Equines /
We're suing the USDA for failing to protect horses from soring
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Soring is an undeniably cruel practice involving the use of caustic chemicals (blistering agents like mustard oil, diesel fuel and kerosene) and constricting devices —stacked pads, chains and tight metal bands, and sometimes even the cutting or thinning of horses’ soles or the use of other means to make their feet particularly sensitive to pain.
Wildlife /
Extremists in US Congress, Executive Branch target the Endangered Species Act for extinction
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The Endangered Species Act, a landmark law for the protection of wildlife, is under attack. In late March, the Trump administration convened the federal Endangered Species Committee for only the fourth time in its nearly 50-year history. Under the law, the Committee has the extraordinary power to grant case-by-case exemptions to the protections of the Endangered Species Act— in essence, the authority to decide that a project should be allowed to proceed despite jeopardizing the very existence of an endangered species.
Equines /
President Trump’s proposed budget abandons wild horses to slaughter
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Animals in Research /
Why is outdated animal research still being used when better science exists?
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Over 90% of drugs that appear successful in animal tests go on to fail in human clinical trials. This is a staggering statistic underscoring that animals are biologically different from humans, and so animal-based research can be deeply unreliable, which, in turn, hinders medical progress and slows down the advancement of our scientific knowledge. Even more closely related species like mice and rats can react very differently when exposed to the same substances.
Wildlife /
This US law did wonders to protect big cats and cubs. Now it’s in danger.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Pets & Cruelty /
You can tell the US government you support stronger protections for dogs
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Animals in Research /
Good news: NIH invests $150 million in non-animal research
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Farm Animals /
Big promise for animals from Food Lion, Giant and Stop & Shop parent company
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Animals in Research /
Animal testing is everywhere. But it doesn't have to be.
Across the world, an estimated 190 million animals are used for testing and research every year. Many of these animals, including mice, rats, rabbits, monkeys, dogs and fish, are used to explore how human bodies may respond to chemicals. But there are major differences between animals and humans, and immense advancements in technology that hold promise for replacing the use of animals in these tests.
Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
Big Pork’s big swindle in Congress continues to threaten animals and public health
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
California’s Proposition 12, Massachusetts’ Question 3 and the other state-level laws that have simultaneously enhanced public health and animal welfare in the United States represent the agricultural market of the future, and perhaps more importantly, the moral progress of the nation. Industrial agriculture’s cruel crating of pigs and caging of laying hens are giving way—inexorably—to more humane approaches that will better serve and sustain family farms, public health and the social and cultural integrity of rural communities.
Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
Celebrating US lawmakers who stand tall for animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Making this world better and brighter for animals involves vital collaboration with people in the halls of power making legislation and shaping policy. In the U.S., we work on bringing people together—regardless of party affiliation—to advance compassionate legislation that makes a real difference for animals.
