As the status of cats rises, states turn against declawing
Maryland recently became the second state to enact legislation that prohibits the declawing of cats. The first to do so was New York, in 2019, and a handful of municipalities have done the same over the last several years. That declawing (the amputation of the . . .
Cosmetics animal testing is in the spotlight—now’s the time to end it
One of our most urgent fights at the federal level centers on passage of the Humane Cosmetics Act in Congress. It’s got strong bipartisan support, cosmetics industry approval and the backing of scientists who understand the limitations of conventional animal tests and are committed to . . .
A beloved cat reuniting with his family and other small victories give us hope as war in Ukraine rages on
When Russia invaded her country in late February, Larysa Frisby of Ukraine fortunately was far from the war zone visiting family in the United States. Unfortunately, her cat Persik was back home in Odesa. Frisby managed to find help to evacuate the cat as far . . .
Two ‘big tusker’ elephants killed for the thrill by trophy hunters in Botswana
We learned last week about the outrageous killing of two iconic and rare “big tusker” male savanna elephants in an unpopulated corner of northern Botswana. “Big tusker” refers to an elephant with at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds but it effectively signifies an elephant . . .
We’re calling for SEC action over McDonald’s deception as the company confirms cruel crate confinement
Today, the Humane Society of the United States is calling on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate and hold McDonald’s accountable for deceiving shareholders and the public about its animal confinement policies. We confronted McDonald’s with a shareholder proposal after suspecting that the . . .
Undercover investigation exposes the horrors of animal testing—and more than 80 dogs who need our help
Today we are releasing the results of our seven-month undercover investigation at one of America’s largest animal testing laboratories. We’re asking you to join us in changing an outdated industry— animal testing—and, more immediately, in urging the release of more than 80 dogs still suffering . . .
In Canada, baby seals still face a cruel fate
Today I’m turning the blog over to my colleague Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of Humane Society International/Canada. For nearly two decades, Rebecca has been on the literal front lines of the fight to save animals, traveling to the ice floes of the Northwest Atlantic to . . .
Time, talent and National Volunteer Week: A reason to celebrate and participate
Every time we share news of a victory in our fight to protect animals, or positive trends in our cause, or growing momentum in a particular campaign, it’s also a story about the countless contributions of people working tirelessly behind the scenes to make these . . .
If you found an ‘orphaned’ wild animal, would you know how to do the right thing?
For many years, the modest stretch of forested land surrounding our office in Maryland has offered a refuge to wild animals whose habitat is shrinking around them. Year after year, our staff members excitedly share sightings of our wild neighbors: the mama fox who births . . .
Arizona becomes the latest state to ban the sale and production of eggs from caged chickens
In an important and encouraging advance for the protection of farm animals, Arizona has moved to ban cruel cages for egg-laying hens and ensure that all eggs produced and/or sold in the state are cage-free. The regulations promulgated by the Arizona Department of Agriculture guarantee . . .
New UK law takes landmark step, recognizing that animals have feelings
While many of our Humane Society International colleagues are responding to the crisis in Ukraine, they continue to advance the vital priority campaigns that are the main focus of their work. In the United Kingdom, that includes the recent passage of “sentience” legislation that requires . . .
Decades-long persistence pays off as proposed federal regulations will protect captive birds
When Humane Society of the United States investigators go out to take a close look at facilities that keep captive birds—roadside zoos, animal markets and others—they almost always return with the same dispiriting reports of dismal treatment and living conditions. Owls and hawks tightly chained . . .
