Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight. ~Albert Schweitzer

Stop Horrific Abuse of Tennessee Walking Horses

A new undercover investigation by the Humane Society of the United States revealed that workers at a nationally known Tennessee Walking horse training barn used caustic chemicals on horses’ front legs to produce an artificial high-stepping gait that wins competitions. This cruel practice, known as soring, is illegal but common in the Tennesse Walking horse industry. Congress must strengthen horse protection policies in order to stop this horrific practice.

Military Working Dogs Deserve Recognition for their Service

Military working dogs play a critical role in the military, yet the Pentagon classifies them as mere ‘equipment.’ Two bills recently introduced in Congress would reclassify these dogs as ‘canine members of the Armed Forces,’ as well as provide support for them after their service. Urge Congress to pass this legislation to support these heroic animals.

Overturn Decision to Deny Virginia Prosecutor Judgeship Based on Sexual Orientation

The Virginia House of Delegates recently rejected the judicial nomination of an openly gay prosecutor out of concern that he would press an activist agenda. Discrimination based on sexual orientation should not be tolerated in state government. Demand that the decision to deny Tracy Thorne-Begland’s judgeship be overturned immediately.

Support Bond Proposal to Conserve Land for Maine’s Future

Maine Legislature will soon vote on an act that includes a $5 million bond proposal to fund a land conservation program. Conserving the state’s land and natural resources is an investment in the local economy and is critical to preserving Maine’s future. Urge Maine legislators pass this important act.

Support Harsher Penalties for Drug Violations in the Horse Racing Industry

Lax regulations in the horse racing industry have fostered a culture where the majority of top trainers have multiple drug violations, and horses are breaking down at alarming rates. Racing commissions across the country must increase enforcement of medication regulations in the horse racing industry, and enact harsher penalties and deterrents.

Save Cats and Dogs in South Korea from Brutal Deaths

Each year in South Korea, two million animals suffer gruesome deaths in the illicit cat and dog meat trade industry. Despite the fact that only a small minority of South Koreans consumes cat and dog meat, the industry thrives because of the perpetuation of myths and government indifference. South Korean officials must work to enforce animal protection laws in order to save innocent cats and dogs from horrific deaths.

Don’t Punish Canadian Soldier for Speaking Out About Military Health Services

A soldier from Manitoba, Canada spoke to the media about a lack of medical and mental health services in the military, against the orders of a superior to keep quiet. He now could face two charges and could receive a fine of up to $800, time in a military jail, or both. Tell the National Defence not to discipline Cpl. Stoesz for speaking out, and to ensure adequate health services for military personnel.

Overturn Decision to Allow Unlimited Night Hunting in North Carolina

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recently decided to allow unlimited night hunting of coyotes and feral pigs. The new regulations seriously threaten the critically endangered red wolf population, as they are often mistaken for coyotes. North Carolina should be prioritizing the survival of the red wolf, as well as embracing more effective methods of wildlife management.

Second State Bans Undercover Investigations on Factory Farms

In March, Utah became the second state to criminalize undercover investigations on factory farms. These investigations are crucial not only to expose animal abuse, but to also safeguard our food supply. Utah Legislators must overturn this unconstitutional attack on our freedom of speech immediately.

Don’t Let California Chefs Overturn Ban on Cruel Force-Feeding of Ducks in California

California Legislature allowed a generous seven-and-a-half year phase-in period for a ban on the production and sale of foie gras, which ends July 1st. Now some chefs are trying desperately to overturn this ban before it goes into effect. Protect helpless ducks and geese from being force-fed through tubes—urge California Legislature to reject any attempts to overturn the ban on the production and sale of foie gras.

The Great Lakes Region Needs Better Protection from Oil Spills

A new report by the National Wildlife Federation revealed inadequate laws governing oil pipeline safety in the Great Lakes region. Oil spills have been all-too-common in recent years, exacting significant tolls on the environment and the economy. Urge lawmakers to strengthen oil pipeline safety regulations so that communities and the environment are not at risk.

Tell U.S. Military to Stop Mutilating Animals for Medical Training Purposes

A recent undercover investigation revealed a dark secret about the U.S. military: egregious animal abuse runs rampant in medical training exercises. Video shows goats moaning in pain while being stabbed and having their legs cut off with garden shears. Demand that the military adopt humane and more effective training methods.

