Public News Service

A cat from Minneapolis, now named Rue, is recovering from extensive injuries after a suspected case of animal cruelty. (Photo courtesy of Home for Life Animal Sanctuary)

MN case brings renewed focus on animal cruelty

Pet lovers say a Minnesota cat that narrowly escaped death is in recovery after being thrown from a high-rise apartment building. They want …

Environmental and family farm advocates say there's been a proliferation of large confined-animal feeding operations in states such as Minnesota, with most of them deigned for hogs. (Adobe Stock)

Rural MN Communities Fight Influence of Factory Farms

This week, a northern Minnesota county advanced a large-scale hog feedlot project. Opponents argued such operations are not what rural communities …

MN-based Cargill Faces Federal Complaint Over Turkey Labels

MINNEAPOLIS -- Many Americans are scaling back their Thanksgiving plans because of the pandemic. But turkey is still on the menu, and one Minnesota-…

In a survey, nearly 20% of Minnesota pet owners indicate having difficulty affording a pet. (Adobe Stock)

Stray-Pet Population Becomes Big Concern During Pandemic

MINNEAPOLIS -- Animal welfare groups say the pandemic is exacerbating the overpopulation crisis for cats and dogs in Minnesota and across the country…

Minnesota officials say the presence of zebra mussels has been confirmed in 214 lakes and wetlands. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Study: Invasive Species Reduce Size of Popular MN Fish

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- In some Minnesota lakes, invasive species are limiting the growth of a popular fish, according to a new study of the effects on …

Between 2001 and 2017, the U.S. human footprint nationwide expanded by 24 million acres, with states like North Dakota losing natural habitat primarily to oil and gas expansion. (sarahchristianson/hcn.org)

Development Destroys U.S. Landscapes at Alarming Rate

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. is losing its wild landscape to energy, transportation, agriculture and urbanization at a rate of two football …

In Minnesota, solar sites double as pollinator habitat with native plants feeding hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. (audubon.org)

Creating New Habitat for Threatened Birds

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A new study from the Audubon Society shows the welfare of birds is closely linked to the quality of food and shelter found in …

Americans' consumption of carbon-intensive food is estimated to be on average, more than double the global per-capita average. (pixabay)

Study Links Climate Pollution and Your Hamburger

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Researchers say they've tapped the most comprehensive estimate of greenhouse-gas emissions created by U.S. consumer food …

Extreme drought in three states has caused a severe shortage of hay for ranchers and farmers. (Pixabay)

Minnesotans "Make Hay" for Drought-Stricken Neighbors

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. -- Drought stricken farmers and ranchers in three states have until August 31 to enter a lottery for badly needed hay. The hay is …

Minnesota has taken the lead in protecting pollinating insects from harmful pesticides, which environmentalists say will benefit the country's agriculture system. (iStockphoto)

Minnesota Takes Lead in Protecting Pollinators

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota is being called a leader when it comes to restricting the use of pesticides that environmentalists say hurt bees…

Taxpayers can help protect non-game species, including Minnesota's state bird, the common loon, by making a donation on their state income-tax forms. (iStockphoto)

Using Tax Time to Help Minnesota Wildlife

ST. PAUL, Minn. - As many of us are preparing our income taxes, one state agency is reminding Minnesotans there's an easy way to help protect …

Conservationists say the EPA's new biofuel rules could lead to more croplands encroaching on wildlife habitats. (Sgarton/Morguefile.com)

Conservationists: EPA Ethanol "Loophole" Threatening Wildlife Lands

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Some new federal renewable fuel guidelines could be putting some wildlife habitats at risk, especially in the Midwest…

The rusty patched bumble bee used to be common in parts of the state, but has seen its population plummet in recent years. Courtesy: Rich Hatfield/The Xerces Society

Meet Rusty Patched Bumble Bee – While It's Still Around

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Protections could be on the way for a bumblebee that used to be commonly found in parts of Minnesota and across the Upper …

Another outbreak of avian influenza could hit this fall, after nearly 50-million birds were lost with the spring eruption of the disease. Credit: Bart Sadowski.

Carcass Concerns: Possible Fall Return of Bird Flu

ST. PAUL, Minn. – As the poultry industry in Minnesota and across the Midwest works to rebound from the spring outbreak of avian influenza…

The Animal Rights Coalition wants an end to big-game hunts after the killing of a lion in Africa by a Minnesota big-game hunter. Credit: Matt MacGillivray/Flickr.

MN Dentist Under Fire for Zimbabwe Lion Hunt

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Protests are planned today at the office of a Minnesota dentist who has come under fire for hunting down a lion in Zimbabwe…

The Simon Lake BioBlitz in west-central Minnesota has volunteers helping to identify plant and animal species to provide guidance on conservation efforts. Credit: Land Stewardship Project.

