Federal Legislation /
Hot Off the Press: The 2013 Humane Scorecard
Last fall, I posted a preliminary version of the 2013 Humane Scorecard, and a few weeks ago, just as Congress was returning for the second session of the 113th Congress, I provided a look at our year in review for animals. We made some real progress on key animal protection issues, and there’s tremendous potential on several fronts in 2014.
Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
Finish the Job on Deadly Snakes
We’ve long reported that non-native boa constrictors, Burmese pythons and African rock pythons are living in the wild, breeding, wreaking havoc on the ecosystem, frightening residents and killing pets in residential neighborhoods, all here in the United States. The question isn’t if these non-native predators are going to colonize other areas, but when and where they are going to become established.
Federal Legislation /
Omnibus for Animals
Federal lawmakers last night unveiled their $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government for the remaining eight and a half months of Fiscal Year 2014. The giant package includes several very positive outcomes for animals, and one harmful provision.
Uncategorized /
Commenting Policy
By participating on this blog, you are agreeing to our commenting policy, outlined below.
We reserve the right to delete posts on our page containing any of the following elements:
Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Federal Legislation, In the News /
Don’t Muzzle Vet Care
The Congress is off to a good start for 2014: the Senate yesterday unanimously approved S. 1171, the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Angus King, I-Maine, would amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow veterinarians to transport and dispense important drugs for veterinary care in remote locations outside of their registered location.
Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Action Alerts, Ballot Measures, Elections, Federal Legislation, Food, In the News, State Legislation /
The 2013 Congressional Year in Review for Animals
Congress returns to Washington today to convene the second session of the 113th Congress, and it’s a good time to take stock of what was achieved in 2013 and the pathway for animals in the New Year. In terms of general lawmaking, the 113th Congress has been known for inaction and partisan gridlock. It passed fewer laws in its first year—65—than any single session on record. Yet despite the dysfunction in Washington, we’ve made real progress on key animal protection issues.
Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Ballot Measures, Elections, Federal Legislation, Food, In the News, State Legislation /
2013 the Year of Chimps and Horses in Congress
The 113th Congress has had the lowest output, in terms of general lawmaking, since 1947. Yet despite the general dysfunction and partisan gridlock in Washington, we’ve made real progress on our key issues. During the first year of the session, we already had one major bill enacted that facilitates the retirement of hundreds of chimps from barren laboratories to natural sanctuaries, and laid substantial groundwork on a number of other issues, particularly a range of reforms to protect horses from cruelty, doping, and slaughter.
Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation, In the News, State Legislation /
The King Grinch Who Stole State Ag Laws
You don’t need the glow of Rudolph’s red nose to see that only a Grinch would go after rules that guarantee families get healthy Christmas trees. But Capitol Hill’s reigning Grinch, Rep. Steve King of Iowa, is determined to spoil Christmas for both young and old.
Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Ballot Measures, In the News, State Legislation /
Cruelty to Donkeys, Fleecing of Taxpayers
There is more fallout today from the Michigan wolf hunt scandal, in which lawmakers and state officials spread fabricated stories about wolf incidents, even as most of the depredation on livestock occurred at one farm that left cattle carcasses out to attract wolves. That farmer has now been charged with animal cruelty for allegedly allowing two “guard donkeys,” paid for by taxpayers, to starve to death.
Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Ballot Measures, In the News, State Legislation /
Top 13 in ’13: State Animal Protection Laws
It’s been a remarkable year of policymaking at the state level, with legislatures so far passing 107 new animal protection measures. A handful of states are still in session and the number may climb, but in total, it makes more than 800 new policies in the states since 2005, across a broad range of subjects bearing upon the lives of pets, wildlife, animals in research, and farm animals. That is tremendous forward progress, closing the gaps in the legal framework for animals, and ushering in new standards in society for how animals are treated.
Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation, In the News /
Good News for Predators and Whales
There are two pieces of good news for animal advocates coming today from the Obama administration.
