Pets & Cruelty, Federal Legislation /
Slow pace of state and federal inspections during pandemic makes things worse for dogs in puppy mills
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
State and federal inspections of puppy mills have been scaled back or, in some cases, have ground to a halt during the pandemic. As a result, dogs in these operations have been left without the most basic protections under the law.
This is even more disturbing because dog sales in pet stores have been booming since lockdowns began last year. That could result in even more suffering for breeding animals at puppy mills who are already treated like puppy-production machines.
Animals in Research, State Legislation /
California Senate committee advances bill to prohibit certain toxicity tests on dogs. HSUS poll shows most residents support outlawing such tests
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
As a bill to outlaw chemical tests on dogs that are not required by law advances in California, we are releasing a new poll today that shows overwhelming support among the state’s residents for ending such procedures.
Animals in Research /
In HSI’s ‘Save Ralph,’ a lovable spokesbunny makes a case for ending cosmetics animal testing
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Animals used by the cosmetics testing industry have long suffered in silence. But they now have a new spokesbunny, Ralph, who is telling it like it is.
Wildlife /
Breaking news: U.S. says grizzly bears should remain protected under Endangered Species Act
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states should retain their current protections under the Endangered Species Act, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the primary federal agency that makes decisions on the conservation of wildlife species. This is encouraging news for these native carnivores who have been under attack from trophy hunting interests in the states they live in, and who need all the help they can get to survive.
Farm Animals, Wildlife /
Breaking: U.S. courts issue four wins over 48 hours against trophy hunting, state-funded wildlife killing, fur and cage confinement of factory-farmed birds
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Animals are on a winning streak. Over just the last two days, we’ve had four terrific victories in U.S. federal courts that pave the way for progress for millions of animals. These include wildlife in the United States and overseas most often targeted by trophy hunters, animals in the fur industry, and farm animals confined in cruel cages on factory farms.
Animals in Research /
Breaking news: Maryland lawmakers say 'no' to new cosmetics tests on animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Maryland will soon become the fifth U.S. state to say no to cosmetics testing on animals.
State lawmakers last night voted to prohibit new tests on animals for cosmetics and all sales of newly-animal-tested cosmetics beginning July 2022. The Senate and House versions of the bills passed the Maryland Senate unanimously last night and they passed the House with a large majority, demonstrating the clear support in the state for ending such cruel testing.
Farm Animals /
Court clears way for lawsuit against USDA policy of rewarding factory farms that spread bird flu
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
A federal district court has cleared the way for our lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s irresponsible and dangerous plans for responding to outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as the “bird flu.”
Wildlife /
African elephants are just a step or two away from extinction, new report warns
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Wildlife, In the News /
Montana's governor killed a Yellowstone wolf. But he now has a chance to set things right
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Animals in Research /
New report: U.S. spends millions of taxpayer dollars to fund experiments on dogs
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The U.S. government is spending millions of taxpayer dollars to fund experiments on dogs, a new report we are releasing today shows.
It is estimated that there are more than 58,000 dogs being used in U.S. public, private and federal research and testing facilities each year. Some of these dogs—an average of 660 each year—are deliberately not given any drugs or any other help to relieve their pain and distress.
Animals in Research /
Breaking news: Virginia governor signs bill ending new cosmetics animal testing
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Virginia’s Gov. Ralph Northam has just signed into law bills that would ban new cosmetics animal testing and sales of animal-tested cosmetics in his state.
Virginia joins three U.S. states that already have similar laws on their books. In 2018 California became the first state to prohibit the sale of animal-tested cosmetics followed by Nevada and Illinois in 2019.
