Animal Welfare/Rights

HSUS misleading on membership figures

According to watchdog group HumaneWatch.org, HSUS’s claims of an 11- or 12-million-strong “constituency” overstate HSUS’s actual membership ten-fold. ... Full story.

Animal welfare certification webinar now online

Learn about current options in farm animal welfare audits and evaluation from Jim Reynolds, veterinarian at the Western University College of Veterinary Medicine. ... Full story.

HumaneWatch: HSUS says one thing, thinks another

In an on-going campaign to reveal the deception used by the Humane Society of the United States in its fund-raising tactics, watchdog group HumaneWatch.org claims what HSUS says in its fundraising appeals is far different from what its leaders and the organization think. ... Full story.

Famous vegetarians on new U.S. postage stamps

A media event was held outside the Hollywood Post Office to announce a limited edition line of U.S. postage stamps featuring 20 famous vegetarians, including Pythagoras, Leo Tolstoy and Pamela Anderson. ... Full story.

Commentary: Dissecting animal rights

In the end, the answer to whether the rest of the animal kingdom should have legal standing is a no-brainer. But verbalizing that conclusion is a lot tougher than you might think—until now. ... Full story.

Commentary: Pursuing the ‘cruelty’ scam

Nothing stirs the fund-raising efforts of animal welfare groups better than a sensational story about abused animals needing to be rescued, then supported with cash—lots of cash. ... Full story.

Animal activist rallies showcase continued pressure on agriculture

Each summer, animal activists travel across the country to meet and discuss the latest topics of the animal rights movement. This year, animal agriculture was once again the focus. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) hosted its annual Taking Action for Animals Conference in Washington, D.C. on July 15-18, and Farm Animal Rights Movement’s Animal Rights 2011 Conference (AR 2011) was held two weeks later on July 21-25 in Los Angeles. Both events claimed to have “record-breaking” attendance, attracting a combined total of more than 1,600 activists from around the world, ranging in age from 20-60 years old. ... Full story.

Ohio begins farm animal care standards, Sept. 29

It’s been an 18-month-long process, but the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is set to move forward with its final on-farm animal housing requirements. Sept. 29, will mark the date that the comprehensive rules will go into effect. ... Full story.

FSIS issues animal handling directive, AMI responds

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a directive with new instructions to its inspectors that will better ensure the humane treatment and slaughter of livestock presented for processing at FSIS-inspected facilities. FSIS will train its personnel to ensure they are prepared to carry out these new instructions. ... Full story.

Poll finds concern about animal welfare, doubt about new regulations

Nearly 70 percent of rural Nebraskans define animal welfare in terms similar to those promoted by advocacy groups, but most don't think increased regulation of the state's livestock practices is necessary to ensure proper care of animals in the state, according to the latest Nebraska Rural Poll. ... Full story.

Animal activists target students

Activists promoting an agenda of animal rights have long protested the use of animals by major research universities and institutions. Earle Holland, Ohio State University's assistant vice president for Research Communications, says those activists are increasingly targeting students pursuing degrees in fields known for relying on laboratory animals to conduct research. ... Full story.

California delves into farm animal welfare

Stakeholders in the farm-animal-welfare debate convened in California on Wednesday to voice concerns, anticipate challenges and perhaps find some common ground. ... Full story.