Archive for June, 2013
USDA Approves Horse Slaughter, Despite Overwhelming Opposition
Today, in a mystifying and infuriating decision, the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted an inspection permit to a discredited horse slaughter plant operator in New Mexico, bringing the nation closer to its first horse slaughter operation since federal courts and state lawmakers shuttered the last . . .
Gopher Tortoises Rescued in Florida
The HSUS and its affiliates provide more direct care for animals than any other animal welfare group, and it does so through a remarkable array of hands-on programs. In 2012, we provided direct care for more than 100,000 animals. We care for animals through the . . .
History Is Made for Chimpanzees in Laboratories
These are the most exciting of times for everyone paying attention to The HSUS’ campaign to end the use of chimpanzees in invasive, harmful experiments. On the heels of a groundbreaking proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list all chimpanzees as endangered . . .
Independent Reports Highlight Problem with Federal Programs Related to Animal Treatment, Enforcement
We’ve seen some positive action from the federal executive agencies lately – for example, a Department of the Interior proposed listing of all chimpanzees as endangered, and a favorable U.S. Department of Agriculture announcement to close a loophole dealing with downer cows. We’ve also seen some . . .
The Beagle Has Landed
There’s a dog in my office, and she’s not a foster pet or a visitor. I adopted her on Saturday, and now she’s a cling-on. And Lisa and I are very happy about it. Spying a potential opportunity at a fire hydrant inMiddleburg, Virginia. She’s . . .
Dogs at Work
Dogs are on my mind even more than usual these days. That’s because I am dog shopping this weekend. Not through a pet store or an Internet seller, but with a local rescue group here in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. My guess is, there’s . . .
The King (Amendment) Is Dead. Long Live the Animals
Today, in an unprecedented outcome in the history of congressional action on the Farm Bill, the full House rejected the bill advanced to the floor by House leadership. The HSUS and a large coalition of organizations opposed the bloated, regressive potpourri of agriculture-related measures for a . . .
House Leaders Block Series of Animal Welfare Votes
Look at the history of any social reform movement, and you’ll see heroes who led the way. Yet the historical record is also peppered with people who did the opposite, blocking progress by any means they could muster. Those leaders and those obstructionists also did their handiwork in . . .
Animal Welfare May Take Center Stage As House Takes Up Farm Bill
On Friday, the California-based Santa Rosa Press Democrat published an editorial calling out the hypocrisy of the Farm Bill amendment introduced by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, “who will enthusiastically tell you that Washington meddles too much in state and local affairs. Until he disagrees with . . .
Some Broad Thoughts on Our Movement
The work of The HSUS is grounded on a couple of core principles: animals have the capacity to suffer, and we humans have the capacity to help them. We hold all the power over animals and our choices and conduct have enormous consequences for them. And it’s . . .
Miracle Horse Returns Favor
Two years ago, I wrote about a foal named “Moonstruck,” a colt who survived against all odds. While pregnant with Moonstruck, his mother, Catori, was crammed aboard a cattle trailer, bound for slaughter in Mexico, when the driver fell asleep at the wheel. The truck careened off the . . .
Another Big Advance for Chimps
It’s a momentous day for chimpanzees, in captive settings in the U.S. and in the wilds where they still survive in their range states in Africa. About three years after The HSUS and a diverse coalition of groups filed a legal petition to extend federal protection . . .
