WASHINGTON, D.C. — The one-day jail sentence handed down to a Virginia man who admitted to killing 20 juvenile bald eagles and hawks is “anemic and embarrassing” in light of the severity and scale of this crime against federally protected birds, according to Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. … Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action applauds today’s introduction of the bipartisan FBI Animal Cruelty Taskforce (FBI ACT) Act, H.R. 3683, led by U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y. — a landmark measure to strengthen federal enforcement against animal cruelty. This critical legislation creates a specialized unit within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) dedicated to … Read more
BANDON, Ore. — The arrest of the owner of West Coast Game Park Safari and the seizure of dozens of firearms and a significant quantity of methamphetamine underscore longstanding concerns about the operation and the broader roadside zoo industry, according to Animal Wellness Action. “There’s often an ugly backstory to the operations of roadside zoos, … Read more
Press Statement EXPERT INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy previously applauded the arrest of Cameron Bernard Torrence in connection with a viral video showing an opossum being set on fire—but the groups are calling for the arrest of all individuals involved and for the most serious charges to be pursued against … Read more
BANDON, Ore. — Animal Wellness Action is applauding the Oregon State Police and partnering agencies for shuttering the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon and seizing approximately 300 animals housed there and placing them in safe settings. Animal Wellness Action and Big Cat Rescue conducted an investigation of the facility in 2022 and reported … Read more
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Animal Wellness Action is condemning a disturbing act of cruelty that occurred in Corpus Christi, where a person allegedly set a neighbor’s dog on fire, resulting in the dog’s death. The Corpus Christi Police Department and Animal Care Services have launched an investigation into the case. Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and … Read more
CHARLOTTE, NC — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy applauded the arrest of Cameron Torrence of Mint Hill, N.C., following a viral video that showed an opossum being set on fire. Authorities say the suspect is facing felony animal cruelty charges. The organizations eagerly await additional news on arrests to follow. Public … Read more
Press Release Horrifying images posted on social media alert authorities to the heinous abuse of opossum Charlotte, North Carolina — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy announced a $5,000 reward for information resulting in the successful prosecution of any individual for violating state or federal law that leads to the identification of … Read more
Animal fighting is bound up with murder, mayhem, lawlessness You can listen to this article here: Staged animal fighting is not only one of the most sickening forms of human cruelty, it is one of the most widespread. We concur with an assessment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that there may be 20 to … Read more
Animal Wellness Action urges Attorney General Pam Bondi to work with federal lawmakers to create an Animal Cruelty Crimes section Washington, D.C. — The Department of Justice needs an Animal Cruelty Crimes section to combat acts of malice toward animals, according to a bipartisan group of House lawmakers, including U.S. Reps. David Joyce, R-Ohio, Joe Neguse, … Read more