Maryland lawmakers protect big cats but fall short on improving the lives of farmed hens

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 5, 2024) – Today the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal protection, released its 2024 Maryland Humane Scorecard. The scorecard grades state legislators’ actions on animal welfare legislation introduced during the 2024 session. This year’s scorecard includes a notable victory that will prohibit travelling acts, like circuses and fairs, from using bears, big cats, elephants and non-human primates in the state.

First Iowa Humane Scorecard reveals legislators’ records on animal welfare

DES MOINES. (August 19, 2024)—Today, the Humane Society Legislative Fund released its first ever Iowa Humane Scorecard, which grades Iowa state legislators on their efforts to promote animal welfare during the 2023-2024 legislative sessions.

Two pro-animal bills were signed into law, two more passed the Iowa House, and multiple attacks on animals were defeated, including an initiative to use an estimated $860,000 annual taxpayer dollars to fund a raccoon tail bounty in all Iowa counties.

Illinois’ 2024 legislative session aims to protect wildlife

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (July 30, 2024)—Today, the Humane Society Legislative Fund released its 2024 Illinois Humane Scorecard, which grades Illinois state representatives on their efforts to promote animal welfare during the 2024 session.

HSLF is a nonpartisan organization that evaluates candidates based only on a single criterion, where they stand on animal protection. HSLF does not judge candidates based on party affiliation or any other issue.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

We all make decisions every day that impact animals, from the food we eat to the products we purchase to our entertainment choices. Often, the first step toward changing the world for animals is to recognize the importance of our individual decisions. The very next step is becoming savvy about saving animals through systemic reform, learning how to protect the animals in our larger communities.

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