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
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
Voters approve two landmark ballot measures, oust several anti-animal lawmakers.Animal Wellness Action celebrated the overwhelming passage of two animal protection ballot measure wins in Florida and California, and the defeat of its top two political targets in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ballot measures Florida voters went all in for a ban on greyhound racing, … Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate passed two critical animal protection provisions to protect survivors of domestic violence and their pets and urge robust enforcement of federal animal welfare laws. The measures were included as part of the Senate’s multi-Agency spending bill for FY20 and carried strong bipartisan support. Led by U.S. Sens. Martha McSally … Read more
Last week, the National Rifle Association publicly came out against the ballot measure in Florida to phase out greyhound racing, urging members to vote “no” on Amendment 13 in November. That’s about as strange as an assault weapon discharging a cantaloupe or an orange from its barrel. It brings political wackiness to a new level. … Read more
Today, the U.S. House has overwhelmingly passed legislation to ban the sale of dog and cat meat in the United States, responding to the global movement to keep dogs and cats off the table and sending a signal to end the biggest form of companion animal exploitation in the world. At Animal Wellness Action, we … Read more
As House and Senate negotiators work to complete negotiations on the Farm bill – with Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., prodding lawmakers to settle on the terms of food and agriculture policy issues by Labor Day – key Senators are exerting influence on critically important animal welfare issues. Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., released a … Read more