News & Alerts

News
Vivisection

MEDIA RELEASE: BREAKING: WSU Cancels Deadly Lab Sparing 8 Horses, But 60 Goats Remain at Risk

action alert
Wild and Free

Idaho Residents: Protect Wolves, Coyotes & Foxes From Aerial Gunning!

action alert
Wild and Free

Illinois Residents: Ban the Sale of Cruel Glue Traps!

action alert
Cetaceans

Norway’s Bloody Whaling Quota Climbs to 1,641 Minke Whales

action alert
Justice for Animals

Pennsylvania Man Arrested for Brutally Strangling Two Friendly Neighborhood Cats

News
Justice for Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Jersey Shore Man Who Beheaded Seagull Gets 8 Months

News
Freedom Farms

Community Activism For Animals Happening on the Central Coast

For International Women's Month, Honor Female Elephants

News
Justice for Animals

UPDATE: Justice Denied for Dog Sealed in Closet to Die by a New York Woman

action alert
Wild and Free

New Jersey Residents: Give Wild Animals a Voice on the Fish and Game Commission

MEDIA RELEASE: BREAKING: WSU Cancels Deadly Lab Sparing 8 Horses, But 60 Goats Remain at Risk

PULLMAN, Wash. (March 16, 2026) — Following intense public outcry led by veterinary students, alumni, and animal protection organizations, Washington State University’s…

vivisection, Washington

Idaho Residents: Protect Wolves, Coyotes & Foxes From Aerial Gunning!

A dangerous bill moving through the legislature in Idaho would expand aerial gunning of unprotected and “predatory animals” to include wolves.

Idaho, Wild Animals, Wolves

Illinois Residents: Ban the Sale of Cruel Glue Traps!

Illinois lawmakers are considering HB 5144 to ban the sale of glue traps statewide. Urge the Illinois House to pass this bill and end these cruel devices.

animal cruelty prevention, glue traps, humane wildlife policy, Illinois House Bill HB 5144, Illinois legislation, pest control reform, wildlife protection

Norway’s Bloody Whaling Quota Climbs to 1,641 Minke Whales

Norway raised its 2026 minke whale quota to 1,641. Urge officials to end commercial whaling and protect whales and ocean ecosystems.

Cetaceans, Commercial Whaling, marine mammals, minke whales, Norway, Norway whaling, ocean conservation, whales, Wild Animals

Pennsylvania Man Arrested for Brutally Strangling Two Friendly Neighborhood Cats

A Pennsylvania man is facing multiple animal cruelty charges for allegedly strangling two cats. Demand maximum penalties in this case!

animal cruelty, cat killing, cats, community cats, cruelty case, felony animal cruelty, Justice for Animals, Pennsylvania, Public Safety, Timothy Eyler, Waynesboro

MEDIA RELEASE: Jersey Shore Man Who Beheaded Seagull Gets 8 Months

In Defense of Animals is profoundly disappointed in the New Jersey justice system after an uncharacteristically light sentence was handed down to a man who publicly…

Justice for Animals, New Jersey

Community Activism For Animals Happening on the Central Coast

See how donor support fuels real, lifesaving impact for animals on California’s Central Coast.

animal rescue, animal welfare, Farm Sanctuary, Freedom Farms, humane living, rescued animals, rescued turtles, Sanctuary

For International Women's Month, Honor Female Elephants

Female elephants in zoos are forced into pregnancies and lifelong confinement. Honor them this International Women’s Month by advocating for freedom in sanctuaries.

breeding elephants, captivity, elephant conservation myth, elephant sanctuaries, elephant welfare, elephants, female elephants, International Women’s Day, International Women’s Month, zoos

UPDATE: Justice Denied for Dog Sealed in Closet to Die by a New York Woman

Anaiya Harris received just six months in jail after sealing her dog in a closet to die of starvation and dehydration.

