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Justice for Animals

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

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

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Fish Abuse

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

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Justice for Animals

Screaming Pig Dragged Behind ATV by Former Animal Control Officer

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Farmed Animals

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

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Wild and Free

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

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

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Tule Elk

Point Reyes Needs Tule Elk, Not Ranching Exploitation

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Freedom Farms

Inside Freedom Farms’ July 4 Fireworks Safety Preparations

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Hope Animal Sanctuary

Two Independence Days to Celebrate

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 sanctuary, animal welfare, animals companions, 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:…

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

MEDIA RELEASE: Florida Man Sentenced for Abusing Girlfriend’s Cats

In Defense of Animals is pleased with the sentencing of Travis Keith Fehr, who was charged with two felony counts of animal cruelty for brutally beating his girlfriend’s…

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

Bull Who Loved to Play Forced Into Deadly Arena

Tell Professional Bull Riding sponsors to stop funding bull riding after Man Hater suffered a fatal injury during a championship event.

animal cruelty, animal entertainment, bull riding, bulls, cows

UPDATE: Dexter’s Killer Is Back in Jail After Losing Appeal

Dexter’s killer is back in jail after losing his appeal, but his brutal death shows why strong animal cruelty laws matter.

animal cruelty, Dexter’s Law, dogs, Florida, Justice for Animals

From Cages to Community: What San Francisco Can Learn from Buenos Aires’ EcoParque

From cages to community: EcoParque shows how San Francisco can reimagine the future of the SF Zoo.

animal protection, Animal Well-being, Buenos Aires, captive animals, EcoParque Buenos Aires, Rethink SF Zoo, San Francisco, SF Zoo Reform, Zoo Reform

New Mist Machines Are Keeping Animals Cool in India

With temperatures rising during the hottest part of the year in Mumbai, we noticed a marked change in animals who were showing their discomfort, so a new misting…

MEDIA RELEASE: Happy the Elephant Dies at the Bronx Zoo

In Defense of Animals is deeply saddened by the death of Happy, an Asian elephant at the Bronx Zoo who has been at the center of an ongoing battle to send her to…

10 Worst Zoos, Bronx Zoo, elephants, Happy

New York Residents: Support Tucker’s Law to Crack Down on Animal Cruelty

Horrifying cases of animal cruelty in New York continue to highlight the need for tougher penalties for abusers that address the seriousness of these crimes, and…

companion animal, New York, Tucker’s Law

New Jersey Residents: Help Ban Cruel Foie Gras

New Jersey residents can urge lawmakers to support S2648 and A2317 and help ban the cruel force-feeding of ducks and geese for foie gras.

animal protection, ducks, foie gras, geese, New Jersey

California Residents: Oppose Bill Encouraging Sick Kids to Hunt Animals

A disturbing legislative effort in California is underway to expand hunting and fishing opportunities for kids with life-threatening illnesses because there’s nothing…

California, hunting, Wild Animals

Southern Resident Killer Whales Are Running Out of Time

Save the Southern Resident killer whales. Fewer than 75 remain. Demand the Canadian government implement enforceable protections and restore Chinook salmon now.

endangered species, orcas, southern resident killer whales

Cat Kicked to Death in a Brutal Act of Cruelty

Demand justice in a New York animal cruelty case after a cat was fatally kicked. Urge prosecutors to pursue maximum penalties.

cat, Justice for Animals, New York

Dog Rescued From a Meat Truck in South Korea is Still Waiting for a Perfect Home

Angel was rescued from the back of a truck headed to slaughter in 2019, and she’s still waiting for her perfect forever home.

dog meat trade, Jindo Love Rescue, South Korea

WATCH: Brennan’s Racing Turtles Rescued by Freedom Farms

Nine rescued turtles from Brennan’s are now safe at Freedom Farms. Help build their new pond and support lifelong sanctuary care.

animal rescue, animal rights, animal welfare, Freedom Farms, In Defense of Animals, wildlife protection

WATCH: DOG$PIRACY Screenings Spotlight the Cruelty of Puppy Mills

DOG$PIRACY screenings in CA and LA expose puppy mill cruelty, featuring advocates and urging adoption over shopping for dogs.

adopt don’t shop, animal rescue, animal rights, animal welfare, companion animals, documentary, Dog$piracy, In Defense of Animals, puppy mills, Roxie Theater

MEDIA RELEASE: Cows Take Over Hollywood Walk of Fame to Expose Dairy Cruelty

Animal protection organizations have released powerful video footage of a demonstration held on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to mark the first-ever International Calf…

activism, Farmed Animals, Los Angeles

Florida Residents: Urge the Governor to Sign the Bill to Protect Animals & Children From Cruelty

Florida lawmakers unanimously passed new legislation to protect animals and children from abuse. Urge Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign HB 559 into law!

animal cruelty laws, Florida

California Residents: Stop AB 1722: Protect Endangered Wildlife

Oppose AB 1722 to protect California’s endangered wildlife. Learn how the bill could weaken protections for threatened species and take action today.

