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Justice for Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: North Carolina Woman Given Suspended Sentence for Abusing Her Dog

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Wild and Free

California Residents: Oppose Bill Encouraging Sick Kids to Kill Animals Again!

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Wild and Free

Michigan Residents: Protect Gray Wolves From Slaughter!

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Puppy Mills

New Jersey Residents: Support the Humane Pet Store Bill!

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Justice for Animals

Dogs Allegedly Doused With Accelerant & Set on Fire

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Cetaceans

Right Whales Can’t Wait Any Longer: Congress Must Kill 2 Bad Bills

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Hope Animal Sanctuary

WATCH: A Tiny Cry for Help

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Animal Companions

Victory! Florida Passes Bills to Protect Animals & Kids From Cruelty & Regulate Pet Sales

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Justice for Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Woman Walks Free After Baking Her Dog in Plastic Under the Hot South Carolina Sun

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Wild and Free

Ohio Residents: Stop a Constitutional Right to Hunt & Kill Wild Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: North Carolina Woman Given Suspended Sentence for Abusing Her Dog

A Craven County woman convicted of felony animal cruelty after a video showed her beating, kicking and strangling her dog has been sentenced to probation rather…

Justice for Animals, North Carolina

California Residents: Oppose Bill Encouraging Sick Kids to Kill Animals Again!

A bill to expand hunting and fishing opportunities for kids with life-threatening illnesses passed the Senate, and now it’s in the Assembly. While it’s been placed…

California, SB 1021, Wild Animals

Michigan Residents: Protect Gray Wolves From Slaughter!

Michigan lawmakers want to force a gray wolf hunting season. Urge your representative to vote NO on HB 6008 and protect wolves.

endangered species, Endangered Species Act, gray wolves, Michigan, Wild Animals, Wildlife

New Jersey Residents: Support the Humane Pet Store Bill!

Lawmakers in New Jersey are once again considering the Humane Pet Store Bill (S. 434/A. 2049), which would address this issue by banning pet store sales of dogs,…

animal companions, Humane Pet Store Bill, New Jersey, puppy mills

Dogs Allegedly Doused With Accelerant & Set on Fire

A Louisville man is accused of setting two dogs on fire and threatening their guardian. Urge prosecutors to seek justice for Seven and Brooklyn.

animal abuse, animal companions, animal cruelty, dogs, domestic violence, Justice for Animals

Right Whales Can’t Wait Any Longer: Congress Must Kill 2 Bad Bills

Tell Congress to oppose H.R. 9436and stop delaying lifesaving protections for critically endangered North Atlantic right whales until 2035.

endangered species, entanglement, fishing, fishing gear, marine mammals, North Atlantic right whales, whales

WATCH: A Tiny Cry for Help

A tiny cry led to Shanny’s rescue. Watch how this terrified kitten found safety, love, and a new beginning at Hope Animal Sanctuary.

Victory! Florida Passes Bills to Protect Animals & Kids From Cruelty & Regulate Pet Sales

In good news for animals, Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed two bills to crack down on cruelty and puppy mills and improve consumer protection in Florida.

animal companions, Florida, legislation

MEDIA RELEASE: Woman Walks Free After Baking Her Dog in Plastic Under the Hot South Carolina Sun

In Defense of Animals is deeply disappointed by the sentencing of Shaneitra Berniq Jeter, who was charged with animal torture for leaving her dog wrapped in a plastic…

Justice for Animals, South Carolina

Ohio Residents: Stop a Constitutional Right to Hunt & Kill Wild Animals

Urge Ohio senators to oppose S.J.R. 8, which would create a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and kill wild animals.

animal protection, constitutional amendment, fishing, hunting, Ohio, state legislation, walleye, white-tailed deer, Wild Animals

Michigan Residents: Support a Ban on Declawing Cats!

Michigan could be the next state to pass legislation banning the cruel practice of declawing cats.

cats, companion animals, declawing, Michigan

California Residents: Help Bring Grizzly Bears Back!

