By Kitty Block and Sara Amundson So much of our work to give imperiled animals the protections they deserve is a long game, and we’ve been going to the proverbial bat to preserve the hippopotamus for years. Just recently, we, along with one of our allies, sent notice of our intent to sue the U.S. […]
Breaking: Threat to nation’s strongest farm animal law deepens in U.S. Congress
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block Whatever doubt there may have been before, the situation is now crystal clear. The battle over California’s Proposition 12 and the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act (or some other approach to blocking Proposition 12 through the Farm Bill) has been joined, and we’re in the thick of it. […]
The number of U.S. mink fur farms plummets as consumers reject cruelty
By Kitty Block and Sara Amundson Fur production in the U.S. is plummeting, and that’s good news for animals. Every five years, as part of the U.S. Census, the U.S. Department of Agriculture releases data on mink farms in the country. The newly released numbers show that in 2017, 236 mink fur farms existed in […]
These legislators stood up for animals and against dangerous EATS Act in U.S. Congress
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block Every year, our Humane Awards recognize elected officials who help animals through public policy efforts in the U.S. Congress. As sponsors of positive legislation, and as champions of strong regulatory reforms, these legislators are in the vanguard of the fight for creating more protections for animals. In addition to […]
How animals would be impacted by U.S. federal funding package
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block Ahead of a looming U.S. government shutdown, congressional leaders have unveiled the first of two packages of bills to keep federal government funded through September 30 (the end of fiscal year 2024). This first package of funding and directives for several agencies contains many key items with positive implications […]
Breaking: U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposes to protect native carnivores on national wildlife refuges
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will be proposing a rule that would ban predator control on the National Wildlife Refuge System. When finalized, this rule will be a huge victory for countless wildlife living on refuges. The National Wildlife Refuge System is home to thousands […]
Inside a U.S. Foie Gras Farm: Ducks Force-Fed for Diseased Livers
Step inside a U.S. duck farm with Animal Equality’s International Director for Investigations. Here, you’ll discover how the foie gras industry force-feeds and slaughters animals for their fatty, diseased livers. My name is Sean, and I am the International Director of Investigations for Animal Equality. Today, I want to tell you about my first experience […]
Brazen attacks on Endangered Species Act emerge in U.S. House funding bill
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block Just a few weeks short of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act’s passage, opponents in the U.S. Congress have pushed through a series of hostile amendments to undermine the landmark law during the House appropriations funding process. That’s the grim reality of the contemporary political landscape for […]
U.S. Congress has new chance to better protect animals with game-changing bill
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block Responsibility for animals’ welfare rests with us all, including the federal government. Our work spans a range of federal agencies, all of which can do something to support the prevention of animal cruelty and suffering. A whole-of-government approach is consistent with the growth of our movement and its influence, […]
U.S. Animal Industries Pose Disease Risks to People, Report Says
The authors analyzed 36 animal markets in the United States, including dog breeding, hunting and trapping, livestock auctions, backyard chicken farming and petting zoos. To assess how much risk each industry posed, they conducted interviews with experts and reviewed scientific papers, publicly available data, government regulations and more. For each industry, they considered 10 factors, […]