Wildlife/Marine Mammals
Good news from Iceland: No whaling this season

Good news in our work means animals thrive and we therefore celebrate it. That’s how it was for me this morning when I woke up to the report that there will be no whaling in Iceland this summer. Something my colleagues at Humane Society International . . .
Our animal protection agenda wins big in House Appropriations funding package

By Kitty Block and Sara Amundson There’s a reason why the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund invest substantial time and effort in seeking to shape funding decisions within the U.S. Congress; it pays off big for animal protection. . . .
Arizona moves to ban wildlife killing contests

Arizona’s Game and Fish Commission has voted to ban wildlife killing contests: gruesome spectacles in which participants vie for cash and prizes for killing the most or heaviest animals within a specific time period. This is a wonderful development because Arizona has been the site . . .
Breaking news: Canada bans shark finning and shark fin trade

Canada, the largest importer of shark fins outside Asia, has passed a landmark bill that includes measures to prohibit the trade in shark fins nationally as well as finning in Canadian waters. Humane Society International/Canada joined Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and the Canadian Coast Guard . . .
Oregon passes controversial plan to set the stage for trophy hunting of wolves

Oregon has just made it easier for trophy hunters and trappers to go after the state’s small population of wolves. In a move strenuously opposed by scientists, environmentalists and animal protection groups, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on Friday updated its Wolf Conservation and . . .
Breaking news: Canada bans captivity of whales and dolphins for entertainment

In a powerful affirmation of the rising global tide against the use of marine animals in performing acts, Canadian lawmakers today voted to end the captivity of whales, dolphins and porpoises for entertainment. The Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act or the “Free . . .
No science behind war on wolves, coyotes

Scientists have long cautioned against the indiscriminate hunting of wolves because of the harmful effects it can have on the natural balance of an ecosystem. But this has not stopped states or the federal government from conducting a war on these beautiful native carnivores. The . . .
Breaking news: Key House committee, federal court direct USDA to release crucial animal welfare records

The House appropriations committee has just issued a clear directive to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reinstate full public access to animal welfare inspection reports and other records that show how businesses like roadside zoos and puppy mills, and research facilities that do invasive . . .
Breaking news: Botswana lifts trophy hunting ban on elephants

In a senseless step backward, the southern African nation of Botswana yesterday announced it will once again allow trophy hunters to prey upon its natural bounty of wildlife, including its iconic elephants. The move, reported in the media as a political ploy by President Mokgweetsi . . .
Spending bills move up in Congress, with progress for wild horses and burros, wolves and other wildlife

By Kitty Block and Sara Amundson As the U.S. Congress takes up the business of funding federal programs, some good news for animals has emerged. Today, the House Appropriations Committee approved two Fiscal Year 2020 bills that cover funding for the Department of the Interior, . . .
Breaking news: Prada Group goes fur-free

Prada, one of the world’s biggest and most iconic fashion houses, has gone fur-free. The Prada Group, which is also the parent company of brands including Miu Miu, Church’s and Car Shoe, today announced it will ban all animal fur products starting with its Spring . . .
HSI/Canada rescues more than 200 wild animals, including lions, tigers and bears, from roadside zoo

Humane Society International rescuers are on the ground in Quebec today, assisting with a massive seizure of more than 200 wild animals, including lions, tigers, zebras, bears, camels and kangaroos, from an unaccredited roadside zoo. Earlier today, the zoo operator was arrested by the Montreal . . .