Urge your California assemblymember to support SB 1305 and assess whether and how grizzly bears could responsibly return.

animal protection, bears, California, Wild Animals

Will 475,000 Owls Be Massacred for the Timber Industry?

Tell U.S. senators & House reps to end brutal slaughter of ½-million barred & spotted owls. Nullify “BOMS” killing campaign w. Congressional legislation.

barred owl, BOMS, Endangered Species Act, invasive species, logging, owl, slaughter, spotted owl, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Tell Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to Protect Elephants & End Animal Suffering!

Major issues adversely affecting animals and staff at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have just been exposed by the Weeping Elephant Project; now we’re demanding changes.

Busch Gardens, elephants

WATCH: Animal Liberation Message Reaches Thousands at Marin Parade

Animal advocates brought a powerful message of animal liberation and veganism to thousands at Marin County’s Fourth of July parade.

dairy, Farmed Animals, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Vegan activism

WATCH: Standing With the Rescuers Fighting Türkiye’s Animal Massacre

Türkiye’s community dogs are being seized, tortured, and killed while courageous rescuers risk everything to save them. See how your support is helping.

companion animals, dogs, Türkiye

Victory! Plans for the World’s First Octopus Farm Are Scrapped

The world’s first octopus farm has been stopped. Learn why octopus farming threatens animal welfare, ocean ecosystems, and intelligent animals.

octopus, Spain, Victory

Donate To International Partner Spay & Neuter

Donate today and support In Defense of Animals' efforts to provide spay and neuter services as well as emergency rescue in countries killing homeless animals like…

MEDIA RELEASE: Florida Man Given Maximum Sentence for Depositing Dead Cat Heads on Mailbox

In Defense of Animals applauds the sentencing of Florida man who left the heads of two cats in a mailbox.

cats, Florida, Justice for Animals

Indiana Residents: Stop Expanded Bobcat Trapping & Trophy Hunting

Indiana residents: Urge Gov. Mike Braun to reverse expanded bobcat killing and stop the rule from becoming permanent.

bobcat, hunting, Indiana, Indiana bobcats

Massachusetts Residents: Stop Expanded Hunting in the MassReady Act

Massachusetts lawmakers may expand Sunday hunting, crossbow use and hunting closer to homes. Urge them to remove these provisions.

deer, hunting, Massachusetts, public lands

Delaware Residents: Urge Gov. Meyer to Veto Dangerous Teen Hunting Bill

Delaware bill HS 1 for HB 427 would let teens hunt and practice shooting without direct adult supervision. Urge Gov. Matt Meyer to veto it.

coexistence, Delaware, hunting, legislation, trapping

MEDIA RELEASE: Food Trailblazer Wins Nonviolence Award

Freya Dinshah, who wrote “The Vegan Kitchen,” the first U.S. cookbook with the word "vegan" in its title will receive the 2026 Homo Ahimsa Award for that book and…

Homo Ahimsa Award, Homo Ahimsa Awareness Week, Homo Ahimsa Day, Sustainable Activism

MEDIA RELEASE: Florida Judge Lets Poacher Walk on Probation Despite Role in Killing 13 Alligators

VIERA, Fla. (July 23, 2026) — In Defense of Animals is condemning the lenient sentencing of Luke David Michael Landry, one of four men charged with illegally killing…

Florida, Justice for Animals

Tell Congress: End Cruel Horse & Burro Roundups

Urge Congress to protect wild horses and burros from cruel helicopter roundups and support humane, on-range management solutions.

United States, wild horses

Solitary Elephant Belle Deserves Retirement from the Milwaukee County Zoo

Milwaukee County Zoo’s last elephant Belle should be retired to sanctuary now.

