Wildlife, Action Alerts, Federal Legislation, In the News /
Breaking: Big step forward in fight to ban extremely cruel hunting methods
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Farm Animals, Federal Legislation, State Legislation /
In 2022, we kept working to create a kinder world for farmed animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
We were nervous and excited as we gathered outside the Supreme Court of the United States on the morning of a day we won't ever forget, Oct. 11, 2022. The court was about to hear arguments about Proposition 12, a landmark law passed by California voters in 2018 to improve the treatment of pigs, calves and chickens raised for food and now being challenged by the pork industry. We had worked hard to pass the law.
Animals in Research, Federal Legislation, State Legislation /
New York state bans cosmetics animal testing, capping off a year of wins for animals in labs
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
With Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature earlier this month, New York became the 10th state in the U.S. to prevent the sale of cosmetics that have been newly tested on animals. This represents just the latest gain in a worldwide movement to end cosmetics animal testing on animals.
Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Elections, Federal Legislation /
A view from HSLF: 2022 produced a banner harvest of animal protection gains
Every year, our public policy work for animals produces strong results and tangible benefits for animals, through the passage of laws or the approval of federal agency rules that lead to desired reforms. Still, there is something that really jumps out about 2022, and makes it a year we’ll long remember. We closed out the case on two of the most disturbing animal cruelty issues of the 21st century, the exploitation of big cats for photo ops and as “pets,” and the hacking off of sharks’ fins for use in soup.
Wildlife, Federal Legislation, State Legislation /
Big Cat Public Safety Act becomes law, capping off year of wins for wild animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Pets & Cruelty, Federal Legislation, State Legislation /
2022 was a winning year in our fight to stop puppy mills
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
If you’ve been following our advocacy for dogs and cats in puppy and kitten mills, you already know that these mega-breeding facilities treat dog and cat mothers and fathers like moneymaking machines with little to no regard for their health or well-being.
Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
2023 federal spending package reflects solid commitment to animal welfare
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Update 12/29/22: President Biden has signed the fiscal year 2023 omnibus appropriations package into law—a big win for animals!
Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
Breaking: Major wins for sharks and other wild animals in key legislative package
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Update 12/23/22: President Biden has signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law, which removes the U.S. from the cruel shark fin trade and helps to combat wildlife trafficking.
Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
Wildlife trafficking and shark fin sales measures on the move as part of critical national defense package
Update 12/8/2022: The House just voted 350 to 80 to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, we expect the Senate to vote on the package as soon as next week.
Right on the heels of the Big Cat Public Safety Act’s resounding approval in the U.S. Congress, two additional animal protection measures are poised to pass as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding levels and determines authority for the Department of Defense’s most critical priorities.
Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
Major win! U.S. Senate passes the Big Cat Public Safety Act
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Update 12/20/2022: President Biden signed the Big Cat Public Safety Act into law!
Wildlife /
Endangered Species Act proposal would be a win for elephants
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
There’s a golden opportunity to help protect African elephants now that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a new Endangered Species Act rule. If finalized, the new rule would better regulate imports of African elephants and their parts, like hunting trophies, to the U.S. We have long advocated that the existing regulations are not strong enough.
Equines, Federal Legislation /
As the House votes to stop soring of horses, it’s PAST time
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
On the House floor Monday night, the House of Representatives voted 304 to 111 to pass the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act into law. With just a few weeks remaining in the 117th Congress, getting a vote in the Senate will take some effort. But with this resounding vote in the House, we’ve witnessed—and helped to deliver—the clearest possible message that Americans are sick of horse soring and want to see it abolished. Now it’s time to get the job all the way done.