New Jersey Residents: Give Wild Animals a Voice on the Fish and Game Commission

New Jersey lawmakers are considering bills (S471/A2005) that would replace three of six seats on the council held by sportsmen with representatives chosen by animal…

New Jersey, Wild Animals

Illinois Residents: Ban Cruel Wild Animal Killing Contests

Illinois Residents: Contact your state senator to support SB 3063 to ban wildlife killing contests and save countless coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and other animals.

coyote, fox, Illinois, raccoons, Wild Animals, wildlife killing contests

Support the SAFE Act — But Close the Horse Slaughter Loophole

The SAFE Act must ban equine slaughter and export for any purpose. Urge Congress to close the loophole now.

burros, equines, horse slaughter, horses, SAFE Act, wild horses

Tell Canada: Protect Seal Families, Not The Brutal Fur Industry

Take action to end Canada’s commercial seal hunt. Protect mother seals and pups from brutal killing during breeding season. Speak up to stop the seal slaughter.

Canada, hunting, seals, Wild Animals

Dogs in Morocco Are Still Being Killed Ahead of FIFA World Cup, but Rescuers Aren't Giving Up

The situation for millions of street dogs in Morocco is dire as mass killings continue, but we’re supporting the efforts of one brave rescuer who’s standing against…

animals companions, dogs, FIFA World Cup

UPDATE: Arizona Man Who Beat Neighbor’s Chihuahua to Death With Shovel Gets Just 30 Days in Jail

An Arizona man who beat his neighbor’s chihuahua to death with a shovel received just 30 days in jail after a felony animal cruelty conviction.

animal cruelty, Arizona, dogs, Justice for Animals, Justice for Chiquilin, Kenneth McGaughey

Florida Residents: Stop Endangered Marine Species Captures

Urge Florida lawmakers to support the MANTA Protection Act and ban the capture of threatened manta rays for aquariums and marine parks.

endangered species, Florida, manta ray, SeaWorld, threatened species, Wild Animals, Wildlife

Massachusetts Residents: Ban Cruel Fur Sales!

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a statewide ban on the sale of new fur products. Urge passage of H990/S551 to end fur farming sales.

animal farms, chinchillas, development, fox, fur, legislation, Massachusetts, mink, Wildlife

International Women’s Month

Honor and protect female animals this International Womens Month with resources, actions, and online events for animal rights and veganism.

MEDIA RELEASE: Reproductive Exploitation of Animals Challenged During International Women’s Month

This International Women’s Month, In Defense of Animals is launching a global campaign to expose the systematic exploitation of the female reproductive system within…

“Humane” Certifications Deceive Consumers While Animals Endure Torment & Killing

“Humane” certifications hide cruelty. Female animals are forcibly bred, and male babies and their mothers are killed in the dairy and egg industries.

cage free, chickens, cows, dairy, eggs, Farmed Animals, humanewashing, pigs, plant based, Vegan

Georgia Man Arrested for Beheading a Woman’s Dog with a Machete

A Georgia man is facing multiple charges in connection with his involvement in decapitating a beloved dog named Bambi. Demand maximum penalties in this case!

dogs, Georgia, Justice for Animals

From South Korea to Florida, Lance Needs a Home

We rescued Lance in South Korea with our partner Jindo Love Rescue years ago, and while he had been adopted, a twist of fate has him in urgent need of a new forever…

dog meat trade, Jindo Love Rescue, South Korea

UPDATE: Judge Acquits Franklin Scott Smith in Brutal Dog Torture Case

Franklin Scott Smith was acquitted of felony animal cruelty after a dog was shot and then nailed to a board while still alive. It was a real failure of justice.

animal cruelty, court, development, dogs, Justice for Animals, legislation, Tennessee

WATCH: How 44 Wild Horses Escaped the $25 Slaughter Pipeline

Wild mustangs sold for $25 are landing in slaughter pipelines. Rescue is saving lives, but policy reform is urgently needed.