Belle, elephant, Milwaukee County Zoo, Sanctuary, solitary elephants

Sanctuary
2026-07-24

Mom Dog Rescued in South Korea Flies to New Home With Her Bestie & Gets the Best Surprise

A sweet mom dog who cared for many puppies in need in South Korea is finally in her new home in the U.S., where she not only got to fly to with her best friend,…

Cheonsa, Harper, Howie, Jindo Love Rescue

Not Feral, But Afraid: Reframing Homeless Cats Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

Explore how a trauma-informed perspective can transform the way we understand and care for homeless cats.

animal advocacy, animal protection, animal welfare, cat behavior, cat rescue, community cats, companion animals, feral cats, homeless cats, trauma-informed care

Victory! Freedom is in Sight for the Elephants at Roger Williams Park Zoo

The 3 African elephants at Roger Williams Park Zoo will head to sanctuary in 2027.

African elephants, captivity, elephants, Sanctuary

MEDIA RELEASE: International Effort Launched to Save DRC’s Endangered Animals

In Defense of Animals is partnering with Innovation pour le Développement et la Protection de l’Environnement (IDPE), a civil society organization operating within…

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Wild Animals

Sharks Spotlighted for Respect for Fish Day to Advocate for All Aquatic Animals

Respect4Fish Day urges all to honor & defend fish, choose justice & empathy, and to stop eating fish. Aquatic animals deserve freedom, too.

fishing, marine species, respect for fish day, sharks, Vegan

The Dangers of Zoo Life For Endangered Elephants

Life in captivity is fraught with dangers for endangered elephants.

10 Worst Zoos, captivity, elephants, endangered species, zoos

Victory! Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Setting Kitten on Fire

An Ohio man who set kitten Joffrey on fire has been sentenced to two years in prison after more than 12,400 supporters demanded justice.

animal companions, animal cruelty, cats, court, Justice for Animals, Ohio, sentencing

Stop the SHARKED Act to Protect Sharks in Crisis

Sharks have declined over 70% due to fishing. The SHARKED Act could weaken protections for already collapsing shark populations. Urge action now.

endangered species, Farmed Animals, fish, fishing, legislation, marine species, respect for fish, sharks

Beloved Cat Killed After Neighbor Allegedly Tossed Him to Dogs

Urge Colorado prosecutors to seek maximum charges and penalties for the woman accused of tossing Tobi, a neighbor’s beloved cat, to her dogs.

animal companions, animal cruelty, cats, Colorado, dogs, Justice for Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: “Appalling” Sentence for New York Man Who Brutally Kicked Girlfriend’s Cat to Death

In Defense of Animals is strongly condemning the sentencing of Harold Larson, who was charged with aggravated animal cruelty for fatally kicking his girlfriend’s…

Justice for Animals, New York

MEDIA RELEASE: Alec Baldwin & Mark Ruffalo Join Ban Trophy Hunting Campaign

Alec Baldwin, Mark Ruffalo & top conservationists join the Jane Goodall legacy campaign to demand a global trophy hunting ban. A new report reveals the US imports…

Africa, celebrity, trophy hunting, Wild Animals

UPDATE: No Jail for Man Who Bagged & Bashed Mister the Cat

More than 12,500 people demanded justice for Mister the cat, but the man charged with brutally abusing him avoided jail time.

animal abuse, animal cruelty, cats, court, Justice for Animals, New York, sentencing

WATCH: The Sad Elephant In The Room: The Psychological Toll Of Captivity

The hidden emotional suffering of captive elephants is revealed

Africa, animal welfare, Billy, Captive elephants, elephant sanctuary, elephants, psychological suffering, Tulsa Zoo, zoochosis, zoos

A Deadly Shark Net Is Planned for Club Med's South African Paradise

Urge Club Med to oppose Tinley Manor’s proposed shark net and support humane ocean safety that protects sharks, dolphins, turtles, and rays.

dolphins, fishing, habitat, marine life, ocean conservation, sharks, tourism, turtles, Wild Animals

Screaming Pig Dragged Behind ATV by Former Animal Control Officer

A former animal control officer faces felony cruelty charges after allegedly dragging a screaming pig behind an ATV while the animal was still alive.

animal abuse, animal cruelty, Farmed Animals, felony animal cruelty, Justice for Animals, pigs, Vermont

MEDIA RELEASE: Rep. Huffman Admits That Animals Suffer in All Farms & Slaughterhouses

During the Marin County Fourth of July Parade, U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman openly admitted that animals suffer in all farms and slaughterhouses, providing a high-profile…

California, cows, dairy, events, Farmed Animals, Farmed Animals Political Action, Marin County

Australia’s Shark Nets Are Killing Dolphins, Turtles, Whales, & Sharks

Stop the cruel slaughter in Australian waters. Demand an end to lethal shark nets & drumlines that kill dolphins, turtles, and whales.

