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.
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 /
Commercial fishing gear has driven right whales to the brink of extinction. We are asking the U.S. for emergency protections
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
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 /
Victory! Court upholds Obama-era protections for Alaska’s brown bears, disallows baiting
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
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.
