized, this rule will be a huge victory for countless wildlife living on refuges.
The results are in! Our final 2023 Humane Scorecard is now available, providing a snapshot of where federal legislators stood on our core priorities for the first session of the 118th Congress.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Inscribing the humane treatment of animals into our laws takes years, and so we are heartened by some key measures at the state level taking effect in 2024, which are the result of so much rallying and advocacy, and which will contribute to shaping the humane world we envision.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
As the New Year dawns, we rightly celebrate the dozens of humane laws taking effect in 2024, signs of a better day for animals everywhere. Those laws address a range of animal protection concerns including pet store sales of puppies from puppy mills, the use of animals in toxicity testing, direct contact with dangerous wild animals, and humane standards for dogs living outdoors.
There are a couple of fundamental premises that guide HSLF’s political advocacy for animals. Every year is an election year—and every election is an opportunity to improve the lives of animals. This year was no exception.
Thankfully, more and more animal advocates have joined our ranks—and as a result, an increasing number of candidates for public office are focused on ways to earn their votes. Whether we look at the U.S. Congress or at our state capitols, the influence of animal protection continues to grow in American politics.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Each year, the Humane Society Legislative Fund reflects on the progress in animal protection made at the state and federal levels on animal protection through their federal and state scorecards. In 2023, Texas legislators rose to the occasion and passed five crucial pro-animal bills which are now law in the state.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The fight for public policy gains for animals at the federal level is not for the faint of heart nor the weak of spirit. Every day, in every congressional session, it’s an all-out battle to secure humane laws and regulations. Whatever we achieve, we achieve against determined opposition, including special interest groups with deep pockets, and 2023 was no exception. This was a banner year for rulemaking and key legislative work that made a difference.
