Companion Animals
Victory! Omnibus signed into law over weekend has major wins on horse racing, slaughter and soring
With the signing of the omnibus bill this past weekend, U.S. federal law now includes critical protections for horses we have fought hard for over many years. These include measures to stop the widespread drugging of racehorses and provide increased track safety, keep horse slaughter . . .
Breaking news: Congress’s omnibus package includes big wins for animals
The appropriations bill and accompanying coronavirus relief/stimulus package for fiscal year 2021 now advancing through Congress will bring critical and much-needed support to millions of Americans. We are also pleased to report that the package, which funds federal agencies, includes a number of wins for . . .
In 2020, we brought food, essential services to hundreds of thousands of animals and people affected globally by the pandemic
The global pandemic posed immense challenges to the animal protection community this year. Around the world, people—and the animals who depend on them—reeled from the impact of illness, death, closures, job losses and difficulty in accessing the most basic services. We stepped in to try . . .
In 2020 we continued to make advances against puppy mills with new laws, enforcement and closures
Despite the pandemic, our fight against puppy mills continued full throttle in 2020. We won several important legal and legislative battles against these commercial enterprises that keep large numbers of dogs in sordid conditions, and we continued to raise awareness about problem mills through our . . .
Victory! New Department of Transportation rule says airlines cannot ban certain breeds of service dogs
The Department of Transportation has just finalized a rule that prohibits airlines from banning pit-bull-type dogs and certain other breeds from serving as service animals on flights. The Humane Society family of organizations has long opposed breed bans because they are unscientific and discriminate against . . .
Three Chicago pet stores continue to sell fake ‘rescue’ dogs; one caught buying directly from breeder
For some years now, we have been keeping a close eye on three Chicago pet stores that have been finding their way around a city ordinance that prohibits the sales of commercially raised dogs and cats in pet stores to fight the problem of puppy . . .
Holidays highlight the importance of pets in our lives
The presence of pets has been one of the silver linings during the pandemic for so many millions of Americans. A recent, evocative NPR story delved into the joys and comforts of such companionship at a time when people are isolated at home and less . . .
HSUS undercover investigation shows dogs in dismal conditions at puppy mills while USDA turns a blind eye
An HSUS undercover investigator has recorded video footage of animals living in dismal conditions at puppy mills in the Midwest that have never or only rarely been cited for neglecting the animals in their care by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the federal agency whose . . .
Naps in the sun, treats and Beethoven: Survivors of Korean dog meat farm live it up at temporary shelter
One of the most miraculous things about animals is their extraordinary ability to heal and love. It is something we witness time and again in our work, especially with the dogs we rescue from South Korean dog meat farms. Last month, I told you about . . .
Senate appropriations package has both good and bad news for animals
The Senate Committee on Appropriations today released a package of 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2021, and it is a mixed bag for animals. The House has already approved its appropriations bills, which fund federal government agencies, and they include significant protections for animals, . . .
A time of hope for animals
As Joe Biden and Kamala Harris head to the White House, they bring with them a proven track record of protecting animals. In past years, we have worked with both the president- and vice-president-elect to strengthen laws on wildlife, marine mammals, farm animals, and so . . .
Presidents and their pets: Tales of nonpartisan, unconditional love
At the now defunct Newseum in Washington, D.C., one of the most popular exhibits used to be a photographic display on presidents and their dogs. It was impossible to get in edgeways through the crowds milling around it, and almost everyone had smiles on their . . .
