Trump budget puts wild horses and burros on the chopping block, paves way for mass slaughter
Congress should reject severe proposal that abandons bipartisan protections and ignores humane, proven alternatives
A reminder to prioritize horse welfare ahead of Kentucky Derby
Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund call for continued action to protect racehorses
WASHINGTON (May 2, 2025)—As the Triple Crown begins with this weekend’s Kentucky Derby, we are again reminded of the risks horses face in the name of sport and entertainment, notes Humane World Action Fund President Sara Amundson:
“At Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund, our position remains clear: we support the strongest possible protections for racehorses—and we reject any system that tolerates animal suffering and exploitation.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
In a blow to horses, the Trump administration has postponed implementation of a long-overdue federal rule to combat horse soring—the deliberate infliction of pain on horses' legs and hooves to force an exaggerated gait—delaying enforcement until February 2026 and opening the door to even further setbacks.
New accountability report reveals thoroughbred racehorses are dying in training
WASHINGTON (March 19, 2025)—A new report released by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, a federally mandated regulatory group that monitors thoroughbred racehorse safety, confirms that thoroughbreds are not only dying on race day but face significant risks in training as well. This data-based, revelatory report confirms the deep failures of those in the horse racing industry who have resisted reform for too long.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Two bills reintroduced to the U.S. Congress this week could prevent the protracted suffering of so many horses: One would outlaw the painful soring techniques some trainers still inflict on horses to force them into the “Big Lick,” an exaggerated gait for horse shows, and the other would ban horse slaughter in the U.S. as a matter of federal law and end the export of American horses for slaughter in other countries. You can act now to show your support for ending these cruelties.
Our final 2024 Humane Scorecard is available, with a look at where federal legislators stood on our core priorities for the second session of the 118th Congress. The scorecard tracks animal-friendly actions by lawmakers while creating greater awareness and increasing legislators’ support for our priorities.
We have a new name—Humane World Action Fund—and an ambitious agenda, grounded in the mission we’ve pursued for several decades: to deliver positive and permanent policy outcomes for animals. We are as committed as ever to bringing laws into greater alignment with humane values—the values of kindness, compassion and fairness to all creatures. These are values we share with tens of millions of people not simply within the United States but throughout the world.
