Archive for February, 2015
Indian Tribes, Others Stand Up for Wolves
The United Tribes of Michigan (comprising 12 recognized Indian tribes in the northern part of the state) recently adopted a resolution opposing removal of federal protections for wolves and calling on people to recognize the historical and ecological significance of wolves. It’s a message closely . . .
SEA the WORLD From Whales’ Perspective
The footage was recorded in January, taken by the operator of a whale-watching boat in Cabo St. Lucas – at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in the west of Mexico. A juvenile humpback whale surges out of the water, and splashes down on . . .
Best in Spay-and-Neuter
Consider two recent events focused on dogs: one, yesterday’s 21st annual World Spay Day, a joint program of The HSUS, HSI, and Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA), and two, last week’s 139th Westminster Kennel Club dog show at Madison Square Garden. The first is . . .
Court Ruling Underscores Need for Action to End Horse Soring
Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit struck down a U.S. Department of Agriculture regulation requiring private, industry-appointed inspectors to impose mandatory minimum penalties on participants caught “soring” – the practice of deliberately injuring a horse’s legs and hooves to force the . . .
Meat Industry Gripes, as Grip on U.S. Dietary Guidelines Loosens
The federal government’s dietary guidelines have a stilted history. When I was growing up, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) promoted the Basic Four Food Groups as the construct of the ideal diet, with meat and dairy constituting half of the food groups and fruits . . .
Dogs Rescued from Arkansas Mill, Where Cold Compounds Misery
The bracing freeze that has enveloped so much of the country reminds us of the power of nature and our vulnerability to the extremes of climate. During a time like this, those of us in cold-weather climates bundle up head to toe to go outside, . . .
XOXO to Sodexo – For Taking a Stand for Millions of Hens
Today, with Sodexo, we are announcing that the giant food service company has committed, over the next five years, to switch all 20 million pounds of its liquid eggs to cage-free. The company manages dining operations at thousands of colleges, universities, hospitals, and corporate dining centers across the . . .
Pack of Scientists Urges Congress to Leave Wolves, ESA Alone
Today, more than 50 world-renowned wildlife biologists and scientists, many of whom have devoted their entire professional careers toward understanding the social and biological issues surrounding wolves in North America, sent a letter to Congress urging members to oppose any efforts to strip federal protections . . .
Ractopamine: It’s What’s For Dinner
China and Russia aren’t known as leaders on food safety or animal welfare, yet there’s one drug that even they—along with much of the world, including the European Union—won’t allow to be fed to animals destined for the plate: ractopamine. This growth-promoting drug has left . . .
Out-of-the-Box Thinking on Outdoor Cats
Cat advocates, wildlife conservationists, legislators, and public health representatives have long struggled with the issue of managing outdoor cats. And it’s no small matter, since there could be as many as 40 million community (feral and stray) cats now living in the United States, of which . . .
A Raft of Bad Ideas Bubble Up in Congress
Congress is off to a brisk start when it comes to animal issues, but much of the action seeks to turn back the clock and to revive awful ideas. Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) has again introduced legislation to overturn state laws that protect animals. Late this . . .
AKC: The Puppy Mills’ Champion?
Wild Bill once had the honor of being named an American Kennel Club champion dog. The Australian Cattle Dog competed in AKC events and won ribbons for his good looks. But then he got some gray on his muzzle, and fame faded. It wasn’t long before local . . .