Australia, Cetaceans, dolphins, New South Wales, sea turtles, sharks, whales, Wild Animals

WATCH: Sick & Injured Animals Are Getting the Most Advanced Care in India

Our partner IDA India goes above and beyond to help dogs and cats who need extra treatment and support with advanced veterinary care, while a recent donation of…

animal rescue, IDA India, Mumbai, veterinarian

Point Reyes Needs Tule Elk, Not Ranching Exploitation

Tell National Park Service & Nature Conservancy that wild Tule elk & deer, not exploited for-profit cows, can & should restore Point Reyes National Park.

Point Reyes National Seashore, restore, rewild, Tule elk

Inside Freedom Farms’ July 4 Fireworks Safety Preparations

Fireworks can be terrifying for animals. Learn how Freedom Farms protects rescued residents and how you can help.

animal companions, animal sanctuary, animal welfare, California, cows, Farmed Animals, Freedom Farms, Holiday, horses, peacocks, wildlife protection

Two Independence Days to Celebrate

This Independence Day marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Here at In Defense of Animals, we’re celebrating another Independence Day:…

animal companions, chihuahuas, dogs, Holiday, Hope Animal Sanctuary, puppies

UPDATE: Portland & NYC Victories Advance the Global Fight to End Foie Gras Cruelty!

The Portland and NYC wins show momentum to ban foie gras. Other cities acted too, so now New Jersey needs your voice for ducks and geese. Please speak up.

animal cruelty laws, ducks, Farmed Animals, foie gras, geese, New York City, Portland, Vegan

UPDATE: Florida Man Sentenced for Abusing Girlfriend’s Cats

Florida man Travis Keith Fehr was sentenced after brutally beating two cats in a case tied to animal cruelty and domestic abuse.

animal companions, animal cruelty, cats, domestic violence, Florida, Justice for Animals

Dog Rescued in South Korea Had Some Setbacks, but He’s Ready for His Forever Home

Despite a few setbacks on his road to a new future, South Korean rescue dog Rowan hasn’t lost his love of, well, everything, and we’re now searching for a home that…

dog meat trade, Jindo Love Rescue, South Korea

Protect Marineland’s Deer & Elk From Suffering & Slaughter

Urge Canadian animal welfare authorities to investigate reported suffering and possible slaughter of deer and elk at closed Marineland.

animal protection, animal welfare, Canada, captive animals, deer

2 Dogs Allegedly Sexually Assaulted & Strangled by Convicted Felon

Demand justice in a disturbing Georgia animal cruelty case involving the sexual assault and deaths of two dogs and multiple felony charges.

animal cruelty, bestiality, dogs, Georgia, Justice for Animals

New York Residents: Tell Governor Hochul to End Cruel Traveling Animal Acts

Help pass A.5850/S.3629-A to ban the use of bears, big cats, primates, kangaroos, and wallabies in traveling shows across New York.

captive animals, New York, Wild Animals

Ohio Residents: Support a Ban on Declawing Cats!

Ohio could be the next state to pass legislation banning the cruel practice of declawing cats.

cats, companion animals, declawing, Ohio

California Residents: Pass the Proposed Animal Abuse Registry

Urge California senators to pass AB 2344 and create an animal abuse registry to protect animal companions from known abusers.

animal abuse, animal cruelty, animal protection, cats, dogs, legislation

MEDIA RELEASE: $2,500 Reward for Arrest and Conviction of Grenada Dog Killer

In Defense of Animals is offering a $2,500 reward for the arrest and conviction of the individual who fatally injured a golden toy poodle in Grenada, Miss.

