lamb under yellow prairie brush

Volume 70  Issue 3

Fall 2021

In this Issue

Cruelty goes unchecked as “custom-exempt” slaughterhouses evade inspection. A notorious chinchilla dealer lands in court over allegations of abuse. Animals around the world grapple with habitats transformed by climate change. Wild denizens of ANWR get welcome reprieve from oil and gas drilling. AWI aids efforts to cultivate peaceful coexistence with beavers. A Mississippi River sediment diversion plan endangers dolphins. Teen participants in A Voice for Animals contest speak—and act—for a better world.

AWI seeks to improve the lives of animals everywhere, including animals raised for food. We promote farming systems that allow animals to live outdoors and engage in natural behaviors, and we fight against inhumane methods of slaughter. “Custom-exempt” slaughter—conducted at small plants catering mostly to hunters and individuals processing meat for their personal use—is expected to comply with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. However, facilities designated as custom-exempt are subject to minimal oversight, and an AWI investigation found that animals at these plants are routinely subject to serious abuse.

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Featured in This Issue

Custom-Exempt Slaughter: A License to Neglect and Abuse Farm Animals

Farmed Animals
pig looks at a scratcher in a pen

Pigs Love Scratching But Are Hard on Scratchers: A LAREF Discussion

Animals in Laboratories
isolated penguin stands on muddy surface in front of grand mountain range

Pole to Pole, Climate Change Taking a Toll on Planetary Life

Marine Wildlife, Terrestrial Wildlife
Bottlenose Dolphin surfaces near Grand Isle, Louisiana

Sediment Diversion Plan Puts Dolphins in Danger

Marine Wildlife
Spotlighting Safe Haven Services for People and Pets
Companion Animals
The Promise of Castor Coexistence
Terrestrial Wildlife
Voice for Animals Contest Winners Making the World a Better Place for Animals

More in this Issue

AWI’s Lawsuit Regarding Treatment of Nonambulatory Pigs Moves Forward

 Farmed Animals

BLM’s Adoption Incentive Program Under Scrutiny

 Equines, Terrestrial Wildlife

Biden Administration Suspends ANWR Leases

 Terrestrial Wildlife

Equine Protection Measures Advance

 Companion Animals, Equines

FDA Seeks Greater Veterinary Oversight of Antimicrobials for Farm Animals

 Farmed Animals

Fire Code Revised to Better Protect Farm Animals

 Farmed Animals

Florida Manatees Dying in Record Numbers

 Marine Wildlife

Hope Dims as Mexico, WHC Fail to Help Vaquita

 Marine Wildlife

House Committee Approves Increased Funding for Right Whale Conservation

 Marine Wildlife

Illinois General Assembly Promotes Statewide Food Purchasing Reform

 Farmed Animals

Indian Ocean Oil Spill Devastates Marine Life

 Marine Wildlife

Mysterious Illness Killing Birds

 Terrestrial Wildlife

OIG Report Exposes Recordkeeping Chaos at USDA Animal Care

 Companion Animals

Progress Toward Fur-Free Fashion

 Farmed Animals, Terrestrial Wildlife

Rats May Relish More Refined Tickling Techniques

 Animals in Laboratories

Reducing Animal Suffering During Supply Chain Disruptions 

 Farmed Animals

Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act Introduced in House

 Terrestrial Wildlife

Rodent Training Video Available Online

 Animals in Laboratories

Senate Passes Shark Fin Sales Ban

 Marine Wildlife

States Redouble Attacks on Gray Wolves

 Terrestrial Wildlife

Tiger King Conclusion? DOJ Stepping In to Bring Down Lowes

 Terrestrial Wildlife

USDA Takes Infamous Chinchilla Dealer to Court

 Animals in Laboratories

Wildlife Services Directed to Pursue Nonlethal Management

 Terrestrial Wildlife

Workshop Examines Cetaceans’ Outsized Role in Ecosystem Functioning

 Marine Wildlife

Reviews

illustrated caracara bird sits perched

A Most Remarkable Creature

 Terrestrial Wildlife
illustrated variety of wild animals in a circle

Beloved Beasts

 Terrestrial Wildlife
whale dives underwater as scuba diver watches from above

When Animals Rescue

 Companion Animals, Terrestrial Wildlife