Archive for August, 2011
Safe Havens for Displaced Pets after Hurricane Irene

With flooding and power outages still plaguing large parts of the East, we are helping animals and the people who care about them. In Pamlico County, N.C., our Animal Rescue Team members have been working with local animal control to prioritize the most urgent animal . . .
Factory Farming’s Toll on the Environment

Leading environmental organizations have condemned industrial-style animal farms because of the effect of concentrating so many animals in such a small space. It also takes enormous quantities of water, grain, and other resources to produce meat, milk, and eggs.
From North to South, Answering the Call for Animals

Irene was a big storm, but it was no Katrina. That assessment is based on more than wind gusts and wave action alone. It also reflects our nation’s preparedness efforts for this hurricane. Now six years to the day that Katrina made landfall, it’s obvious . . .
Keeping Your Pets Safe, Whatever the Weather

Earlier this week, the East Coast had quite a surprise: a 5.8 magnitude earthquake, not unheard of but rare in this part of the country. Given that it’s hurricane season, however, it’s not so surprising that we’re now preparing for a storm. By all accounts, . . .
Leading the Way on Alternatives to Using Animals in Experiments

The HSUS works with scientists toward the long-term goal of ending harmful experimentation on tens of millions of animals in laboratories.This week, we presented at an international scientific conference and made a strong case for further development of alternative methods to replace animals in harmful research and testing.
Shady Dealings by Cockfighting Front Group in Alabama

The state with the weakest anti-cockfighting law is Alabama, where the maximum fine is only $50. And some high-level officials in the state have demonstrated an unusual level of tolerance for this illegal blood sport.
Homeward Bound: Rescued Cats Up for Adoption

More than 500 cats and kittens The HSUS rescued in June will be available for adoption at the Alachua County Humane Society in Gainesville from Aug. 26-28. We’re working with the Alachua County Humane Society, Alachua County Animal Services, PetSmart Charities, and The Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida to host this special adopt-a-thon.
Protecting the Welfare of Animals in Zoos

I recently participated in an international symposium sponsored by the Detroit Zoo about the welfare of animals in captive settings: “From Good Care to Great Welfare–Advancing Zoo Animal Welfare Science and Policy.” The symposium, pulled together by Detroit Zoo director Ron Kagan and his team, focused on understanding and bridging the gap between simply providing good care, and ensuring great welfare by understanding the impacts of captivity and taking all possible steps to reach a higher standard.
Getting Wild Animals Back on Their Feet

The HSUS and The Fund for Animals operate three wildlife centers, and the biggest of them is our South Florida Wildlife Center. Take a sneak peek at this video of a few of the center’s patients.
Charity Report Card: HSUS First in Class

Philanthropedia (part of GuideStar) just published its latest rankings of national animal protection groups, and The Humane Society of the United States was named as the number-one organization, with the metric focused on highest impact for animals.
Talk Back: Dogs Freed from Fighting, Pets Coming to the Rescue

Recently I wrote about 50 dogs and puppies The HSUS helped rescue from two suspected dogfighting operations in North Carolina, who are now safe at our emergency shelter. Here are a few of your responses to the rescue, as well as your stories of pets saving the day.
A Day of Rest for Wildlife and People

In Pennsylvania and other states, lobbyists with the National Rifle Association are setting their sights on opening hunting seasons on Sundays. Birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, horseback riders, and families out for a picnic often don’t feel comfortable in the fields and woods when every day is open season.