Elections /
Democracy must remain open and inclusive
By Brad Pyle
Our legislatures, elections officials, and courts must find ways to protect the rights of American voters to have their voices heard in the upcoming election season and through the ballot and referendum process. Political participation is the lifeblood of American democracy and there is no measure too small that we could take in its defense and reinforcement.
Wildlife, Action Alerts, Federal Legislation, Film & Television /
Members of Congress say more constituents support bill to outlaw public contact with big cats in wake of 'Tiger King'
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
A Netflix series on Joe Exotic, who made a living exploiting tigers he held in captivity at his roadside zoo, is helping to mobilize public support in favor of federal legislation that would end such exploitation.
Elections /
Joe Biden’s record on animal protection
With Joe Biden the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee for the White House, we felt it timely to review his record on animal protection for the benefit of our friends and supporters. Biden has a long and positive legacy on our concerns, and it is a useful reminder to candidates for office at all levels that we expect stronger and better commitments from them all in the coming election.
Wildlife, Action Alerts, In the News /
World Health Organization says nations should end wildlife trade
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The World Health Organization is calling on nations to end wildlife markets because of the high risk they pose for the spread of pathogens like the coronavirus that can jump from animals to humans.
Pets & Cruelty, In the News /
China’s recognition of dogs as companion animals bodes well for its animal welfare future
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Wildlife, In the News /
BREAKING NEWS: Bipartisan congressional letter calls for end to live wildlife markets
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Wildlife, Action Alerts, Federal Legislation /
Newly released footage confirms the Joe Exotic we know
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Wildlife, In the News /
On World Health Day, a global reckoning with COVID-19 is urgent
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Like an alarm bell in the night, COVID-19 has cut through the uneasy silence of the world’s failure to address pandemic illness tied to the trade, transport and consumption of wildlife. The notion that we could have prevented COVID-19 by taking decisive steps to curb that trade a decade or two ago should and will haunt us for generations. Still, it is not too late to act, and it is more urgent than ever that we do so.
Wildlife, In the News /
Breaking news: Fauci calls for closing down wildlife markets around the globe
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The nation’s most authoritative voice on infectious diseases today sounded a stern warning about the dangers of the wildlife trade and its relationship to pandemic diseases like COVID-19.
In an interview with Fox News, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci called for the global community to pressure China and other nations to close down their wildlife markets, where live animals are sold and slaughtered for food.
Pets & Cruelty, Federal Legislation, In the News /
Coronavirus crisis increases need to help victims of domestic violence and their pets
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
With hundreds of millions of people required to stay indoors during the coronavirus pandemic, the media is reporting an alarming increase in domestic violence incidents the world over. This includes the United States where calls to help lines have jumped dramatically.
Wildlife, In the News /
The killing of Takaya, Canada's famous lone wolf, highlights urgent need to outlaw trophy hunting
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The killing last week of Takaya, the lone wolf of Canada’s Discovery Island whose story of survival and resilience captivated people around the globe, is a grim reminder of the uphill battle wolves face in the modern world.
Wildlife, Action Alerts, Film & Television /
Netflix's 'Tiger King' is a wake-up call for ending private possession of big cats
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
A decade ago, a Humane Society of the United States's undercover investigation delved into the bizarre world of Joseph Maldonado-Passage (aka Joe Exotic) and his roadside zoo, GW Exotics. For years, Joe and his band of untrained workers kept hundreds of big cats and other wild animals in captivity in barren conditions, bred them to provide infant animals for public photo shoots and “play time” sessions, and even shot animals dead when they were of no use to him anymore.
