By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The fight for public policy gains for animals at the federal level is not for the faint of heart nor the weak of spirit. Every day, in every congressional session, it’s an all-out battle to secure humane laws and regulations. Whatever we achieve, we achieve against determined opposition, including special interest groups with deep pockets, and 2023 was no exception. This was a banner year for rulemaking and key legislative work that made a difference.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
It is the height of absurdity that, in 2023, animals continue to be born to be killed and skinned for a coat trim or a pom-pom on a hat. But we are heartened that with each year we see monumental progress toward our vision: a world in which not a single animal is killed just for fashion.
As we come to the end of 2023, we reflect on the legislative and political progress made by our movement for animals. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed four animal protection bills this year. These newly passed laws will expand veterinary access, keep families and pets together during extreme weather events, and support alternatives to animal testing methods. Each law is a humane accomplishment to celebrate—and we should ask ourselves who made their passage possible.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
May 11, 2023, stands out as historic for animal protection: On that day, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision upholding California’s Proposition 12, the nation’s strongest farm animal protection law, a move that rejected the pork industry’s challenge to the law.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The United Nations’ Committee on the Rights of the Child has formally recognized the damage that witnessing violence, including violence to animals, can cause to children. The U.N. declared that children have a right to be protected from exposure to that violence.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering requiring companies to conduct new animal tests for several sunscreen ingredients that have been in use for decades. If this happens, companies would be forced either to test on animals or be limited to just two ingredients to produce sunscreen and products containing SPF (sun protection factor).
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Wild animals face a chilling multitude of threats. At a time when so many are vulnerable to the unprecedented impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and ongoing human encroachment on shrinking habitats, imperiled animals continue to be killed for nothing more than a trophy, a prize, a pelt or a trinket. Others suffer at the hands of traffickers and breeders who want to lock them in cages for entertainment.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Each year, we use the Humane Scorecard to provide a snapshot of some key animal protection issues and this year is no different. There are many new members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in the 118th Congress who need to see the importance of animals in our communities—and there’s still time.
By Brad Pyle
Please enjoy our blog from HSLF’s political director, Brad Pyle, sharing out election results for humane candidates.
