News & Alerts

MEDIA RELEASE: Cody Roberts Dodges Prison for Sadistic Wolf Torture

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Wild and Free

California Residents: Protect Nesting Birds: Stop Fireworks at Ballona Wetlands

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Puppy Mills

Pennsylvania Residents: Tell Senators to Crack Down on Puppy Mill Cruelty!

End Mill Misery. Save Lives.

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Farmed Animals

Faster Slaughter Lines Will Cause More Suffering for Pigs & Birds

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Vivisection

Save Survivors of Washington State University’s Horse-Killing Lab

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Sanctuaries

Donate to Fuel The Journey Home

MEDIA RELEASE/BREAKING: Etsy to Ban All Fur Sales

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Hope Animal Sanctuary

WATCH: Hope Animal Sanctuary’s New Transport Van is Already Saving Animals’ Lives

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Justice for Animals

UPDATE: Serial Cat Killer Faced 40 Years, But the Judge Let Him Walk Free Instead

MEDIA RELEASE: Cody Roberts Dodges Prison for Sadistic Wolf Torture

In Defense of Animals is utterly disgusted by the sentencing of Cody Roberts, who got probation for sadistic wolf torture in Wyoming.

Wild Animals, Wolves, Wyoming

California Residents: Protect Nesting Birds: Stop Fireworks at Ballona Wetlands

Tell California officials to ban Ballona Wetlands fireworks and protect wild animals with safer drone shows on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve.

Ballona Wetlands, California, endangered species, Los Angeles, Pacific Flyway, Wild Animals

Pennsylvania Residents: Tell Senators to Crack Down on Puppy Mill Cruelty!

Help pass Victoria’s Law, named in honor of a puppy mill survivor, which would ban pet stores in Pennsylvania from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits unless they were…

Pennsylvania, puppy mills, Victoria’s Law

End Mill Misery. Save Lives.

Donate now to save dogs from the dog meat trade!

Faster Slaughter Lines Will Cause More Suffering for Pigs & Birds

The USDA wants to speed up slaughter lines, inflicting more animal cruelty and endangering workers. Take action and submit your comment today.

chickens, cruelty, Farmed Animals, pigs, slaughter, slaughterhouses, turkey

Save Survivors of Washington State University’s Horse-Killing Lab

Following fierce backlash, Washington State University canceled a lethal equine surgery lab, but the survivors are still in limbo and deserve to go to a sanctuary…

horses, vivisection, Washington State University

Donate to Fuel The Journey Home

Abused, neglected, and starved animals in America’s rural south are waiting right now for a way out.

MEDIA RELEASE/BREAKING: Etsy to Ban All Fur Sales

In a decisive move signaling the continued collapse of the fur industry, global marketplace Etsy has announced a total ban on the sale of animal fur products across…

WATCH: Hope Animal Sanctuary’s New Transport Van is Already Saving Animals’ Lives

Hope Animal Sanctuary’s new Hope Northbound transport van is already saving lives by bringing dogs and cats from rural Mississippi to rescue partners in the Northeast…

UPDATE: Serial Cat Killer Faced 40 Years, But the Judge Let Him Walk Free Instead

A man convicted of torturing and killing cats could have faced 40 years in prison. Instead, he walked free. Demand accountability now.

animal cruelty, animals companions, cats, companion animal, Edwin Sanabia, judicial accountability, justice, legislation, New Jersey

Samuel L. Jackson & a 10-Year-Old Boy Unite to Speak Up for Elephants Billy & Tina

Samuel L. Jackson and 10 year-old Nick Wilson urge the Tulsa Zoo to release elephants Billy & Tina to sanctuary.

advocacy, Billy, Captive elephants, captivity, celebrity, elephant sanctuary, elephants, Los Angeles Zoo, Oklahoma, Tina, Tulsa Zoo, Wild Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Public Health and Animal Welfare Hazards Exposed at Del Mar Reptile Expo

Following a highly visible weekend protest featuring giant inflatable reptiles, In Defense of Animals, Rescue Not Retail and local advocates have released new undercover…

companion animals, Del Mar Fairgrounds pet and reptile show expo, reptile expo

California Residents: Support Vital Bill to Expand Spay/Neuter Programs!

California’s shelters are in crisis mode, and thousands upon thousands of animals are suffering and dying as a result. However, a new bill could address the overpopulation…

AB 2010, California, companion animals, spay and neuter

New York Residents: Protect Whales in New York Waters

Tell Governor Hochul to sign New York’s Whale Awareness Act to help prevent vessel strikes and protect whales feeding in New York.

humpback whales, marine life, New York, ocean, right whale, sei whales, sperm whales, vessel strikes, whale protection, whales, Wild Animals

Arizona Residents: Protect Endangered Mexican Wolves From Legislative Assault

Despite decades of protection under the Endangered Species Act, Mexican gray wolves in the Southwest are still far from recovered. Unfortunately, that hasn’t stopped…

Arizona, Mexican Wolves, Wild Animals

Animals at Ballona Wetlands Need Federal Protection Before Bulldozing Resumes

Tell the National Park Service to recommend full protection for Ballona Wetlands, a rare Los Angeles coastal habitat vital for wild animals.

