Critical insights at the intersection of animals and politics
Do human hunters occupy the role of mountain lions as apex predators in Colorado? There has been long-running controversy over the trophy hunting of mountain lions in the West, and to a lesser degree, the same holds true for commercial trapping of bobcats. Polling of the general population indicates that the majority hold the view … Read more
Santa Barbara, CA — Animal Wellness Action applauded the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for safeguarding the community’s quality of life and fighting cruelty to animals by approving an ordinance aimed at restricting the number of roosters allowed per property, with exemptions for legitimate agriculture operations. The vote was 4 to 1, with Supervisors … Read more
Cockfighting and dogfighting are sinister subcultures in too many communities and show the need for Congress to pass the FIGHT Act Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action is reacting to news that Memphis (Tenn.) Police Department has executed a large-scale animal seizure with apparent ties to animal fighting. Officers confiscated 135 roosters and hens and … Read more
Animal welfare groups condemn uptick in slaughter, call for action on Farm bill WASHINGTON, D.C. — USDA export data reveals that kill buyers shipped 17,997 horses from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to slaughter plants in Mexico in 2023. This was the most significant annual percentage increase of live exports since 2012. Final numbers are … Read more
More than 1,250 agricultural producers and distributors are qualified to supply pork, eggs, and veal, and that number will continue to surge Washington, D.C. — According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), there are more than 1,250 agricultural producers and distributors in compliance with Prop 12 and prepared to meet the demand of California … Read more
The two big brands in athletic footwear announced plans last March to halt any use of kangaroo skins in their shoes by the end of 2023 Washington, D.C. — The Center for a Humane Economy noted that the start of the new year is the trigger for Puma and Nike to put into practice their March … Read more
Overturning American elections to benefit foreign-owned, pork-producing corporations and vertically organized factory farms was never in our national interest Washington, D.C. — The nation’s most important farm animal welfare law, California’s Proposition 12, takes full effect as the new year begins, signaling a new, more humane era in American agriculture. “Final implementation of Prop 12 in … Read more
Victim’s mother asks for help. Sheriffs have little information to go on despite dozens of potential witnesses at the scene Covington County, Miss. — A double homicide that occurred late last month where two young men were both shot in the head has now been linked to a largescale illegal dogfighting event. Animal Wellness Action and … Read more
The benefits of wild cats on the Colorado landscape and arguments for human-wild cat coexistence without trophy hunting or commercial trapping A coalition of animal sanctuaries, wildlife rehabbers, animal protectionists, scientists, veterinarians, conservationists, ethical hunters, and concerned private citizens have their sights set on mountain lions — specifically by taking aim at trophy hunting of … Read more
Last week, I wrote an essay reflecting on some of our key accomplishments in 2023. Landmark gains for animals included Nike, Puma, and New Balance each pledging to halt sourcing of kangaroo skins for shoes; the U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding the constitutionality of Proposition 12 (farm animal welfare production and sales standards); the adoption of the … Read more