California, endangered species, wildlife protection

New York Residents: Support a Ban on Cruel Leg-Gripping Traps

Lawmakers are considering legislation (S.01182/A.667) that would make them illegal in New York.

New York, trapping, Wild Animals

Iceland’s Vulnerable Whales Face Agonizing Deaths as Hunts Resume in 2026

Urge Iceland to stop Hvalur hf. from resuming whale hunts and permanently end commercial whaling before the 2026 season begins.

Cetaceans, fin whales, Iceland, ocean, whales, whaling, Wild Animals

URGENT: Save Endangered Species in Guam by Protecting Their Habitat

Urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect critical habitat for 22 endangered species in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Support full designation…

Guam, habitat, insects, Wild Animals

Victory! Iowa Governor Signs Felony Animal Cruelty Bill

Iowa has signed a new law making severe animal torture a felony on the first offense.

animal cruelty, animal cruelty laws, animal protection, companion animals, Iowa, Justice for Animals, legislation

Victory! Bills Threatening Mexican Wolf Recovery Fail in Arizona

Three terrible bills that would have had devastating consequences for the recovery of Mexican wolves have failed in Arizona, thanks in part to public outcry.

Arizona, Mexican Wolves, Wild Animals

WATCH: Respect for Chickens Month Honors Individuals & Their Right to Freedom

Chickens are intelligent, emotional beings who are among the most tormented animals on Earth. There’s no humane way to exploit or kill them.

chickens, Farmed Animals, slaughter

MEDIA RELEASE: Florida Man Charged With Poaching 13 Alligators Sentenced

In Defense of Animals decries the sentencing of the Florida man who was charged with three other men for poaching 13 alligators.

alligator, Florida, Justice for Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Iowa Governor Signs Felony Animal Cruelty Bill

In Defense of Animals joins the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in applauding Gov. Kim Reynolds for signing legislation making animal cruelty a felony on the first…

animal cruelty laws, Iowa, Justice for Animals

Rhode Island Residents: Support a Ban on Fur!

Lawmakers in Rhode Island are considering legislation (S 2221) that would ban fur from farmed animals in the state.

ban fur, fur, Rhode Island

California Residents: Support AB 1733 to Help Expand Spay/Neuter Access

Urge California lawmakers to support AB 1733 to help expand lifesaving spay and neuter access for shelters and rescue groups.

animal protection, animal rights, animals companions, California, cats, dogs, legislation, spay and neuter

Iowa Residents: Make Animal Cruelty a Felony

Lawmakers in Iowa have unanimously passed legislation that would make a first offense of animal cruelty crime a felony and increase penalties for repeat offenders;…

animals companions, felony animal cruelty, Iowa

FINAL CHANCE: Stop Horrific Farm Bill Heading to Senate Vote

The current Farm Bill that passed the House would entrench more extreme animal cruelty forever. Urge the Senate to reject the current wording of the Farm Bill.

chickens, cows, dogs, farm bill, Farmed Animals, horses, pigs, Save Our Bacon Act, slaughter

Minister Tortured Her Dogs with Drano & Bleach

A Connecticut pastor faces animal cruelty charges after dogs suffered chemical burns, seizures, fractures, and deaths. Urge serious prosecution.

Connecticut, dogs, Justice for Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Pennsylvania Man Who Admitted to Strangling Cats in a Rage Handed Lenient Sentence

In Defense of Animals is deeply disappointed at the sentencing of a Pennsylvania man who was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty for killing two cats…

cats, Justice for Animals, Pennsylvania

Change the World for Animals With Words This Guardian Month

Find out what you can do this May for Guardian Month to make the world better for animals.

Guardian, Guardian Month

Fund An Ambulance for Virunga’s Dying Wild Animals in Africa

Animals in Virunga National Park face a wildlife crisis as hippos and crocodiles are slaughtered. Urge the Democratic Republic of the Congo to enforce protections…

Africa, crocodile, hippos, Rescue, Wild Animals

WATCH: Trapped in a Crate for Years, a Tiny Dog Finally Knows Love

Pistol survived years confined to a tiny crate before finally finding safety, healing, and love at Hope Animal Sanctuary.

adopt don’t shop, animal rescue, companion animals, development, dog rescue, dogs, Hope Animal Sanctuary, Mississippi, Rescue

Fund A Rescue Ambulance for Congo’s Animals

Fund A Rescue Ambulance for Congo’s Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Sneaky City Audit Release Shows San Francisco Zoo Hid Millions in Unapproved Spending

In Defense of Animals is calling for urgent reforms following the quiet release of a long-awaited city audit of the San Francisco Zoo, which validates whistleblower…

animals in entertainment, San Francisco Zoo

Minnesota Residents: Stop Pet Store Sales of Puppy Mill Puppies

Lawmakers in Minnesota are working to address this issue with legislation (SF 1943) that would stop new pet stores in the state from selling dogs and cats and add…

Minnesota, puppy mills

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