Public Policy (Legal/Legislative)
Key U.S. Senate Committee Passes Series of Key Provisions for Horses, Orcas, and Farm Animals
We had a powerful showing today in the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee – with two key HSUS allies, Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M. and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., securing enough votes to pass their amendments dealing with horse slaughter for human consumption and the keeping of orcas . . .
Toxic Substances, Nontoxic Policy
Each year, tens of thousands of animals are killed to test industrial chemicals, including ingredients found in common household products in our homes. These animals suffer terribly, as harsh chemicals are rubbed into their skin, forced down their throats, and even dropped in their eyes. . . .
The Propaganda Machine and `the Backfire Effect’
In 2006, scholars Brendan Nyhan and Jason Reifler presented a paper to the American Political Science Association about the “backfire effect” – presenting evidence from a series of studies to show that “when your deepest convictions are challenged by contradictory evidence, your feelings get stronger.” In . . .
Will Humanity Rise to the Defense of Elephants?
Yesterday, The New York Times published a Sunday editorial celebrating the latest progress for chimpanzees – an announcement two weeks ago from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that all chimps, including the captives, will be listed as endangered. This announcement, which comes after The HSUS . . .
Protecting Elephants a Matter of National Security
Lawmakers across the country are dawdling as elephants die. In several states, special interests have killed bills this year to crack down on the ivory trade – most recently in Oregon and Hawaii – though California’s anti-ivory trading bill is looking strong and a comprehensive ballot . . .
Congressional Committee Hits the Mark on U.S. MARC
It seems there’s not a day that goes by without major news for animals – whether it is tangible progress in ensuring their protection and well-being, or examples of fierce resistance to continuing abuse. The last 24 hours have been no exception. Yesterday, Pope Francis . . .
European Commission Deals Another Blow to North American Horsemeat Trade
A European Commission audit released this week warns that horsemeat imported from Canada does not fully meet European food safety standards. A similar audit from the Commission last year found similar problems with horsemeat from Mexico – most of it from American horses, cruelly hauled . . .
Animal Protection: A Domestic and Foreign Affair
In the July-August issue of Foreign Affairs, I wrote a long-form essay, “The Long Road to Animal Welfare,” that tracks our movement’s unmistakable progress in recent years, and attempts to explain how much of it has happened. I’ve written at prior times on this blog that, . . .
Prehistoric Logic: the Illinois Legislature’s Attack on Bobcats
Two weeks ago, the Illinois House of Representatives voted by the narrowest of margins to approve a bill to reverse the state’s 42-year ban on commercial trapping and sport hunting of bobcats and to send that bill, HB 352, to the governor for his consideration. . . .
At Long Last, All Chimpanzees, Including Captive Animals, to Get Strongest Protections Under the Endangered Species Act
EDITOR’S NOTE: GOOD NEWS! The HSUS and the New York Blood Center have announced an agreement to provide long-term sanctuary for the Liberian chimpanzees. READ THE UPDATE » Today, in a tremendous and long-awaited advance, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it will . . .
Congressional Spending Bill Contains Trove of Anti-Elephant, Anti-Wolf, and Other Anti-Animal Riders
It’s hard to know where to begin in dissecting, and panning, the Interior Department spending bill released yesterday by a House appropriations subcommittee – a truly awful jumble of the worst anti-animal riders that any small group of lawmakers could assemble in one legislative package. . . .
Horse Sense Needed to End Doping in Horse Racing
In the run-up to the Belmont Stakes tomorrow, I participated in a discussion yesterday on public radio about the rampant doping of racehorses and the need for reform within an industry that has failed to take responsibility for its problems and runs through its athletes . . .
