Farm Animals
Greyhound racing has ended in Florida. 49 states say animal torture is a felony. In 2021, we will continue to win more battles for animals on the state and local levels
On Dec. 31, Florida’s greyhound racetracks closed for good as a result of a ballot measure we helped pass with our partner groups in 2018. That win brought down what was once the stronghold of this “sport” and effectively sounded the death knell for greyhound . . .
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 . . .
Factory farms are baking pigs alive during the pandemic. Veterinarians call for changing guidance on this barbaric killing method
As a result of slaughterhouse closures during the pandemic, some producers have used a cruel method called “ventilation shutdown,” or VSD, to kill whole herds of pigs. Ventilator shutdown involves locking a flock or herd of animals in a building and turning off the ventilation . . .
In 2020, we dismantled more cruel cages on factory farms and set new records for egg-laying hens
We have made remarkable progress in our work to end cruel cage confinement of farm animals during 2020. As a result, millions more animals around the world will no longer face lives of abject misery in tiny cages and crates on massive factory farms that . . .
In historic decision, federal court upholds verdict that Smithfield’s factory farming practices made its neighbors miserable
A federal court has ruled that a jury was right in holding Smithfield responsible for creating a nuisance for a community in the vicinity of a pig growing facility in North Carolina. Neighbors of the Smithfield-affiliated facility, which held 15,000 pigs, had alleged that the . . .
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 . . .
Victory! Federal court rejects challenge to Prop 12
December 23, 2020 UPDATE: Since this blog was posted, the North American Meat Institute petitioned the Ninth Circuit to try to get its case reheard en banc (by a full panel of the Court). Today, the Ninth Circuit unanimously rejected the Institute’s request to rehear . . .
Corporations make rapid strides toward cage-free future
Recently, we recognized Barilla, the world’s largest pasta maker, and TOKS, one of Mexico’s most popular fast casual restaurants, with the Henry Spira Corporate Progress Awards. These companies both made the decision to source their eggs exclusively from cage-free suppliers, and then embraced that decision . . .
The next global pandemic could begin at a factory farm: HSI report
No one can predict when or where the next global public health crisis will arise. But a Humane Society International white paper concludes that farming animals on a large scale poses a serious risk. The novel coronavirus is believed to have originated in a wildlife . . .
New study finds most chicken meat sold globally comes from terrible animal suffering
The meat industry’s common practice of breeding broiler chickens to grow faster and bigger results in immense suffering and extremely poor quality of life for the animals, according to the largest study ever conducted on the topic. The two-year study was conducted by researchers at . . .
Virtually the best conference ever: registration open for Taking Action for Animals Online 2020
The fundamental purpose of our marquee advocacy training event, Taking Action for Animals Online, occurring on September 19 and 20, is to support greater political and social engagement by those who care about animals. COVID-19 hasn’t changed a thing in that regard, and TAFA 2020 . . .
