Archive for April, 2020
World Health Organization says nations should end wildlife trade
The World Health Organization is calling on nations to end wildlife markets because of the high risk they pose for the spread of pathogens like the coronavirus that can jump from animals to humans. This week, David Nabarro, a medical doctor and the special envoy . . .
HSUS survey shows pet stores do brisk business selling puppy mill dogs during pandemic
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, shelters and rescues have pivoted swiftly to ensure that more animals get adopted and to make space for others in need. I’ve been reporting on this blog about shelters and rescue groups successfully placing animals into loving homes . . .
China’s recognition of dogs as companion animals bodes well for its animal welfare future
There is unprecedented focus on the challenges of animal welfare in China in the wake of COVID -19. The sharpening international scrutiny of its wildlife markets and wildlife trade will shake up animal protection policy in China and around the world. The news that a . . .
Washington state plans to increase trophy hunting of cougars despite widespread public opposition
Every day produces ample evidence that those involved with harming and killing animals don’t take a break, even during a national emergency. And neither do we. The latest example involves a proposal to expand trophy hunting of cougars in Washington State. The Washington Department of . . .
BREAKING NEWS: Bipartisan congressional letter calls for end to live wildlife markets
Consistent with the recommendations in Wildlife Markets and COVID-19, the Humane Society International report released earlier this week, and our own messaging on the pandemic, Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Representatives Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) and Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and more than sixty . . .
Newly released footage confirms the Joe Exotic we know
We’ve known “Joe Exotic” (Joe Schreibvogel) for a long while, and we know him well. This week, we’re releasing additional footage from the Humane Society of the United States investigations focusing on Joe, Doc Antle and other wild animal breeders and traders that began in . . .
HSUS sues USDA over policies that risk future pandemics
Today the Humane Society of the United States filed a federal lawsuit challenging the response plan for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (or “bird flu”) of the United States Department of Agriculture. The response plan, produced by the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, is shortsighted and . . .
On World Health Day, a global reckoning with COVID-19 is urgent
Like an alarm bell in the night, COVID-19 has cut through the uneasy silence of the world’s failure to address pandemic illness tied to the trade, transport and consumption of wildlife. The notion that we could have prevented COVID-19 by taking decisive steps to curb . . .
Today’s mix on Morning Joe: Wildlife markets, factory farms and the COVID-19 crisis
I appeared today on MSNBC’s Morning Joe to speak about the COVID-19 crisis and wildlife markets with Humane Society International’s Peter Li and our colleague Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary. Together, we made the case for an immediate end to wildlife markets all over the . . .
Breaking news: Fauci calls for closing down wildlife markets around the globe
The nation’s most authoritative voice on infectious diseases today sounded a stern warning about the dangers of the wildlife trade and its relationship to pandemic diseases like COVID-19. In an interview with Fox News, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci called for the global community to pressure . . .
Shenzhen bans dog and cat meat trade; first city in mainland China to do so
Shenzhen has become the first city in mainland China to ban the consumption of dog and cat meat, marking one of the biggest wins yet in the global battle to end the dog meat trade. This is China’s fifth largest city. Although not itself a . . .
Coronavirus crisis increases need to help victims of domestic violence and their pets
With hundreds of millions of people required to stay indoors during the coronavirus pandemic, the media is reporting an alarming increase in domestic violence incidents the world over. This includes the United States where calls to help lines have jumped dramatically. It is a problem . . .
