Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
Undercover investigation exposes where hunting trophies end up
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Equines, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
Senate committee moves forward on funding animal protection measures
The Democratic leaders on the Senate Committee on Appropriations yesterday released a package of nine appropriations bills funding various federal departments for fiscal year 2022, and it contains some key provisions for animal welfare that we worked hard to secure. These bills haven’t been voted on by the committee; instead, the Senate and House committees will now work to reconcile their respective packages by a December 3 deadline to avoid a federal government shutdown.
Elections /
Our Virginia endorsements
Our mission is to end suffering for all animals, most directly by boosting the political power of the humane movement in Washington, DC and in our states. This is just one of the reasons we encourage supporters to cast a ballot in every election. Perhaps because we take a range of concerns into the voting booth, we don’t always appreciate the point, but for animals, our election of the right candidates can be a make-or-break decision.
Wildlife /
American imports of giraffe trophies and body parts are driving the animals to extinction
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Giraffes, with their iconic long necks and unmistakable, beautifully patterned coats, are facing extinction. There are currently fewer than 69,000 mature individuals remaining in the wild today. And the threats of habitat loss and illegal hunting for bushmeat are only exacerbated by demand for giraffe trophies and other products traded internationally.
Wildlife, In the News /
US government agency reportedly killed 8 wolf pups in their den
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
Massive win for migratory birds as much-needed protection gets restored
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Wildlife /
Saving Cecil’s descendants from trophy hunting
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
In August, reports began to surface that a lion in Zimbabwe, who was beloved by local communities, was likely lured out of Hwange National Park and allegedly killed by an American trophy hunter. His name was Mopane.
Equines, Federal Legislation /
Strong bipartisan House reintroduction of PAST Act brings relief of chronically abused horses one step closer
The winning trainer/rider of the World Grand Championship class at this year’s Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, John Allen Callaway, recently served a federal disqualification for the “soring” of horses—a distinction also shared by his brother Bill and at least three other riders in the seven horse class. Together, they are the poster children for the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R. 5441, reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today with almost half the U.S. House of Representatives already onboard.
Animals in Research, Equines, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
The Humane Legislator of the Year Award goes to Rep. Paul Tonko
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Wildlife /
Spinner dolphins finally get the much-needed protection they deserve
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Hawaiian spinner dolphins, named for their acrobatic displays like leaping out of the water and spinning in the air, are nocturnal. To make it harder for sharks to detect them, they hunt for food and socialize at night. During the day, they rest in sheltered coves—safe from sharks and other ocean dangers. Because dolphins must be conscious in order to breathe, in these coves they still swim and breathe slowly while doing their version of “napping.”
Elections /
It’s National Voter Registration Day: Here’s why your vote matters for animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Wildlife, Federal Legislation, In the News, Issue Areas /
House takes a bite out of live wildlife markets, wildlife trade with amendments to National Defense Authorization Act
This nation cannot move fast enough to reduce the pandemic threats associated with live wildlife markets and the trade in live wildlife. That’s why we’re delighted that the House voted late yesterday in a winning bipartisan vote of 362-59 to include key elements of the Preventing Future Pandemics Act (H.R. 151) within its annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) package, which ultimately passed 316-113.