BioBlitz: A Biological Scavenger Hunt on the Minnesota Prairie

GLENWOOD, Minn. – Dozens of people are gathering this weekend in west-central Minnesota to learn which plants and animals are living in one of …

PHOTO: As the state continues to deal with the widespread outbreak of avian influenza, an expert on the issue will be speaking in Minnesota on Thursday. Robert Wallace will outline the problems with the production model of the commercial poultry industry and detail strategies for reducing the future risk. Photo credit: Cyndy Sims Parr/Flickr.

Bird Flu: Industrial Poultry Production in Crisis

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The outbreak of avian influenza that has decimated hundreds of turkey and chicken operations in Minnesota and a dozen other states …

PHOTO: With a deadly fungal disease called white-nose syndrome decimating its numbers, the northern long-eared bat today officially becomes listed as a threatened species in Minnesota and across the country. Photo credit: University of Illinois/Steve Taylor/Flickr.

Northern Long-Eared Bats in MN Now on Threatened List

ST. PAUL, Minn. – New protections are now in place for the northern long-earned bat, which officially becomes listed as a threatened species in …

PHOTO: Reports of a highly contagious flu sickening hundreds of dogs throughout the Midwest have many Minnesota dog owners on alert, but experts say while the situation is cause for concern, there's no need to panic. Photo credit: tinabasgen/Flickr.

Midwest Canine Flu Outbreak Has MN Dog Owners on Alert

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Fears of the flu for Fido are running high for some Minnesota dog owners, thanks to a rare strain of canine influenza that's …

PHOTO: The EPA is being taken to court over its approval of an herbicide for use on genetically engineered soybean and corn crops in Minnesota and 14 other states. The plaintiffs say Enlist Duo poses a threat to human health and endangered species. Photo credit: davef3138/Flickr.

Approval of New Herbicide Use in Minnesota Challenged

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A legal battle is being mounted against the Environmental Protection Agency over its expanded approval of a new herbicide for use …

PHOTO: Minnesota may increase the penalties for poaching, with a proposal for the most egregious cases to include felony charges and the revocation of hunting and fishing privileges for 10 years. Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Flickr.

Felonious: MN's Plan to Increase Penalties for Poachers

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In the wake of several high-profile cases of illegal poaching in Minnesota, more severe consequences may be coming for those …

PHOTO: A new public awareness campaign from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group is asking the famous

Watchdog Group Wants Antibiotics Off McDonald's Menu

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A new campaign has been launched urging the largest restaurant chain in the nation to stop purchasing meat that's been raised with …

PHOTO: An undercover investigation by the Humane Society of the United States at a Minnesota slaughterhouse uncovered alleged abuse of

Henhouse of Horrors: HSUS Goes Undercover at MN Facility

BUTTERFIELD, Minn. - Hens are being scalded alive at a Butterfield slaughterhouse, according to a new undercover video released by the Humane Society …

PHOTO: The monarch butterfly is one of the species found in Minnesota that are listed in a new report about plants and animals experiencing dramatic population declines. Photo credit: Dendroica cerulea/Flickr.

Ten Species the Next Generation May Never See

ST. PAUL, Minn. – It's a case of the common becoming uncommon in a new report from the wildlife advocacy group Endangered Species Coalition…

PHOTO: Monday is the 100th anniversary of the extinction of the passenger pigeon. The bird once numbered around 5 billion in North America, but now can only be found in museums. Photo credit: Eden, Janine and Jim/Flickr.

The Passing of the Passenger Pigeon: 100 Years Later

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Monday marks the 100th anniversary of the extinction of the passenger pigeon. The commemoration is being used to urge protection of …

PHOTO: A legal complaint has been served over the odors emanating from a Todd County pig farm, with the plaintiffs claiming the stench is making their lives miserable. Photo credit: Mercy for Animals/Flickr.

Neighbors of MN Hog Facility File Lawsuit Over "Foul Stench"

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Neighbors of a central Minnesota hog facility are going to court, claiming the odors from the operation are not only pungent but a …

PHOTO: Taking Fido for a ride in the car is one of the joys of summer, but veterinarians caution against ever leaving a pet in the car unattended, even with the windows cracked. Photo credit: pippalou/morguefile.com

Hot Summer Weather Puts Pets in Peril

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Dogs left in cars are an all-too-common summertime sight in parking lots, and animal experts say it is both extremely dangerous for …

PHOTO: There are concerns that the Food and Drug Administration's voluntary program to reduce certain uses of antibiotics for farm animals will not be effective. The overuse has led to an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria or so-called

FDA Aims to Reduce Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals

ST. PAUL, Minn. - With the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants to phase out the use of antibiotics to …

PHOTO: A western Minnesota turkey farm is facing allegations of animal cruelty, after the release of an undercover video filmed at the operation by an animal rights group. Photo credit: Compassion Over Killing.