Bureau of Land Management, horse slaughter, SAFE Act, wild horse protection, wild horses

MEDIA RELEASE: OUTRAGE: Wyoming Man Could Dodge Jail Time for Sadistic Wolf Torture

In Defense of Animals is utterly appalled by the plea agreement reached yesterday allowing Cody Roberts, the Wyoming man who notoriously tortured a juvenile wolf…

Wild Animals, Wolves, Wyoming

Stop Another Dangerous Attack on the Endangered Species Act

The Endangered Species Amendment Act of 2025 (HR 1897) includes devastating language that could dismantle key protections for imperiled species whose members need…

Endangered Species Act, Wild Animals

Hippos & Crocodiles Brutally Massacred in an African National Park

Hippos and crocodiles are being slaughtered in Virunga National Park. Urge the Democratic Republic of the Congo to stop the poaching of hippos and crocodiles and…

crocodile, Democratic Republic of the Congo, hippos, Wild Animals

WATCH: Victory! Mountain Lions in California Gain State Endangered Species Protection

California’s Fish and Game Commission voted to protect mountain lions under the Endangered Species Act. A victory for these vulnerable big cats!

advocacy, big cats, California, endangered species, habitat, justice, mountain lions, P-22, wildlife protection

WATCH: Building a Safer Sanctuary at Freedom Farms

A new year brings a safer sanctuary! Learn how donor support is helping build a humane, wildlife-friendly fence at Freedom Farms.

animal rescue, animal sanctuary, animal welfare, animals companions, humane living, rescued animals

Redefining Community Cat Care: Building on TNR with a Trauma-Informed Approach

Animal advocate LeesaMaree Bleicher shares a trauma-informed approach to community cats, advancing compassionate solutions for homeless cats and caregivers.

advocacy, animal protection, community cats, compassion, homeless cats, outdoor cats, rescued animals, rescues, TNR, trap-neuter-return

MEDIA RELEASE: New Jersey Cat Killer Released Despite Year-Long Jail Sentence

In Defense of Animals is sounding the alarm after an Atlantic City man convicted of torturing and killing cats was released from jail just one day after being sentenced…

Justice for Animals, New Jersey

MEDIA RELEASE: Justice Denied for Dog Sealed in Closet to Die by Utica Woman

In Defense of Animals is deeply dismayed by the lenient sentencing of Anaiya Harris, a Utica woman who deliberately sealed her dog in a closet to die of starvation…

Justice for Animals, New York

Washington Residents: Support a Ban on Declawing Cats

Washington could be the next state to pass legislation (HB 1904) that would ban the cruel practice of declawing cats.

cats, companion animals, declawing

Topeka Zoo Crisis: Sole Elephant Tembo Left in Solitary Confinement

Lonely elephant, Tembo, is condemned to cruel solitary confinement at the Topeka Zoo after Cora's death. Demand her transfer to a true sanctuary now.

African elephants, Sanctuary, Tembo, Topeka Zoo

New Food Pyramid Threatens Billions More Animals & Puts Profits Over Health

The USDA and HHS food pyramid prioritizes industry profits over human health, animals, and the environment. Advocate for plant-rich, evidence-based diets.

chickens, corruption, cows, Farmed Animals, food pyramid, nutrition guidelines, pigs, plant based nutrition, Vegan

Spay/Neuter Awareness Month: How One Mississippi Program Is Reducing Suffering

Science-based spay and neuter programs reduce suffering by preventing unplanned litters and protecting cats in underserved Mississippi communities.

animal welfare, cats, Hope Animal Sanctuary, Mississippi, Rescue, SNAP, spay and neuter

WATCH: Advocates Expose Exotic Pet Trade at Pomona Reptile Show

Animal advocates spoke out at L.A.’s Reptile Super Show, exposing exotic pet trade cruelty and urging adoption over animal exploitation.

adopt don’t shop, advocacy, exotic pet trade, Los Angeles, reptile expo, reptile show, reptile super show

Oregon National Primate Research Center Could Become a Sanctuary Following OHSU Vote

A vote by OHSU’s leaders to begin negotiations to close the Oregon National Primate Research Center and potentially turn it into a sanctuary marks a pivotal moment…

OHSU, Oregon National Primate Research Center, vivisection

MEDIA RELEASE: BREAKING: Fish and Game Commission Votes to Protect Mountain Lions in California

In Defense of Animals welcomes a vote today by the California Fish and Game Commission to protect imperiled mountain lions across much of the state under the state…

California, endangered species, mountain lions, Wild Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Arizona Man Who Killed Neighbor’s Chihuahua With Shovel Sentenced

In Defense of Animals is astonished at the lenient sentencing of Kenneth McGaughey, who was charged with felony animal cruelty after being caught on video beating…

Arizona, dogs, Justice for Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Houston Zoo’s Deadly Breeding Lands It on the List of 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants

In Defense of Animals has named the Houston Zoo the No. 1 Worst Zoos for Elephants in North America for 2025.

