Farm Animals
More than 86 million egg-laying hens in the U.S. are now cage-free

New federal data released this month shows the enormous progress we have made toward the goal of ending the cruel cage confinement of farm animals in the United States. More than a quarter (26.2%) of eggs produced in our nation are now cage-free, according to . . .
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 . . .
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 . . .
HSUS fights efforts by states to gag whistleblowers on factory farms, keep puppy mills in business

Right now, as they do every year, our opponents are mobilizing in state legislatures around the country to halt the march forward for animal protection. Even as we have worked with countless stakeholders to win passage of hundreds of bills and local ordinances year after . . .
HSUS grades companies on animal welfare pledges: see how McDonald’s, Subway, Starbucks and others performed

Over the last decade, dozens of corporations from Walmart to McDonald’s have promised to reduce animal suffering in their supply chains, including eliminating cages for egg-laying hens, ending the sourcing of pork from operations that use gestation crates, and mandating better treatment of chickens in . . .
HSUS, other groups sue Trump administration for speeding up chicken slaughter

A coalition including the Humane Society of the United States today sued the Trump administration for allowing chicken slaughterhouses to dial up the breakneck speeds at which they kill birds. The increase, announced in 2018, allows slaughterhouses that receive a waiver from the administration to . . .
Mostly plant-based Oscars signal growing American concern over cruel factory farms

One of the Oscars’ most memorable moments this year came with Joaquin Phoenix’s heartfelt plea about the suffering of animals raised for food. The speech, which drew concern for animals into a broader framework of social injustice, followed an A-list nod to plant-based eating from . . .
State of the animals under the Trump administration: a year of highs and lows

This past year has been a mixed one for animals under President Donald Trump. On the one hand we’ve seen federal agencies take steps to improve the fortunes of animals used in testing and the wild horses and burros on our public ranges, and also . . .
Breaking news: Court rules California’s foie gras ban will stand

A federal judge has just shut down the latest challenge to California’s foie gras ban, in an important ruling that reaffirms the right of states to enact legislation that protects animals in agriculture. Today’s district court ruling is the latest in a long-running saga that . . .
And the award goes to… the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, for a plant-based menu at the Golden Globes

At the Golden Globes this Sunday, Hollywood’s A-list celebrities will sit down to an all-plant-based dinner. And while no one knows yet who will take home the evening’s top awards, the menu—chilled golden beet soup, king oyster mushrooms scallops and wild mushroom risotto, and roasted . . .
In 2019, the HSUS and our affiliates produced extraordinary gains for all animals

The year 2019 was one of extraordinary gains for animals trapped in the cruel business of fur, for companion animals who are the victims of malicious cruelty, for wild animals at risk of extinction because of trophy hunting and the wildlife products trade, and for . . .
In 2019, HSI drove key global wins for farm animals and against dog meat trade, wildlife trafficking and more

With a presence in more than 50 countries, Humane Society International has the reach and the ability to create lasting and transformational change for animals around the globe. In 2019, among several achievements, our team helped win key victories for giraffes, elephants and rhinos at . . .