Minnesota Turkey Producer Accused of Animal Cruelty

WILLMAR, Minn. - As families across the state prepare to sit down for that big Thanksgiving feast tomorrow, an animal rights group is claiming …

PHOTO: Shareholders of Cracker Barrel have voted in support of a resolution commending the restaurant chain for its plan to eliminate the use of gestation crates in its pork supply chain. Photo credit: Eli Christman

Shareholder Support for Cracker Barrel Eliminating Gestation Crates

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The recent decision by Cracker Barrel restaurants to remove gestation crates from its pork supply chain is earning praise from its …

PHOTO: An aerial view of a Texas feedlot. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization says large factory farms are increasing climate-changing pollution. Photo credit: Mishka Henner.

Report: Another Reason to Go Meatless Today

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Observing "Meatless Monday" is not only good for your health and for animals, it's also good for the environment. A new report from …

PHOTO: The Land Stewardship Project is hosting a field day Saturday in Sauk Centre, showing off techniques that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Courtesy: LSP

MN Agriculture: Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Farmers and ranchers across Minnesota and the nation are undertaking new efforts to help mitigate climate change. Peter …

PHOTO: A new poll finds 63% of Minnesota voters support closing the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, to help prevent the spread of the invasive Asian carp. CREDIT: LouisvilleUSACE

Majority in MN: Shut Down Locks To Stop Asian Carp

ST. PAUL, Minn. – With the invasive Asian carp on the move north, a majority of Minnesotans want aggressive action now to protect the state's …

PHOTO: Some Americans will soon have a chance to

Seeing Red Over Planned Running of the Bulls

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Concerns are being raised across the state and nation as an event patterned after the "running of the bulls" in Pamplona, Spain…

PHOTO: Sows lined up in crates. An undercover HSUS investigation in spring 2012 revealed cruelty and unsanitary conditions at a Wyoming pig breeding facility owned by a pork supplier. Courtesy of HSUS.<br />

Issues in Farm Bill Have the Attention of Animal Advocates

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Animal-rights advocates are perched on the edges of their seats as members of the U.S. House and Senate evaluate legislation to …

PHOTO: Corey came to Minnesota from a shelter in Oklahoma and is in need of a good home. CREDIT: Tyler Dog Photography

Minnesotans Urged to Adopt, Not Shop for a New Pet

PRIOR LAKE, Minn. - Minnesotans are being encouraged to consider adopting a shelter or rescue dog instead of shopping at stores or online for a new …

PHOTO: Three years after filing a petition to get the FDA to pull the approval of animal feed containing arsenic, several advocacy groups have now filed suit. They say the arsenic is not needed to raise animals and poses a public health risk. CREDIT: Norman Ack

Lawsuit Seeks to Eliminate Arsenic in Animal Feed

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is facing a lawsuit because it continues to allow arsenic in animal feed given to chickens…

Nanomaterials in Fertilizer and Bio-Solids Could Harm Soil

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Nanomaterials added to farm fields with fertilizer could threaten soil health, public health, and the food supply, a new report …

PHOTO: A report from the National Wildlife Federation cites climate change as a contributing factor in the declining moose population in Minnesota. CREDIT: amyhrer

Climate Change: The Impact on Minnesota Wildlife

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Creatures large and small in Minnesota are featured in a report from the National Wildlife Federation, which examines how …

PHOTO: If you buy a puppy online, is it from a reputable breeder or a puppy mill? The International Fund for Animal Welfare found 62 percent of the online ads it examined on a single day were

Report: Many Reasons to Howl about Buying Dogs Online

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - The holidays often prompt people to add a cuddly new addition to the family, but if you buy a dog online, there's a good …

Will Walmart Make Its Suppliers Stop Using Gestation Crates?

ST. PAUL, Minn. – An animal advocacy group says Walmart is quickly becoming the lone major corporation that still allows its pork suppliers to …

New FDA Ban Aimed at Reducing Prevalence of "Super Bugs"

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Farmers and ranchers in Minnesota and around the country only have a couple more months to find alternatives to a common antibiotic …

Power to the Small Farmer: Experts, Advocates Look to End Factory Farming

MINNEAPOLIS - Consumer, environmental and animal-welfare activists are converging in Virginia this week, with a mission to end so-called "factory …

Chocolate Bunnies Make Better Easter Gifts Than Live Ones

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. – The Easter bunny is not a pet, and live rabbits should not be given as gifts. That's the message from the Animal Humane …

Oil Disaster Pushes Florida Event International

MINNEAPOLIS - "Hands Across the Sand" began in Florida as a warning about the dangers of offshore oil drilling even before the Gulf of Mexico disaster…

USDA Livestock Reforms - Renewed Hope for MN Farmers and Producers?

MINNEAPOLIS - Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is publishing a new rule which is aimed at leveling the playing field for small …

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MN: Animal Welfare