Wildlife/Marine Mammals
Tip of the Hat, Wag of the Finger
One of The HSUS’s most important functions is to spotlight decision-making—sound and unsound. We single out leadership on behalf of animals to show what’s right. And we highlight bad conduct to debunk flawed thinking and promote accountability. Two very different people deserve the attention for . . .
Talk Back: Turmoil Over Travis
As the lurid and unsettling details of the chimpanzee attack on 55-year-old Charla Nash come to light, it is so obvious that we need better and more complete state and federal laws to stop the trade in wild animals as pets, specifically the larger animals . . .
Five Fatal Lessons From Chimp Attack
I feel like we at The HSUS are constantly reminding policy makers, animal-use industries, and regular people about mind-numbingly reckless behavior when it comes to our treatment of animals—whether it’s dragging sick or crippled “downer cows” into slaughterhouses for human consumption, dosing animals on factory . . .
Shot Heard ‘Round the Park
In 1985, I worked four months at Isle Royale National Park, an archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior best known for its moose and wolves. Since the 1950s, it’s been something of a laboratory for the study of predator-prey relationships. Because of its isolation, . . .
Circus Elephant Trial Starts Tomorrow
Tomorrow, after a dizzying array of delays and obstructionist tactics that have persisted for more than eight years, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will finally stand trial in federal district court in D.C. over charges that the world’s most famous circus cruelly mistreats . . .
Say What, Punxsutawney Phil?
In celebration of Groundhog Day, let’s show a little appreciation for these fantastic animals. Share our tip sheet with anyone you know who’s complained of a groundhog in their garden. Then submit a caption for this close-up of Punxsutawney Phil.
We Need Your Vote on Components of “Change Agenda for Animals”
As a marker of a healthy democracy, there is nothing to match the spectacle of seeing a new American president sworn in. This transfer of political authority is one of the foundation stones of democratic government, and a reminder that the people of America ultimately . . .
2008: A Look Back
I’ve had the privilege of being president of The HSUS for short of five years now. I had hoped, in taking the post, that I could enhance the organization’s reputation as a powerful, mainstream force for animal protection—a force that could take on the major . . .
Gray, with a Silver Lining
I celebrate the people who go to shelters or rescue groups to adopt any homeless dog or cat. It’s an act of love and kindness. But I have a special place in my heart for people who adopt senior pets. These dogs or cats may . . .
A Look Ahead: Obama’s Ag and Interior Chiefs
Today, in his regular blog "Animals & Politics," my colleague Michael Markarian posted a blog well worth reading about today's announcement by President-elect Barack Obama on his latest cabinet selections: former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack for Agriculture Secretary and current U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar from . . .
The Elephant in the Room
Elephants are among the most majestic of the animals we seek to protect here at The HSUS. These “gentle giants” have been the subject of much news recently, and I wanted to share a few of those items with you today. © The Elephant SanctuaryNed . . .
eBay Does Elephants’ Bidding
I’ve been writing a lot lately about the Big Agribusiness corporations fighting the reforms of California’s Proposition 2, blinded by the bottom line. So it’s a welcome change of pace to tell you about a major multi-national company that has taken a strong stand for . . .
