Ballot Measures /
How Farm Animal Reforms Also Benefit Residents
Florida became the first state to ban gestation crates for breeding pigs in 2002, and since then, six other states have followed suit on the extreme confinement of farm animals. The Broward-Palm Beach New Times published a feature story this week by Kristen Hinman looking at the national debate over farm animal welfare, which began in Florida eight years ago.
Elections /
Pombo Comeback Would Be Catastrophe for Animals
In a year that could spell trouble for long-serving incumbents, as voters are fed up with Washington insiders and politics as usual, it seems unlikely that a former seven-term congressman with ties to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff could stage a comeback. But that’s what former Rep. Richard Pombo is trying to do—by moving to another district.
Ballot Measures /
Ellen: A Stellar Voice for Animals
Sarah Palin and Ellen DeGeneres might not have much in common when it comes to their views on animal protection. But what they do share is their role with other prominent women and political figures—including Hillary Clinton, Caroline Kennedy, Michelle Obama, and Condoleezza Rice—whose biographies are featured in the “Female Force” series of comic books by Bluewater Productions.
Uncategorized /
A Recap Before Recess
Congress is expected to recess this weekend, and lawmakers will be back in their districts for the next two weeks. It’s a good time to take stock of where animal protection issues stand in the 111th Congress and which bills are primed for action over the remaining few months.
Uncategorized /
The Finning Must End
Shark populations have been severely depleted worldwide, with declines of 99 percent in some areas due to ocean pollution, overfishing, and high demand for their fins. Proposals to restrict the trade in three species of hammerhead sharks are among the wildlife protection measures now being considered by 175 member nations at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) which began last weekend in Qatar.
Uncategorized /
Investing in Enforcement
Whether an animal welfare law will be effective often turns on whether it gets adequately funded. And seeking that funding is vital, especially when there are strong competing budget pressures as there are now. Our fortunes are intertwined with those of animals, and proper enforcement not only helps these creatures but also helps to improve food safety, public health, disaster preparedness, and other social concerns.
Elections /
A True Champion for Animals
California Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter) announced today that he was withdrawing his name from the lieutenant governor’s race, and he threw his support behind other Democratic hopefuls.
Uncategorized /
Stimulating Markets for Farm Animal Welfare
Seven states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Michigan, and Oregon—have passed laws to phase out some of the most extreme types of confinement on industrial factory farms, where animals are basically immobilized in small crates and cages for their entire lives. The largest pork and veal producers in the country have pledged to phase out crates and move toward group housing of calves and breeding pigs.
Uncategorized /
A Pathway to End Animal Testing
Many animal welfare problems can be solved through innovation. It was the invention of the combustible engine and the automobile which made the horse-drawn carriage obsolete. It has been the development of warm and elegant faux fur fabrics that has given consumers and designers alternatives to animal fur in the marketplace. Immunocontraceptive vaccines can be used to manage wild populations of horses and elephants, obviating the need for round-ups and culling.
Uncategorized /
In Honor of the 16th Annual Spay Day
Tomorrow marks the 16th annual Spay Day, and all throughout February humane organizations, veterinarians and animal advocates are holding events to promote spaying and neutering of dogs and cats.
Uncategorized /
From Fighters to Friends
HSLF and HSUS have been focused on upgrading the penalties for staged animal combat, and in the last couple years we have helped pass 29 new laws to crack down on illegal animal fighting. But deterring bad behavior through law enforcement actions is just one piece of the puzzle. We also need to reach out to young men who are at risk for getting involved in animal fighting, and help to show them a better way before they head down this dead-end path.
Uncategorized /
Off to a Strong Start in 2010
It was a record breaking year in 2009 for animal protection lawmaking at the state level, with 121 new laws enacted for animals. And we’re already off to a strong start in 2010, with important policy reforms charging forward in key states.