Allow Dissection Choice for Connecticut Students

A bill being considered by Connecticut legislature would allow students to be excused from participating in or observing animal dissections in the classroom. Students should not have to violate their ethical beliefs in order to gain an education in biology. Urge Connecticut legislature to pass a bill allowing students to have a choice about dissection in the classroom.

Commend the USDA for Posting Humane Slaughter Records Online

The USDA recently began posting humane slaughter records online for public viewing. This action represents a great step towards greater efficiency and transparency in the slaughter industry. Commend the USDA for its attempt to improve the standards of this industry.

Oppose Radical Hunting Bill that Threatens Polar Bears and Other Wildlife

An outrageous hunting bill supported by the NRA and wealthy trophy hunters has recently passed in the House of Representatives and will soon be up for a vote in the Senate. This bill would threaten polar bears and sustainable wildlife populations. Congress must stop pandering to the NRA and oppose this dangerous bill.

End Irresponsible Elephant Breeding Programs at Zoos

The recent tragedy of the in utero death of an elephant calf at the Memphis Zoo brings to light the need to end elephant breeding programs in zoos. Conditions in zoos are often inadequate for the breeding of elephants and contribute to high rates of complications. Urge zoo leaders to prioritize the welfare of elephants by ending elephant breeding programs.

Ban Animal Testing in the Cosmetics Industry

Even though there is no law requiring the testing of cosmetic products on animals, millions of animals suffer painful tests each day in the name of safety. With so many superior alternatives to animal testing now available, it should no longer be acceptable to test products or ingredients on animals. We must ban animal testing in the cosmetic industry.

Stop Horse Slaughter Plant from Opening in New Mexico

Valley Meat Company of Roswell, New Mexico has applied for a grant to allow horse slaughter inspections in its facility. New Mexicans have a deep appreciation for horses as they play an important role in the state’s rural way of life. Tell the USDA to deny Valley Meat Company’s request for horse slaughter inspections.

Support Low-Cost Companion Animal Microchip Clinics

Between three and four million companion animals are euthanized in shelters each year. Besides spaying and neutering, the most effective strategy we have to reduce these numbers is by microchipping pets so they can be quickly returned to their families. Tell the American Veterinary Medical Association to promote the benefits of microchipping and set up a fund for low-cost microchip clinics.

Protect America’s Wilderness from Unchecked Development

At least 40 million acres of protected wilderness would be released for unchecked development if a bill currently in the House is passed. Tell Congress to uphold the protections currently provided for America’s wilderness lands and reject this destructive bill.

Urgent Humanitarian Aid Needed in Sahel Region of Africa

At least one million children are at risk of death in the Sahel region of West-Central Africa due to drought and rising food costs. UNICEF has only received half of the amount it needs to adequately address the crisis. Donors and governments around the world must dig deeper in order to help the millions of people affected by this crisis.

Urge West Virginia to Crack Down on Exotic Pet Ownership

West Virginia’s Governor shockingly vetoed a critical bill concerning the ownership of exotic animals. Improper regulation of exotic pet ownership endangers the public, as well as the animals. The Department of Natural Resoruces must override the veto and enact rules to regulate this industry.

Promote Serving Meatless Lunches on Mondays in Schools Nationwide

A movement that entails eating meatless meals on Mondays has been rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. It is of utmost importance that today’s youth understand the implications of the world’s growing appetite for meat. Urge the Department of Education to promote serving meat-free lunches on Mondays in schools across America.

Protect Senegalese Children from Forced Begging

Thousands of young boys are forced to beg on the streets in Senegal each day by their ‘marabouts,’ or spiritual guides. Marabouts are responsible for the care and education of their children, but many exploit them for economic purposes. Senegalese government must enforce its laws to protect children from a life of forced begging.

Tell Brazil’s Supreme Court not to Let Accused Child Rapist Go Free

Brazil’s Supreme Court recently acquitted a man accused of raping three 12-year-old girls on the basis that they had previously worked as prostitutes and therefore had consented. This is an outrageous ruling that could have incredible effects on Brazilian society. Tell the Supreme Court to reverse its decision immediately.