Critical insights at the intersection of animals and politics
Bill obtained 219 cosponsors in the 115th Congress Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) reintroduced the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act (HR 961) to end the slaughter of American horses for human consumption. The legislation would prohibit the sale and transport of equines for slaughter, effectively preventing horse … Read more
Washington, D.C. — Today, Priscilla Presley, U.S. Rep Steve Cohen (D-TN), and author and animal advocate Wayne Pacelle were recognized for their leadership and work to end the cruel practice of soring Tennessee Walking Horses. Awards were presented at the National Press Club by the Citizens Campaign Against Big Lick Animal Cruelty (CCABLAC) and its founder … Read more
U.S. District Court nullifies Iowa’s ag-gag law, while U.S. Supreme Court decides not to hear challenges to the nation’s strongest state animal protection laws Last week, a U.S. District Court declared Iowa’s ag-gag law unconstitutional, making it the fourth measure of its broad type to be struck down in part or in whole in the … Read more
In 18th- and 19th-century America, whaling fleets launching from Nantucket and New Bedford, in search of whales in the seven seas, powered a burgeoning economy. Working on a whaling ship was equal parts boring and back-breaking, tough and dangerous for the “iron men on wooden ships” plying the open ocean for months at a time. … Read more
Key advances for animals and one major setback, while other good and bad initiatives stall Lawmakers in the 115th Congress got off to an awful start for animals, with Republicans reversing a key legal protection for wildlife in Alaska. But they ended their work nearly two years later by passing a Farm bill that included three … Read more
In Florida, a man repeatedly punched a helpless kitten and slammed her against a wall before burying her alive in the dirt. His intention, according to news sources, was to punish his wife for “failing to discipline” the weeks-old animal. He then forced his wife to come outside to watch as he dug up the … Read more
Democrats won control of the U.S. House of Representatives, while Republicans held on to control of the U.S. Senate. Democrats also won gubernatorial races in seven states previously held by Republicans but fell short in a few key swing states where they’d believed there was a path to victory. The Democrats had a net gain … Read more
Key leaders in the House and Senate have agreed on a series of compromises to the Farm bill and released a “conference report” today. That action is an antecedent to final up-or-down votes, expected within days, on that measure in the House and Senate. If both chambers pass the Farm bill conference report, it goes … Read more
King amendment rejected while new legislation adopted against animal fighting, the dog meat trade, and domestic violence Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action applauds the inclusion of several broadly supported animal protection bills that informed sources confirmed today, including the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act, Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act, and the Parity … Read more
It’s hard for any enthusiast of an immoral practice or hobby to cope with the idea that their favored activity is soon to be illegal. The enthusiast typically has a well-scripted rationale to justify the practice, often makes money on the activity, and considers it a way of life. A hobby or business that they’ve … Read more