Wildlife  /  

U.S. House passes bill to prohibit keeping big cats as pets and for public contact

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The U.S. House has just passed a bill to prohibit public contact with big cats like tigers, lions and leopards as well as ban the possession of these animals as pets. The measure, which now awaits action in the Senate, has the potential to stop the endless cycle of breeding tiger cubs by those who charge the public to pet and take photos with the animals.

In the News  /  

Victory! New Department of Transportation rule says airlines cannot ban certain breeds of service dogs

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The Department of Transportation has just finalized a rule that prohibits airlines from banning pit-bull-type dogs and certain other breeds from serving as service animals on flights.

Wildlife, In the News  /  

U.S. inaction on infected fur farms poses serious public health risk

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

In the midst of a booming coronavirus surge across the United States, a related crisis is brewing on the nation’s mink fur farms where outbreaks have failed to be treated with the same level of concern and seriousness we have seen from other countries.

A recent striking example of this inaction can be found in how the United States has responded to news that a mutation of the coronavirus has been found on mink fur farms in seven countries, including in the United States.

Pets & Cruelty, Action Alerts, Federal Legislation  /  

HSUS undercover investigation shows dogs in dismal conditions at puppy mills while USDA turns a blind eye

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

An HSUS undercover investigator has recorded video footage of animals living in dismal conditions at puppy mills in the Midwest that have never or only rarely been cited for neglecting the animals in their care by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the federal agency whose job is to ensure these operations abide by the Animal Welfare Act.

Wildlife, Federal Legislation  /  

U.S. will deny visas to wildlife traffickers

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The United States is one of the world’s largest destinations for illegal wildlife products. Each year, traffickers smuggle in millions of dollars’ worth of items from poached animals, including shark fins, pangolin scales, ivory trinkets, animal trophies, and live animals like monkeys, parrots and snakes for the pet trade and entertainment.

Elections  /  

2020 Election a very good one for animals

We knew for certain coming into this election season that it would be a fateful one for animals, and at both the state and federal levels the Humane Society Legislative Fund made significant commitments, including endorsements, independent expenditures, and direct candidate contributions. We are thrilled with the results of our efforts to elect animal welfare champions, send anti-animal legislators packing, and remind the nation of the value and importance of political advocacy for animals.

Equines, Action Alerts, Federal Legislation  /  

For the new administration, swift reinstatement of 2016 horse soring rule is the right call

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation  /  

Senate appropriations package has both good and bad news for animals

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

The Senate Committee on Appropriations today released a package of 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2021, and it is a mixed bag for animals.

Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Elections, In the News  /  

A time of hope for animals

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

As Joe Biden and Kamala Harris head to the White House, they bring with them a proven track record of protecting animals.

In past years, we have worked with both the president- and vice-president-elect to strengthen laws on wildlife, marine mammals, farm animals, and so much more, and we look forward to continue working with them in coming years.

Elections  /  

Congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris!

The Humane Society Legislative Fund was the only politically active national animal protection organization to endorse Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in their bid to lead this nation as President and Vice President. We were proud to do so, and we could not be happier to see them prevail.