AWI Quarterly Term Archive
Government/Legal
House Natural Resources Committee Approves Animal Welfare Bills
Marine Wildlife, Terrestrial WildlifeThe Committee on Natural Resources in the House of Representatives has jurisdiction over many bills supported by AWI. Fortunately, Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) is a champion of animal welfare and...
PACT Act Becomes Law
Companion AnimalsOn November 25, the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act passed by Congress was signed by President Trump. This new law extends federal jurisdiction to certain egregious forms of...
USDA Seeks to Shield Scofflaws from Public Scrutiny
Companion Animals, EquinesThe US Department of Agriculture recently proposed new “routine uses” of records under the federal Privacy Act that determine disclosure of information outside the department. The USDA seems determined to...
PAST Act Passes House
EquinesAt long last, legislation to end equine abuse at horse shows received a vote in Congress. The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (HR 693) passed the House of Representatives...
Administration Axes Endangered Species Protections
Marine Wildlife, Terrestrial WildlifeIn August, the Trump administration released final regulations that severely weaken critical Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections at a time when increased threats from habitat destruction and climate change necessitate...
Illinois Eliminates Animal-Tested Cosmetics
Animals in LaboratoriesIllinois has joined California, Nevada, and more than 30 countries worldwide in banning the sale of animal-tested cosmetics. SB 241, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and signed by Governor...
Reforming Rubber Stamp of Commercial Animal Licenses
AWI President Cathy Liss joined Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and other animal welfare advocates in August at DuPage County Animal Services in Wheaton, Illinois, as Krishnamoorthi announced the introduction of...
States Strengthen Safeguards for Domestic Violence Survivors and Pets
Companion AnimalsSeveral states have added new protections for domestic violence survivors and their pets, bringing to 37 the number of states that allow for the inclusion of pets in domestic violence...
Administration Persists with Deconstruction of Animal Welfare Act
Animals in LaboratoriesThe dismantling of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by the USDA continues unabated. The entire program—inspections, long-standing policies, and enforcement—is in shambles, leaving animals with virtually no protection. And gleaning...
Bills to Protect Marine Species Advance in Senate
Marine WildlifeTo protect some of the world’s most endangered marine species, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously approved two bills: the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act (S 877)...