Animal Welfare / Public News Service

Government-sponsored poisoning and trapping campaigns in the 1930s mostly exterminated the U.S. wolf population. (WikiCommons)

Lawsuit over Endangered Species Act follows outrage at wolf torture photo

A lawsuit over a federal agency's decision not to boost wolf protections in New Mexico and other western states has been filed, days after video …

Smithfield Foods spilled more than 7.3 million gallons of hog waste throughout Missouri according to a public records search by The Socially Responsible Agriculture Project. (Alberto/Adobe Stock)

A California regulation with big Midwest consequences

Family farm advocates in Missouri are concerned a regulation on the other side of the country could have unintended effects on rural Missourians…

The Wildlife Disease Surveillance for Pandemic Prevention Act seeks to create a Wildlife Disease Surveillance Program though the Wildlife Health Office at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Adobe Stock)

Wildlife disease measure could benefit IA ag industry

Wildlife advocates are asking Congress to pass bill that would help states track diseases killing wildlife across the country. In Iowa, the measure …

In New Mexico, three-quarters of new survey respondents said they do not want protections rolled back on national monuments. (National Park Service)

Poll: Voters in NM, other Western states consistently support conservation

A new poll showed New Mexico voters expressed a deep affection for lands, water and wildlife and want policies offering greater protections. The 14…

Horses, like people, typically only show signs of osteoarthritis at advanced stages, when they experience joint pain. (Adobe Stock)

Horses could hold key to treating injury-related arthritis

Researchers at Colorado State University are making headway in identifying how osteoarthritis progresses in horses, and their findings could one day …

A similar bill failed to pass last year. Opponents of the revived legislation say it's a win for puppy mills and pet-store owners. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed IN law would bar cities from banning pet-store puppy sales

Some Hoosiers want Indiana lawmakers to rethink proposed legislation that would usurp existing local laws that prohibit retailers from selling puppies…

The Smithsonian Institution estimates 600 million birds a year are killed in the U.S. by flying into windows. Window strikes are most common among migratory species, such as native sparrows and warblers, already facing some of the most drastic population declines. (OllieT/Adobe Stock)

MI study aims to minimize bird mortality from window strikes

Spring brings about migration season for birds, but home and workplace windows can often prevent them from getting to their final destination…

According to Facts.net, Scottish Terriers live between 11 and 13 years on average. Former presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and George W. Bush had them as beloved pets. (Adobe Stock)

IN researchers hope canine cancer study could help humans

Pets are often considered beloved family members, and like any loved one, their health is a priority. Research from Purdue University has found a …

Scientists have spent the last year and a half feeding bobcats chronic wasting disease prions as part of their research. (Adobe/Stock)

Bobcat scat shows promise for containing chronic wasting disease

Bobcats and other carnivores can remove over 95% of chronic wasting disease - or CWD - prions from infected meat, according to early findings by …

Proposition 12 requires pork producers who want to sell meat in California to give the animals larger crates. (Humane Society of the United States)

CA farm animal cruelty law takes full effect

Pork sold in California will now have to comply with Proposition 12. The law bans some types of extreme confinement of farm animals, specifically …

Large-scale farm operations have raised concerns about nearby public health effects across the country. (Aaron/Adobe Stock)

Pollution concerns prompt OR county to limit large-scale farms

An Oregon county has enacted new restrictions on large-scale agriculture operations. Linn County commissioners approved a one-mile setback rule from …

As wolf population numbers in Colorado grow, some wolves are expected to migrate to establish new territories. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado begins program to reintroduce gray wolves in native range

It's been 50 years since Congress passed the Endangered Species Act, which is credited with helping wolves rebound from near-total extinction in …

Experts on vegan diets say non-meat-based holiday roasts can include ingredients such as cranberry, apricot and pumpkin seed stuffing. (Adobe Stock)

Looking ahead to holiday meals? Vegan items could be on the menu

November is almost here, and some Wisconsin households might be planning their menu for upcoming holiday meals. Those who support vegan diets say …