Justice for Animals, Mississippi, reward

Cyanide Bomb Ban Overturned by Trump Administration on Public Lands, Killing Countless Animals

Urge BLM to reinstate its ban on cruel M-44 cyanide devices that kill wild animals and endanger companion animals and people.

Stop Wagner Farm’s Misleading Use of Public Park Land to Exploit & Kill Animals

Urge the Glenview Park District to transition Wagner Farm from animal exploitation and killing to a humane animal sanctuary and produce farm.

Illinois, slaughter, Wagner Farm

Freedom Farms Shines at Santa Cruz Veg Fest

Freedom Farms connected with more than 100 attendees at Santa Cruz Veg Fest, sharing rescue stories, turtle naming fun, and upcoming events.

animal sanctuary, Freedom Farms, In Defense of Animals, rescued animals, Vegan

UPDATE: Momentum Building for Historic Protections for All Animals on Oregon Ballot!

Oregon's IP28 would extend animal cruelty protections to all animals and close major loopholes. Sign before the July 2 deadline!

animal cruelty laws, animal exploitation, Farmed Animals, IP28, Oregon, slaughter, Vegan, Wild Animals

WATCH: Alice the Elephant Escaped ABQ Biopark in Desperate Attempt to Reach Foliage

Elephant Alice at Alb Bio Park Zoo shows true grit by breaking out of her zoo cell to forage.

10 Worst Zoos, captivity, elephants, Sanctuary, worst zoos, zoos

MEDIA RELEASE: New York Man Who Bagged and Bashed a Cat Sentenced

In Defense of Animals is disappointed in the sentencing of Deshawn Miller, who was charged with aggravated animal cruelty for severely abusing a cat.

cat, Justice for Animals, New York

Bronx Zoo: Give Patty The Freedom That Happy Was Denied

Patty is the last remaining elephant at the Bronx Zoo, and she deserves to live the rest of her life in a sanctuary.

Bronx Zoo, captivity, elephants, Patty

Family of Ducks Senselessly Attacked & Thrown in Trash

An Irvine, California, man was arrested for beating ducklings and throwing them in the trash.

California, ducklings, ducks, Justice for Animals, Wild Animals, Wildlife

UPDATE: SF Zoo Hid $12M as Officials Push $36M Bailout and Panda Boondoggle

A city audit exposes deep failures at the San Francisco Zoo as officials push a taxpayer bailout and reckless panda plan.

EcoParque Buenos Aires

UPDATE: Tembo's Tragic Tale: Held For 50 Years at the Topeka Zoo Until Death Set Her Free

After 50 years of confinement, elephant Tembo dies at Topeka Zoo, never able to enjoy one day of freedom, but the zoo will now close its exhibit.

African elephants, captivity, elephant exhibit, Tembo, Topeka Zoo

WATCH: Demanding Kitten Season Underway at Hope Animal Sanctuary

The latest tiny additions to Hope Animal Sanctuary highlight the problems that arise when people underestimate the commitment needed to properly care for cats and…

Hope Animal Sanctuary, kittens, Mississippi

Pennsylvania Residents: Support a Ban on Declawing Cats

Pennsylvania could soon take a big step to protect cats from being declawed with legislation (SB 846/HB 1716) that would make it illegal statewide.

cats, companion animal, declawing, Pennsylvania

California Residents: Pass the Cockfighting Cruelty Act

Urge California senators to support AB 928 to help law enforcement stop cockfighting before more roosters suffer and die.

animal cruelty, animals in entertainment, California, chickens, cockfighting, Farmed Animals

Endangered Whales Are Being Killed by Ship Strikes — Congress Can Stop It

Urge Congress to pass the Whale CHARTS Act to prevent deadly ship strikes and protect endangered whales with better mapping and detection tools.

NOAA, ocean, vessel strikes, whales, wildlife protection

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