Ballona Wetlands, California, endangered species, Los Angeles, National Park Service, wild and free, Wild Animals

4 Florida Men Arrested for Illegally Killing 13 Alligators

Four Florida men are facing multiple felony charges after being caught poaching American alligators. Demand maximum penalties in this case.

alligator, David Landry, Florida, Justice for Animals, Luke David Michael Landry, Robert Martin, Wyatt Lowe

Two New Ambulances Are Saving Animals’ Lives in India

IDA India’s rescue centers are always busy, but our fleet of ambulances is also essential to the lifesaving work we do. Last year, we put out a plea for help to…

animal ambulance, IDA India

WATCH: Sustainable Activism in Action: 10 Years of Support for Animal Advocates

Thank you for celebrating In Defense of Animals’ 10th annual Activist Appreciation Month with webinars, support groups, and Lobby Day.

Activist Appreciation Month, Animal Advocates, Devi Daly, Lobby Day, Omnivores Deception, Paul White, Sustainable Activism, Vegan Mental Health

WATCH: Led by Mothers: The Matriarchs of Killer Whale Families

Killer whales are led by matriarchs whose knowledge and bonds are vital to survival. Learn how grief, captivity, and family separation harm orcas.

Cetaceans, killer whale, marine mammals, matriarchy, ocean conservation, orca captivity, orcas, Wild Animals

Save the Ballona Wetlands: A Sanctuary on the Brink

Save the Ballona Wetlands: A Sanctuary on the Brink

MEDIA RELEASE: Reward to Catch Florida Woman Who Drowned Dog in Airport Toilet Climbs to $3,500

Six months after a warrant was issued for her arrest, In Defense of Animals is adding $2,500 to a $1,000 reward offered by the Clermont Police Department — bringing…

Florida, Justice for Animals, reward

MEDIA RELEASE: Samuel L. Jackson Urges Tulsa Zoo to Release LA Elephants Billy & Tina

Hollywood titan Samuel L. Jackson is stepping in to help bring elephants Billy and Tina to the sanctuary they deserve

10 Worst Zoos, Billy, elephants, Los Angeles Zoo, Tina, Tulsa Zoo

California Residents: Tell Del Mar Fairgrounds to End Cruel Exotic Expos

Urge Del Mar Fairgrounds to stop hosting reptile expos, where animals are sold as products despite welfare and environmental concerns.

biodiversity loss, Del Mar Fairgrounds pet and reptile show expo, exotic pet trade California, reptile expo, reptile expo animal welfare concerns, reptile show expo

Wisconsin Residents: Support the Wisconsin Humane Cosmetics Act!

Animal testing for cosmetics is cruel, outdated, and unnecessary, but a new bill could make Wisconsin the 13th state to take a stand against it.

vivisection, Wisconsin Humane Cosmetics Act

Illinois Residents: Ban Cruel Steer Tailing!

Illinois residents: Urge state senators to support SB 45 to ban cruel steer tailing. Help end this brutal practice and protect animals from severe injury.

coleadero, cows, Farmed Animals, Illinois, rodeo, steer, steer tailing

Wild Animals Are Dying Horrific Deaths on Roadways

Support the Wildlife Road Crossing Program Reauthorization Act (H.R.6078 / S.3503) to fund safe crossings for wild animals, reduce roadkill, restore habitats, and…

amphibians, Road Crossing, United States, Wild Animals

Yellowstone’s Bison Roam Free, Then Are Sent to Slaughterhouses

Wild bison in Yellowstone are still being captured and sent to slaughter. Contact Yellowstone National Park’s superintendent and Montana’s governor to urge protection…

bison, Montana, Wild Animals, Yellowstone

MEDIA RELEASE: Panda Plan Canceled, Raises Call for San Francisco Zoo to Transition to "Ecopark SF"

In Defense of Animals, SF ZooWatch, Panda Voices and local advocates are calling for the mayor's immediate intervention following breaking reports that the San Francisco…

animals in entertainment, panda, San Francisco Zoo

A Dog Rescued From a Meat Truck Who Waited Years for a Family Has Finally Been Adopted

In 2019, Raina was crammed into a cage on a truck carrying 28 dogs to slaughter in South Korea when she was rescued, and now she’s finally been adopted.

Adoptions, dog meat trade, dog rescue, Jindo Love Rescue, South Korea

Ending Exploitation in Puppy Mills: Expanding Compassion this International Women’s Month

Celebrate women and female animals this International Women’s Month. Learn how exploitation affects them and how rescue and compassion can help.

animal exploitation, animal protection, animal rescue, puppy mills, spay and neuter, Women’s History Month

WATCH: Mosaic Mural Tribute & Remembrance Events One Year After LA Fires

One year after the LA Fires, Topanga honors Arthur Simoneau, wild animals lost in the blaze, and community healing through art and habitat restoration.

Arthur Simoneau, bobcat, crisis, hawks, Los Angeles, Sustainable Activism, Topanga, Wild Animals, wildfires

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: 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

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

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

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