Around 80% of voters, regardless of political affiliation, believe preventing cruelty to animals is a matter of personal moral concern, according to a Data for Progress poll. (Adobe Stock)

Local meat producers in PA rally against EATS Act

Advocates for locally controlled family farms in Pennsylvania say a proposed amendment to the 2023 Farm Bill would gut states' ability to regulate the…

The palila is a critically endangered finch-billed species of Hawaiian honeycreeper. (Courtesy Bret Mossman)

Invasive species put Hawaii in midst of a wildlife extinction crisis

Hawaii is known for its beautiful birds and wildlife advocates want to see more done to protect them from the effects of climate change. One of the …

A legislative analysis of the EATS Act from Harvard says it

Family farm advocates in MA rally against EATS Act

A coalition of animal-welfare and family-farm advocates say a proposed amendment to the 2023 Farm Bill jeopardizes states' ability to regulate their o…

The 2018 Farm Bill included the Pets and Women Safety Act or PAWS, (renamed Protecting Animals with Shelter) to strengthen protections for pets in domestic-abuse situations and provide grant money to help more shelters be able to accept house pets. (takafoto/Adobe Stock)

Legal protection, sheltering, for pets of NE domestic-abuse victims

For some people experiencing domestic violence, concern about the safety of their household pet can prevent them from leaving. In a survey of 2,500 …

About 345,000 hogs and pigs live on Wisconsin farms, according to the latest USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service - Hogs and Pigs report. (Adobe Stock)

WI small-farm advocates push back on CAFOs

Family-farm advocates in rural Wisconsin are pushing back on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, as the livestock industry becomes more …

The number of wolves in Wisconsin is estimated at 1,000, up from 200 when the state adopted its first management plan in 1999. (dnr.wisconsin.gov)

Wisconsin's wolf management plan back in the spotlight

The long-awaited Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan is up for adoption next week by the state's Department of Natural Resources, and the board will …

Farmers typically feed their cattle ground-up corn plants, including the stalks, leaves and ears in a mixture called silage. Drought has prompted livestock experts to warn of potentially lethal levels of nitrate in the silage this year and recommend getting it tested before feeding in to their cattle. (Adobe Stock)

Experts warn of dangerous high-nitrate cattle feed

Livestock experts are warning farmers about high nitrate content in their cattle feed this fall because of Iowa's prolonged drought. Farmers …

President Joe Biden does not believe the U.S.-Mexican border wall built by his predecessor was effective, but cited a 2019 congressional appropriation of funds as the reason for new border wall in the Rio Grande Valley. (AerialStockFootage/Adobe Stock)

South Texas opponents of new border wall promise resistance

Opponents of previous efforts to build a border wall in South Texas are reeling from the Biden administration's announcement last week to resume…

Many saguaro cacti were damaged or destroyed during construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall initiated by former President Donald Trump and funded by taxpayers. (Photo courtesy: LaikenJordahl)

NM Saw Lasting Consequences from Trump's U.S.-Mexico Border Wall

The unprecedented attempt to build a wall along the U.S. Mexico border has had devastating effects on wildlife from which they may not recover…

U.S. medical costs associated with tick-borne diseases are substantial, with Lyme disease alone resulting in anywhere between $712 million and $1.3 billion in annual treatment costs, according to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Multi-State Effort Begins to Study Dramatic Tick Increase in New England

Scientists in rural New England are working to better monitor and manage tick populations as climate change helps fuel their dramatic increase…

The Human League says factory farming causes significant damage to rural communities, surrounding environments, and the farmed animals themselves. (zhang yongxin/Adobe Stock)

Rural Advocacy Groups: Corporate Farming Infringing on MO Family Farms

Despite the goal to unite Missourians around a common cause, rural advocacy groups have been pushing the EPA for more regulation from the Clean …

Recent modeling shows that the increase in Chronic Wasting Disease prevalence due to feedgrounds will lead to a greater elk population decline within a 20 year time period. (Adobe Stock)