10 Worst Zoos, elephants, Houston Zoo

MEDIA RELEASE: OHSU Board Votes to Consider Transitioning Primate Research Center to Sanctuary

In Defense of Animals applauds the OHSU Board of Directors for voting unanimously in favor of a resolution to negotiate with the NIH on the possibility of transitioning…

Oregon, primates, vivisection

California Residents: Help Get Mountain Lions State Endangered Species Protection

California’s mountain lions are in need of help, and several populations may just get it with protection under the state’s Endangered Species Act following a recommendation…

California, mountain lions, Wild Animals

Japan Expands Whaling as Vulnerable Whales Face Extinction

Japan continues commercial whaling into 2026, killing whales for a declining industry. Take action now and demand an end to these cruel hunts.

Bryde's whales, Cetaceans, fin whales, Japan, Japan whaling, minke whales, oceans, sei whales, whaling

Two Cats Violently Abused in Florida Felony Cruelty Case

A Florida man is facing one felony animal cruelty charge after being caught on surveillance camera assaulting one of his girlfriend’s cats and breaking the leg of…

cats, Florida, Justice for Animals

India’s Supreme Court Reserves Decision on Stray Dogs

Tensions remain high between advocates who’ve embraced India’s street dogs and those who want to see them removed, as measures to deal with them continue to move…

dogs, IDA India

February is Activist Appreciation Month!

Celebrate Animal Rescue for Activist Appreciation Month 2026

The Science & Benefits of Plant-Based Eating

Not only does plant-based nutrition and eating vegan protect your health and the planet, but it’s also the only truly humane choice for animals.

MEDIA RELEASE: State-Sanctioned Slaughter: So-called Restoration Plan Will Eradicate Catalina Deer

In Defense of Animals is profoundly outraged following the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s decision to approve the Catalina Island Conservancy's deadly,…

Catalina Island, deer, Wild Animals

Massachusetts Residents: Support the Bill Banning the Killing of Horseshoe Crabs for Bait

Horseshoe crabs have been exploited for use in the biomedical industry, but also as bait to be used by other fisheries, which has put their survival in jeopardy.

Horseshoe Crabs, Wild Animals

Starving Dog Rescued & Another Starved Dead Dog Found Tied Up in a Suitcase

An Iowa woman has been charged with animal torture and neglect after police found a dead dog who was tied up in a suitcase in her home and another who was left in…

dogs, Iowa, Justice for Animals

End Billy & Tina’s Suffering at the Tulsa Zoo & Send All 7 Elephant to Sanctuary

Elephants Billy and Tina, plus the other five elephants, deserve retirement from Tulsa Zoo to a sanctuary.

Billy, captivity, elephants, Sanctuary, Tina, Tulsa Zoo, zoochosis

UPDATE: Dolphins Leave Miami Seaquarium Only to Face Continued Exploitation

Dolphins Aries, Onyx, Ripley, and Zo have left Miami Seaquarium only to be exploited again.

Cetaceans, dolphin transfer, dolphins, Miami Seaquarium

The Visionary Ballot Initiative That Dares to Put Animal Freedom on the Ballot in Oregon

Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) is a bold, far-reaching ballot initiative in Oregon that challenges the legal loopholes enabling and legitimizing pervasive animal…

ballot, cruelty, Farmed Animals, IP28, laws, legislation, Oregon

UPDATE: New Changes Could Help Horseshoe Crabs Survive the Biomedical Industry

Decades of exploitation by the biomedical industry have led to a massive decline in horseshoe crabs, but a number of new changes, and more in the works, could protect…

Horseshoe Crabs, vivisection, Wild Animals

Safe Shelters for Dogs in Need: Be a Lifesaver Today!

