When it comes to appropriations—the annual multi-layered system Congress uses to allocate funding and provide direction for federal agencies—we’re driven, because it’s one of the most valuable channels for securing animal protection gains. This is particularly true for the USDA-FDA appropriations bill, which governs spending for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, two agencies with critical influence over the fate of animals.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
In August 2025, at a dog breeding operation in Missouri, a husky mix named Masterpiece got sick with diarrhea and appeared weak. The owner of the facility, who is licensed under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, simply killed him.
In response, the USDA suspended the breeder’s license in January for just 21 days. Now the license is active again.
New poll: Majority of Iowa voters would penalize state lawmakers who block animal torture felony bill
Bipartisan bill SF 2099—passed unanimously by the Iowa House and through Senate committees—awaits a full Senate floor vote before the session adjourns
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
California’s Proposition 12, Massachusetts’ Question 3 and the other state-level laws that have simultaneously enhanced public health and animal welfare in the United States represent the agricultural market of the future, and perhaps more importantly, the moral progress of the nation. Industrial agriculture’s cruel crating of pigs and caging of laying hens are giving way—inexorably—to more humane approaches that will better serve and sustain family farms, public health and the social and cultural integrity of rural communities.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Making this world better and brighter for animals involves vital collaboration with people in the halls of power making legislation and shaping policy. In the U.S., we work on bringing people together—regardless of party affiliation—to advance compassionate legislation that makes a real difference for animals.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
In the U.S., the State of the Union address gives the president an opportunity to speak to a joint session of Congress about the nation’s condition, sharing legislative and regulatory proposals and communicating and reinforcing priorities. In recent years, we’ve used this time to spell out our own priorities and to reflect upon the U.S. government’s performance on animal protection issues.
