Pets & Cruelty, Federal Legislation /
New Horrible Hundred report exposes US puppy mills when federal inspections could dwindle
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
At a property in Illinois buzzing with hundreds of flies, a water bucket stood empty in an enclosure where three puppies were living. When the bucket was finally refilled, a federal inspector observed the puppies as they desperately “climbed on top of each other trying to get water.” At another breeder’s property in Iowa, state inspectors found dogs who were limping and dogs with matted fur living in a “nearly overwhelming” odor of waste.
Animals in Research, In the News /
US Food and Drug Administration makes significant announcement about animal testing
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
In a sign of progress for animals used in laboratories, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a strong commitment to reduce animal testing and advance new, superior approaches that don’t use animals for pharmaceutical testing.
Animals in Research, In the News /
An end to animal testing at the EPA and other federal agencies: it couldn’t come soon enough
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Farm Animals, Federal Legislation, State Legislation /
Senators resurrect a dangerous pro-cruelty, special favors bill for Big Pork
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Those who are determined to defend the cruelties of factory farming are never at a loss when it comes to sowing chaos and distortion on the subject, especially in the U.S. Congress.
Equines /
USDA drags its feet on giving horses protection against cruel soring
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
In a blow to horses, the Trump administration has postponed implementation of a long-overdue federal rule to combat horse soring—the deliberate infliction of pain on horses' legs and hooves to force an exaggerated gait—delaying enforcement until February 2026 and opening the door to even further setbacks.
Federal Legislation /
Coming together across political lines for animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
We are united by our singular vision to end animal cruelty and create a humane world. So, when it comes to our federal policy work in the United States, it is essential to invite everyone to join this hopeful cause, regardless of their other political beliefs. We believe that a love of animals can bring much-needed nonpartisan solidarity.
Pets & Cruelty, Federal Legislation /
Let's pass the Puppy Protection Act to end the cycle of cruelty in puppy mills
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Imagine a dog forced to stand for hours in the hot sun without shelter, or a puppy suffering from a condition so severe that one eye was sealed shut with a crusted-over discharge. Or a puppy who lost a leg after another dog attacked him. Or puppies who died in a cold, barren cage. Who would make the case that we should not take steps to protect animals from such neglect and suffering?
Animals in Research, Federal Legislation /
Remaining chimps from New Mexico laboratory are starting to arrive at Chimp Haven
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Farm Animals, Ballot Measures, Federal Legislation /
Bird flu and inflation are being used as excuses to undo farm animal protection laws
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The extreme confinement of farm animals in cages and crates where they cannot turn around or even move a few inches is not only immensely cruel—it is dangerous. Packing animals so tightly in factory farms means zoonotic disease can spread so quickly as to spin out of control. This is what we are seeing with avian flu right now, and we’ve seen it before with other viruses. We have been warning about this and fighting against it for years.
Equines, Federal Legislation /
The U.S. could finally outlaw these persistent cruelties to horses
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Two bills reintroduced to the U.S. Congress this week could prevent the protracted suffering of so many horses: One would outlaw the painful soring techniques some trainers still inflict on horses to force them into the “Big Lick,” an exaggerated gait for horse shows, and the other would ban horse slaughter in the U.S. as a matter of federal law and end the export of American horses for slaughter in other countries. You can act now to show your support for ending these cruelties.
Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
How did your Members of Congress score on animal protection issues in 2024?
Our final 2024 Humane Scorecard is available, with a look at where federal legislators stood on our core priorities for the second session of the 118th Congress. The scorecard tracks animal-friendly actions by lawmakers while creating greater awareness and increasing legislators’ support for our priorities.
Animals in Research, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
New audit knocks persistent USDA dog breeder inspection deficiencies
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