Every donation provides essential shelter and a chance for survival to a dog braving the outdoors. Be the reason a dog has a safe place to rest today.

MEDIA RELEASE: Outrage: Man Who Nailed Dog to Fence Acquitted

In Defense of Animals decries the shocking failure of justice in the case of a stray dog who was sadistically nailed to a board in Arkansas.

Arkansas, Justice for Animals

Worcester, Massachusetts Residents: Stop Rodeo Cruelty

Support Worcester’s ordinance to ban cruel rodeo practices. Protect animals from pain, terror, and abuse.

bulls, calves, cows, cruelty, Farmed Animals, horses, rodeo, Vegan, Worcester

Endangered Whales Are Drowning In Record Numbers Because of the Fishing Industry

Take action to stop whale entanglements in California by demanding ropeless gear for the full Dungeness crab season. Protect threatened whales now.

Cetaceans, Dungeness crab, entanglement, fishing, fishing gear, humpback whales, ropeless gear, whales

Tragic Farewell to Kshamenk, the World’s Loneliest Orca

Kshamenk the orca has died after 32 years of confinement at Mundo Marino. He spent over two decades in total isolation in a cramped tank in Argentina.

Argentina, captivity, Cetaceans, Empty the Tanks, Kshamenk, orcas

WATCH: Doll Stanley’s Private Kitty Haven

Inside Doll Stanley’s private Kitty Haven in Mississippi, 14 rescued cats now live safely with cozy nooks, a sunny catio, and lifelong care. Each cat has a rescue…

advocacy, animal rescue, cats, companion animals, Hope Animal Sanctuary, Justice for Animals, Mississippi, Rescue, Sanctuary

Celebrate Groundhog Day Without Terrifying Groundhogs

Urge communities across the United States to retire live groundhogs from Groundhog Day events. Protect these wild animals from stress and injury and celebrate the…

groundhog, United States, Wild Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Protesters Expose Animals Found in Trashbags at the Reptile Super Show

Animal advocates with In Defense of Animals, Rescue Not Retail, Los Angeles Animal Save, Animal Alliance Network, and the Los Angeles Animal Defense League drew…

Pomona Fairplex, reptile expo, reptile show

URGENT: Tell the Senate to Reject H.R. 845 & Protect Wolves After Devastating House Vote

The Senate is considering H.R. 845, a dangerous bill that would remove federal protections for wolves. Act now to urge your senators to oppose H.R. 845 and uphold…

legislation, United States, Wild Animals, Wolves

10 Grossly Neglected Horses Seized From Repeat Animal Abuser in Florida

A Florida man with a long history of animal mistreatment is facing multiple charges after 10 horses were found in deplorable conditions on his property in Boca Raton.

Florida, horses, Justice for Animals

IDA India Celebrates 30 Years of Serving Animals in Need

Since IDA India’s conception 30 years ago, much has changed to better accommodate animals and many thousands have been helped.

animal rescue, IDA India

A Partial Win for Plant Milks in Schools as Dairy Cruelty Expands

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act expanded dairy in schools, locking in animal cruelty, while easing plant milk access. Make school lunches vegan.

cruelty, dairy, Farmed Animals, schools, Vegan

Victory! Orcas Wikie & Keijo Approved for Seaside Sanctuary

A major win for captive orcas. Wikie and Keijo are approved for transfer to a seaside sanctuary. Public pressure made this possible.

captive killer whale, captive orcas, cetacean, Keijo, killer whale, Marineland Antibes, orcas, Wikie

MEDIA RELEASE: Topanga Community Honors Hang-Gliding Trailblazer & Wildlife Lost in Palisades Fire

One year after the devastating Palisades Fire, the Topanga community united for a series of events culminating in a new art installation on the “Great Wall of Topanga”…

California, Sustainable Activism, wildfires

MEDIA RELEASE: Zoo “Baby Boom” Turns Deadly: 1 in 4 Elephant Calves Die Before Age 5

For the first time, In Defense of Animals has dedicated its renowned 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants list to exposing the fatal consequences of breeding captive elephants,…

10 Worst Zoos, elephants

MORE NEWS

Charity Navigator

Candid

VegNews