The previously extinct-in-the-wild Guam rail has finally made a comeback thanks to the efforts of captive breeding programs. The flightless bird had been declared extinct over a decade ago, but it is hoped that with strong enough protection the species will once again thrive. Thank the Guam Department of Agriculture for their tireless efforts.
A horse was dragged behind a moving truck and those reportedly responsible have been charged with animal cruelty. Originally labeled as “normal ranching activity,” this apparently cruel action has sparked outrage and concern for the welfare of this animal and others in the ranching industry. Thank those who brought these charges and took a stand for animal welfare.
Animal cruelty is now officially banned across the United States, as President Trump has signed the federal document. The recognition of the link between cruelty to animals and crimes against humans played a major role in this ban. Thank those responsible for making the country safer for animals.
Victims of animal cruelty will soon receive real justice following the passing of national safeguards for animal victims. In the process, the worst acts of animal cruelty will receive federal condemnation. Applaud an important cause that united all political leaders and will bring justice to these innocent victims.
The ban on the sale of elephant ivory has been upheld after antique dealers made a bid to overturn it. They claimed antique ivory used in cultural items was different from that taken from the tusks of recently killed elephants. Thankfully, the courts rejected this bid and took a big step forward in the fight to protect elephants. Thank those who upheld this important ban.
Benji the dog died brutally and painfully when he was slammed into the ground. Now, the man found guilty of this cruelty has been sentenced to a year in prison and a year of probation. Thank those who fought hard to ensure that justice was served for Benji.
Foie Gras has officially been banned in New York City, prompting celebration amongst animal rights activists. The cruel culinary practice, involving force-feeding ducks until their livers are painfully engorged, will no longer garner profit in one of the country’s largest fine-dining cities. Thank those involved in this monumental decision.
The last dog slaughterhouse has been shut down in Seoul, South Korea in response to public pressure from animal rights activists. Thank the mayor of Seoul for bowing to such pressure and saving the lives of many dogs.
Bees have been saved from a cynical attack by Big Agriculture. Bee populations have been collapsing over the past several years, with the EU finally stepping up to help put a stop to it. Thank the European Parliament for continuing the fight to protect bees.
Animal rights took two monumental steps forward in California. Now, the living beings most victimized by circuses and by the blood-money fur trade have new hope. Applaud these encouraging wins for abused and exploited animals.
TripAdvisor will no longer be selling tickets to marine parks where whales and dolphins are bred in captivity. This is an important step forward in not only the company’s animal welfare policy, but in pushing for better treatment of marine mammals. Thank TripAdvisor for no longer enabling the support of marine mammal cruelty.
A scared calf was allegedly cruelly butchered in public view. This poor animal’s accused killers must now face not only the court of public opinion but the court of law. Support just punishment for seemingly unremorseful accused animal abusers.
The Great Barrier Reef shark cull is over, and Queensland has no further right to bait and kill the creatures. Introduced to protect swimmers from shark attacks, the cull was deemed useless upon reasoning that it did not lessen the risk of such attacks. This is a great victory for shark conservation. Thank the federal court for ending the inhumane practice.
If monarch butterflies vanished, the world would not only lose a beautiful symbol of nature, it would forsake a vital tool in countless plants’ survival. Applaud an unlikely alliance that could help save monarchs and prevent a bleak outcome.
A record number of countries voted to regulate the fishing of mako sharks, as well as 16 other species. Mako sharks are heavily endangered due to the demand for shark fin soup and the profits made from shark fishing. Thank those who oversaw this vote to protect this vulnerable species.
California mountain lions will soon have a new habitat with safe passage and access to other big cat families. This wildlife overpass will give the vulnerable species a chance to reproduce and thrive in the face of predicted extinction. Praise this landmark conservation effort.
Wild otters in Asia have been devastated by the exotic pet market, but a new ban on the cruel trade in these persecuted animals could save them. Thank CITES for finally putting an end to the otter pet trade.
The use of wild animals in traveling circuses will finally be banned across England. Show your support for animal welfare by thanking the UK Parliament for outlawing the cruel practice.
The EPA chose lethal poison over the health and lives of animals the agency should be protecting. Now, unified public outrage has put these poisonous traps back where they belong: in the trash bin of bad ideas. Applaud the end of deadly deregulation that would have killed thousands of wildlife.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is meeting to tackle the growing problem of wildlife biodiversity loss. After many years of pollution, agriculture, industry, and hunting destroying many wildlife species and bringing others close to extinction, it is about time this important first step was taken to preserve wildlife and protect biodiversity. Thank CITES for taking this important step.
