Pets & Cruelty, Federal Legislation /
Tenth annual Horrible Hundred report shows progress, continuing problems with puppy mills
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Duchess is a Havanese with a wardrobe of tiny, colorful dresses. Cooper is a senior golden retriever who still has a lot of spunk and likes to go on vacations with his family. Alis is a Weimaraner who jogs with her owner and loves to catch a ball.
These dogs are finally enjoying life, and the puppy mills from which they were rescued are no longer in operation. Before they closed, each one of those mills appeared in our annual Horrible Hundred reports identifying known problem breeders in the United States.
Equines, Federal Legislation, In the News /
Pushing the federal law to end cruel slaughter of horses to the finish line
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
It is a long way from the stable, paddock and winner’s circle at Churchill Downs to the dark, dank and bloody slaughterhouses in which tens of thousands of American horses meet their sad and pitiable end each year.
Yet some former racehorses do make that terrible journey, and it’s hard not to think of them on the eve of the Kentucky Derby, the most celebrated of races.
Animals in Research, Federal Legislation /
Cosmetics animal testing is in the spotlight—now’s the time to end it
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Wildlife, Federal Legislation, In the News /
Two ‘big tusker’ elephants killed for the thrill by trophy hunters in Botswana
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
We learned last week about the outrageous killing of two iconic and rare “big tusker” male savanna elephants in an unpopulated corner of northern Botswana. “Big tusker” refers to an elephant with at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds but it effectively signifies an elephant who has survived for more than 50 years and whose knowledge and experience is irreplaceable to his herd.
Animals in Research /
Undercover investigation exposes the horrors of animal testing—and more than 80 dogs who need our help
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Today we are releasing the results of our seven-month undercover investigation at one of America’s largest animal testing laboratories. We’re asking you to join us in changing an outdated industry—animal testing—and, more immediately, in urging the release of more than 80 dogs still suffering at the lab.
Wildlife, Action Alerts /
Decades-long persistence pays off as proposed federal regulations will protect captive birds
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
When Humane Society of the United States investigators go out to take a close look at facilities that keep captive birds—roadside zoos, animal markets and others—they almost always return with the same dispiriting reports of dismal treatment and living conditions.
Animals in Research /
It’s time to move past the cruel, inhumane practice of testing cosmetics on animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Farm Animals /
Supreme Court takes up pork industry’s attempt to overturn California’s Proposition 12
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the pork industry’s lawsuit that attempts to overturn California’s Proposition 12. Special interest groups have been trying to stop the implementation of the historic ballot measure, which passed in 2018 with 63% of California voters in support.
Wildlife /
Our undercover investigation reveals why hippos desperately need federal protections under the Endangered Species Act
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
With their barrel shape, huge teeth and jaws that can open to almost 180 degrees, hippos are characteristically unique and one of the world’s most recognizable animals. Hippos are also a keystone species: As “ecosystem engineers,” their behavior helps shape and maintain landscapes and habitats and promote biodiversity. Their presence is indispensable to the African lake and river areas they inhabit.
Animals in Research, Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
Animal-friendly appropriations in Congress bring good news for all kinds of animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Update 3/15/2022: President Biden signed the appropriations package into law.
Humane advocates often look to the passage of animal-friendly legislation as the strongest measure of progress in our work at the federal level, and clearly, good laws are important. But a nation that cares for animals needs to prove that in its spending commitments, too. For that reason, we work to secure strong animal protection laws and to shape congressional funding priorities for key federal agencies.
Equines, Farm Animals, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation, In the News /
As President Biden addresses the state of the union, we continue to push for progress for animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Equines, Federal Legislation, In the News /
Kentucky Derby winner’s disqualification highlights ongoing need for horse racing reform
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The regulatory system in horse racing has been broken for years, and public confidence in the sport continues to wane. This week’s news that Medina Spirit is being stripped of his 2021 Kentucky Derby win is yet another blow.