Winter Feeding Plan Too Slow for Chronic Wasting Disease

What began as an emergency measure - to help Wyoming elk herds hit by a series of extremely harsh winters in 1909 - has become a major source of conte…

When the summer heat becomes unbearable, pet owners are urged to go to great lengths to keep their animals cool, including a constant stream of safe drinking water. And experts say you should never assume your pet can swim, and you should monitor them at all times near the water. (Adobe Stock)

During Hotter Stretches, Pets Need to Stay Cool, Too

Next week, parts of Wisconsin will see the return of near 90-degree temperatures. Animal rights voices say as hot stretches become more common…

Fall asters (New England asters) and goldenrods are considered two of the most important fall flowers for honey bees and bumble bees, providing some of the last fresh food they will eat before the winter freeze. (Adobe Stock)

Honey Bee Colonies Remain “Relatively Stable” Despite Multiple Threats

Parasites and extreme weather led to the loss of nearly half of America's managed honey bee colonies over the past year, according to a new survey…

According to the group Veterinarians.org, using FBI figures, Indiana ranked 7th among states in 2021 for the number of animal cruelty cases, with 627 incidents.(Adobe Stock)

Indiana Shelter Stresses Animal Kindness

Hoosiers are enjoying the arrival of summer, but it is not the only important event on the calendar this week. For more than 30 years, the third …

Park district leaders faced with controlling higher populations of Canadian geese say too many of them pose public health and safety risks. But some management plans rely on killing groups of birds, which animal-rights groups say is costly and ineffective, in addition to being cruel. (Adobe Stock)

WI Cities Face Pressure to Stop Euthanizing Geese

If you've been to a Wisconsin park recently, chances are you have noticed lots of geese. Their populations have trended upward, and animal rights …

According to the Mars Veterinary Health study, nearly 41,000 additional veterinarians will be needed to meet the needs of companion animal health care by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Governor Enacts Law Allowing Telemedicine for Pets

In Arizona, telemedicine is now not only available for humans but also for people's beloved animals. Last month Governor Katie Hobbs signed Senate …

While there has been some backlash from customers, a number of states have adopted laws that allow dogs to be at outdoor restaurants, so long as they stay away from food preparation. (Adobe Stock)

Dining Out with Fido? Experts Have Tips to Keep Pets and Patrons Safe

May is National Pet Month, and South Dakota residents considering adoption are urged to do careful planning - while also making sure dogs can handle …

A trial involving three animal rights activists, charged with their entry into a breeding and researching facility in Wisconsin, is scheduled to begin in November. (Adobe Stock)

Activists Put Spotlight on Treatment of Dogs at WI Research Facility

A Wisconsin court case involving charges against animal rights activists remains in play. Ahead of trial proceedings, various groups are calling …

A tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours to transmit the Lyme bacteria. (Adobe Stock)

Increasing Cases of Lyme Disease in Dogs Highlighted During April

April is Prevent Lyme disease in Dogs Month, and animal health experts are getting the word out about tick borne diseases in pets. Over the past two …

Advocates for homeless pets say the best place for these animals is in a home with loving owners. (eight8/Adobe Stock)

Preventing Animal Cruelty Could Mean Helping People Find Resources

April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month and some of the reasons pets suffer do not necessarily look like what many imagine. Nadia Novik, chief …

The global commercial drone market size was estimated at almost $30 billion in 2022. It is anticipated to increase 38% over the next seven years, according to Grand View Research. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Bill Would Prohibit Drone Use Near Livestock Operations

The Iowa House has voted to ground drones over livestock containment and feedlots. Critics of the measure say drones are used to document unhealthy …

Animal protection groups say warning signs of pet maltreatment can include dogs or cats left in yards chained up, looking dirty and in need of food and water. (Adobe Stock)

Animal Cruelty Awareness Month: Family Violence Warning Signs

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and Wisconsinites are urged to be aware of how family violence can affect pets - as well as the need …

