Wildlife /
HSUS, allies sue Trump administration for delisting wolves
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Animals in Research /
37 chimpanzees once used for research are still locked up in a lab. We are suing the NIH to release them to sanctuary.
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.
Wildlife, In the News /
Gorillas at zoo in San Diego test positive for coronavirus
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.
Elections /
Landslide wins for HSLF candidates at the state and local levels
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.
Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
House members reintroduce bill to ban cub petting, keeping big cats as pets
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.
Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
In its final days, Trump administration launches lame-duck attack on migratory birds
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.
Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
As pandemic continues and spotlight shines on animal-human transmission, House members reintroduce bill to end U.S. trade in wild animals for food and other products
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.
Wildlife /
Proposed U.S. rule on critically endangered right whales is too weak to bring real change
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.
Equines, Federal Legislation, In the News /
Victory! Omnibus signed into law over weekend has major wins on horse racing, slaughter and soring
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.
Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Elections, Federal Legislation /
A photo finish for our animal protection agenda as the 116th Congress comes to a close
It is your support and engagement that makes it possible for the Humane Society Legislative Fund to carry the banner for animals in the U.S. Congress and in state legislatures; secure passage of animal protection statutes at every level; mobilize a healthy grassroots movement to press for good laws, regulations, and enforcement; and do what’s needed to elect humane-minded candidates. That’s why, on behalf of my colleagues, and with the deepest gratitude, I want to assure you that this year—as always—we were at the center of every pro-animal fight there was.
Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation, In the News /
Breaking news: Congress’s omnibus package includes big wins for animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The appropriations bill and accompanying coronavirus relief/stimulus package for fiscal year 2021 now advancing through Congress will bring critical and much-needed support to millions of Americans. We are also pleased to report that the package, which funds federal agencies, includes a number of wins for animals, including horses, wildlife, companion animals and animals in research.
We’ve advocated for these and other items throughout 2020. Here, in brief, are key measures in the package that benefit animals:
Wildlife, In the News /
Mink living in the wild near Utah fur farm tests positive for coronavirus, increasing urgency to end fur farming
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
A mink living in the wild near an infected Utah fur farm has tested positive for the coronavirus, providing yet another pressing reason why the United States needs to end all mink fur farming without further delay.
