With the rest of the nation, we mourn the loss of Representative John Lewis, who died late Friday night after a brief illness. He was a man of deep conviction who dedicated his life to the ideals of social justice and the vision of a “beloved community” that would uphold the dignity and value of every human being. He was the youngest of more than a dozen speakers at the 1963 March on Washington, and the last survivor from that group. To the end, he was a champion of civil rights and human freedom with an unwavering optimism about the future of our nation.

At the HSLF, we’ve consistently pressed presidential contenders and others running for office to present their ideas and their records to us up front, so that we can evaluate their commitments and actions in support of animal protection, and if warranted, endorse their candidacies.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Trainers who paint horses’ legs with harsh acids and chemicals that burn through the skin, causing unspeakable pain to the animals, then add heavy shoes and tie chains on top of those wounds to intensify their suffering. Trainers who hit horses with sticks and shove electric prods in their faces to get them to do what they want. Trainers who drag and force horses to stand when they are hurting too much to do so.

With the presidential election less than four months away, a review of the major candidates’ animal welfare records is warranted. As with every election, for every office, the Humane Society Legislative Fund evaluates candidates based on their records and commitments concerning animal welfare. We do not judge candidates based on their party or positions on any other issues. As the nation’s leading voice in animal protection politics, our goal is to provide an objective, unbiased analysis of candidates. 

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Provisions for funding programs to protect wild horses and burros, gray wolves, animals used in research and testing, as well as elephants and lions, who are commonly the target of American trophy hunters, were among several animal welfare measures approved this week by House appropriations subcommittees, as Congress continues its annual process of funding the federal government.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

A federal appeals court has agreed that Yellowstone grizzly bears should continue to receive protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, ensuring that these iconic American carnivores will not be hunted for trophies.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

Congress has begun its annual process of funding federal departments, agencies and programs, and last night two House subcommittees voted to include several crucial provisions benefiting animals in their FY2021 appropriations bills.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block