More than 70% of Maine's total electricity net generation comes from renewable energy, and hydroelectric power provides the largest share at 27%. (Adobe Stock)

New Hydropower Dam Designs Leave Fish Unharmed

By Eric Krebs for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

New Mexico's newly created permanent conservation fund is modeled after a trust established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2005. (RustyDodson/Adobe Stock)

New Mexico Creates First-Ever $100M Conservation Fund

New Mexico is using some of its surplus budget funds, primarily from oil and gas revenues, to establish the state's first-ever source of recurring …

An organizer tosses a chicken at an annual Wisconsin event that has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights advocates. (Photo courtesy United Poultry Concerns)

WI 'Chicken Toss' Event Renews Animal Exploitation Concerns

Later this month, a western Wisconsin town will hold an annual celebration including an event known as a "chicken toss." Animal rights advocates say …

In 2016, North Dakota voters rejected changes to a 90-year-old law which blocks corporate ownership of farms. However, state leaders say it is time again to consider changes, arguing North Dakota is losing competitiveness in livestock production. (Adobe Stock)

Regulatory, Tribal Impacts Hang Over ND's Corporate Farming Debate

North Dakota's plan to boost animal agriculture has reignited a thorny issue: loosening restrictions on corporate ownership of farms. The state said …

Since the beginning of 2022, seven Western states have initiated programs to maintain wildlife habitat and safe passage, through fencing, signs, overpasses and underpasses, according to Pew research. (TaborChichakly/Adobe Stock)

NM Lawmakers Weigh Next Step for Wildlife Crossings

Reducing the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions is the goal of a bill before the New Mexico Legislature this session. Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-…

According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the state's Wildlife Migration Initiative has tracked almost 10,000 animals. (Utah DWR)

UT Pitches In to Help with Wildlife Migration

Two state agencies have teamed up to make safer wildlife migration a priority in Utah. The Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative relies heavily on GPS …

A new study says when a wolf pack leader dies, the chances of reproduction for that wolf pack are reduced by 49%. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Wolf Packs Suffer Greatly When One Dies by Human Action

Wolf packs lose their ability to thrive when one of their members dies as a result of human activity, according to a new study that comes amid calls …

The CDC says the biggest risk to public health from cattle concentrated animal feeding operations is the amount of manure they produce, which can contain potential contaminants and pathogens, from E. coli to growth hormones and antibiotics. (Adobe Stock)

'Bigger Picture' Emerges about Proposed Dundy County CAFO

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has concluded a 30-day public comment period on its intent to approve a permit for a proposed concen…

State Department of Natural Resources officials say 71 of 72 Wisconsin counties now have documented active eagle nests. (Adobe Stock)

WI Officials Still Investigating Eagle Death

As the New Year takes shape, Wisconsin officials say they are still trying to get to the bottom of a recent death involving a bald eagle and are …

California has the most imperiled biodiversity of any state in the contiguous United States, according to NatureServe, but it also has more land under biodiversity protection than any other of the lower 48 states. (iNaturalist.org)

Imperiled Global Species Map Shows Texas Ranks High

When a scientist with the nonprofit group NatureServe began studying where biodiversity is most at risk in America, she never expected Texas to rank …

Albuquerque's city-owned animal shelters are waiving adoption fees this weekend in an effort to reduce the high number of animals boarded there. (poetanimalrescue.org)

COVID-Related Crisis Continues for Animals, Animal Shelters

Adopting a pet was a lifesaver for many people isolated during the pandemic. Two years later, many animal shelters, including those in Albuquerque…

A proposed ordinance in Clark County is meant to cut off the market for pets that sometimes come from

2.6 million puppies that are sold each year originated in a commercial breeding facility. (PETA)">

Clark County Commission to Vote Today on Pet-Store Sales of Cats, Dogs

A proposed ban on the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits and pot-bellied pigs at pet stores goes before the Clark County Commission today. Pet stores would …

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