Explore the remarkable journey of Amruta Ubale and her team, who helped lead the charge for animal protection in India twelve years ago through dedicated animal advocacy. “Here you are again,” the Indian Ministry of Foreign Trade receptionist said with a hint of humor in his eyes. Before him stood a woman with a determined […]
Remembering Senator Dianne Feinstein, a great animal protection leader
We mourn Senator Dianne Feinstein, a stalwart champion on humane issues across the board, a 100 percenter on our Humane Scorecard year after year, our Legislator of the Year in 2016 and most recently, a leader in the fight to uphold California’s Prop 12 and defeat the dangerous Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act that […]
The 2023 Illinois Humane Scorecard is here! Did your state legislators make the grade on animal protection?
Modeled after our longtime federal Humane Scorecard, the Humane Society Legislative Fund’s state scorecards hold state legislators accountable to a range of humane interests—and have become increasingly influential with those who value the well-being of animals. As we work together to advance the animal protection agenda in your state, we need to first know where […]
Hey, Marylanders! Is animal protection a priority for your representative?
This summer, the Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) released the 2023 Maryland Humane Scorecard. The scorecard grades legislators in the Maryland State House based on how they voted on key animal protection initiatives introduced during the 2023 session. Knowing where legislators stand on our key issues, from veterinary access to trapping regulation, is crucial as […]
Senate Committee on Appropriations advances key animal protection measures
The Senate Committee on Appropriations acted on a raft of animal welfare measures late last week, building on the House committee’s earlier work and helping set the stage for positive results in the final package. In a few areas—specifically directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to phase out cosmetics testing on animals, providing increased […]
Breaking: Supreme Court upholds strongest farm animal protection law in U.S.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block We are thrilled that after months of tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, we have emerged victorious in our landmark Supreme Court defense of California’s Proposition 12. The decision, announced earlier today, upholds the nation’s strongest farm animal protection law and unanimously rejects the pork industry’s primary constitutional claim. The […]
Calling all Virginians – Where do your state legislators stand on animal protection?
The 2023 Virginia Humane Scorecard is now available online, and we encourage voters to use it as a tool when they approach the ballot box this year. Holding legislators accountable to humane interests is critical as we strive to make our voices louder than those of the trophy hunters, factory farmers, and puppy mill lobbyists. […]
Puppy Protection Act brings hope for dogs languishing in puppy mills
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block In West Point, Iowa, a large-scale, commercial breeding facility called the Stonehenge Kennel contains more than 800 dogs. Here, since 2015, more than 100 dogs have been found sick or injured; some had open lesions and could barely walk. As recently as December 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture […]
For the first time, birds receive protection under the Animal Welfare Act
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block In a monumental step forward for birds who are often exploited in the pet trade, exhibitions and breeding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has just enacted federal protections for birds used in commerce. This win is the result of a decades-long legal effort by animal organizations. Now these birds […]
2022 in review: How did your Members of Congress score on animal protection issues?
Today, I’m pleased to share our Humane Scorecard for the second session of the 117th Congress, a strong reflection of the success of our animal protection agenda in 2022. The scorecard tracks key co-sponsorships, votes and other animal-friendly actions by federal lawmakers. It’s more than just an accountability tool, however. It creates greater awareness and […]