Companion Animals
Greyhound racing on its last lap: Alabama closes final track; Florida judge throws out challenge to landmark racing ban
Greyhound racing moved closer than ever to its certain demise in the United States this week, with two significant victories in Florida and Alabama. On Monday, a U.S. District Court judge rejected a lawsuit by the greyhound industry that sought to overturn Amendment 13, the . . .
Rob Thomas, Chris Daughtry and Jason Mraz will ‘Rock the House for Animals’ in livestream concert tonight
Tonight, in a wonderful gesture of support for our lifesaving work, some of America’s most talented songwriters—Rob Thomas, Chris Daughtry and Jason Mraz—will join forces for a one-of-a-kind benefit concert, Rock the House for Animals. The concert, which will livestream on HumaneSociety.org, Facebook, YouTube and . . .
Volunteers boost the HSUS’s critical work during coronavirus crisis
One of the Humane Society of the United States’ greatest strengths is our army of volunteers. These are people across the country who take action in large numbers when we call upon them to help carry out our important work. Whether it involves gathering signatures . . .
Pets for Life brings lifesaving services to underserved areas amidst pandemic
Many communities hit hardest by the coronavirus crisis are those that were already underserved. These are the communities that have high rates of poverty and limited access to veterinary and other pet care services but where we see so much love and heartwarming bonds between . . .
Veterinarians address pet owners’ concerns about the coronavirus
Update: The USDA has announced the first confirmed case of coronavirus infection in a dog (a German shepherd) in New York state. Officials said one of the dog’s owners tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and another showed symptoms prior to . . .
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 . . .
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 . . .
Law enforcement officers step up for animals in the midst of a pandemic
Across the nation, law enforcement officers—despite facing unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus pandemic—are hard at work to ensure that animals who need their help are neither forgotten nor left behind. Since the crisis began, our state directors have reached out to government officials to ensure . . .
More localities end puppy mill sales in pet stores, taking total to more than 350
The fight to wipe out puppy mills passed a critical milestone this month: more than 350 American localities now ban the sales of puppy mill dogs in pet stores. The latest ordinances were passed by Roselle, New Jersey; Algonquin, Illinois and Carver, Minnesota last week, . . .
For participants’ safety, HSUS cancels Animal Care Expo 2020 as coronavirus pandemic continues
With the country in the grip of the coronavirus for an indefinite period, we’ve decided to cancel Animal Care Expo 2020, our marquee training and exhibition event for animal welfare professionals, scheduled to be held in San Antonio, Texas, this May. In some respects, it . . .
Fosters step up as shelters around the country struggle to cope with coronavirus crisis
Cary Smith already cares for six dogs at home, but when she heard a plea from the Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in Fairfax, Virginia, as the coronavirus crisis broke, she knew she just had to step up. “They sent out a plea for fosters to . . .
