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
Soring is an undeniably cruel practice involving the use of caustic chemicals (blistering agents like mustard oil, diesel fuel and kerosene) and constricting devices —stacked pads, chains and tight metal bands, and sometimes even the cutting or thinning of horses’ soles or the use of other means to make their feet particularly sensitive to pain.
Animal protection groups sue U.S. Department of Agriculture over failure to stop cruel, painful practice of horse ‘soring’
Lawsuit alleges USDA neglects its duty under the Horse Protection Act to end abusive ‘Big Lick’ practices on Tennessee Walking Horses
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
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
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.
It’s my privilege to share our Humane Scorecard for the first session of the 119th Congress. The scorecard tracks key co-sponsorships, votes and other animal-friendly actions by federal lawmakers. It’s an accountability tool we use to cultivate greater awareness among legislators as well as incentives for their future commitment. Please look to see how your senators and congressional representative scored; the scorecard is something you can share with others who care about animals, too.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement last week that it will suspend until December 31, 2026, the implementation of regulatory reforms designed to protect horses from soring conceals a bitter truth. In further stalling its enforcement of a final rule to prevent a stone-cold cruelty, the agency has abdicated its responsibility to protect horses under the Horse Protection Act, as directed by Congress. The announcement itself is proof.
