Science and medicine have once again rescued scores of living beings from a deadly fate. A promising vaccine spells the end of inhumane badger culling in Britain. Applaud the eradication of a government-mandated form of animal cruelty that has claimed over a million badgers.
The consumption of dog and cat meat has officially been banned in Shenzhen, China, as part of a larger ban on the eating of wildlife following the coronavirus outbreak. This could save millions of innocent animal lives. Thank those responsible for this groundbreaking animal rights success.
A man accused of killing or starving dozens of cattle received his day in court and did not escape legal justice. He was found criminally responsible for multiple counts of animal cruelty. Applaud the prosecutors who never gave up on justice for these fallen victims of inexcusable negligence and abuse.
A New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) worker has been granted the two weeks of paternity leave he was guaranteed following the stillbirth of his child. This is a compassionate about-face and a victory for workers everywhere. Congratulate the MTA on this gracious decision.
A convicted animal cruelty offender will serve jail time after he beat a rabbit with a stick and then beheaded the innocent animal at a shelter. Thank Iowa’s rescuers for fighting tirelessly for this beloved rabbit to receive justice and for their continued work in protecting animals.
The state where one of the worst mass shootings in American history took place will now put long-blocked gun violence prevention measures into practice. This shows that Virginia will no longer value special interest paychecks over human lives. Applaud this landmark legislation.
Airlines will no longer be required to fly empty planes that needlessly pollute the environment during the coronavirus outbreak. This suspension of an old rule will reduce pollution and help the environment during this significant drop in air travel. Congratulate the President of the European Commission on this victory.
Chris Matthews resigned from Hardball on MSNBC during a broadcast following sexist and antisemitic remarks. Thanks to pressure from activists, Matthews is making way for a younger and more progressive generation of journalists. Thank Matthews for showing remorse and stepping down.
Instant divorce has been outlawed in India, extending protection to millions of Muslim women once subject to impoverishment and isolation at the hands of their husbands. An act of the Parliament of India has ended this practice and guaranteed rights and compensation for victims. Congratulate those responsible for successfully ending instant divorce.
The North Atlantic right whale will now be better protected from entanglement in fishing gear, a major cause of their endangerment. A recent decision to permanently close off fishing areas where the whales gather will give them the safe space they need to grow and thrive. Thank those responsible for this important conservation effort.
The Northern white rhinoceros has been successfully saved from imminent extinction by the creation of viable embryos in a partnership between a research zoo and a national park in Kenya. These embryos represent the first step in the process of recovering this once-doomed species. Sign this letter to thank those who achieved this miraculous success.
Earth will not be exploited by another water, air, and land-polluting oil sands mine. In the process, one of Canada’s most dangerous environmental enemies faces a major, possibly fatal blow. Celebrate the end of a destructive era.
The president of Indonesia has ordered his government to end illegal forest fires immediately, offering hope that orangutans, forests, and public health can be saved and improved. Praise the efforts of President Joko Widodo and his cabinet in ending this scourge on the environment.
Transgender children in South Dakota scored a major victory, as a proposal to take away their rights to medical treatment was thrown out. Health care is a human right that must be upheld for all. Praise those who took a stand for transgender and human rights.
Georgetown University has stepped up in the fight against climate change by withdrawing its endowment funds rooted in fossil fuel companies and pledging to invest in renewable energy instead. This success came at the vote of students and activists who have been paramount in making the university sustainable and environmentally friendly. Thank those who took this important stand against the fossil fuel industry.
Facebook has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Clearview AI, a facial recognition software company that uses social media to mine data and invade the privacy of internet users. This practice has reportedly been used to assist law enforcement and could pose harm to those who maintain their privacy for personal reasons. Praise Facebook for forbidding this invasive practice.
The state at the center of the last major American outbreak has shielded its youngest citizens from the “anti-vaxxer” threat with required vaccinations in public schools. This will mandate vaccinations that combat measles and other dangerous health conditions. Applaud the prioritization of children’s health over unproven, unscientific claims.
A Moroccan journalist renowned for exposing corruption has been released from jail, where he was being detained unjustly for criticizing a judge. Sign this petition to praise the compassion of the Moroccan official responsible.
Negotiations are set to begin between Canadian First Nations peoples and the energy company intruding on their land, marking a hopeful success. Sign this petition to praise the company for agreeing to respect the dignity and autonomy of Indigenous peoples.
Ontario, once the site of urgent animal welfare lapses, has now become a benchmark in the fight against animal cruelty. New laws will bolster the apprehension and punishment of cruel offenders. Applaud this important win for animal welfare.
Wild animals will no longer be hunted as part of promotional or profit-driven incentives, thanks to the recent ban on wildlife killing contests. These privately sponsored contests offered cash prizes or incentives to the so-called hunters who brought in the largest prey. Thank those who took a stand for animal rights.
The endangered kakapo has experienced a population increase due to multiple targeted conservation programs. Scientists have implemented captive breeding programs to help these struggling birds and tracking efforts to ensure their health and safety. Thank those who have dedicated their time and effort to saving this species.
A ban on most flavored e-cigarettes will likely diminish the use of these harmful devices among youth and other vulnerable populations. This ban constitutes the first strong federal offense against an industry accused of enabling addiction and serious health problems. Applaud this needed protection for consumer health.
Fewer kids will spend the holidays separated from their families after a prison-like detention center’s closure. While this is just one of many immigrant detention centers across the country, it is a victory for immigrant rights and a step in the right direction. Applaud the decision that spared thousands of children the trauma and indignity of living like criminals.
Roo, a free chatbot program developed by Planned Parenthood, has provided sex education to teens and young adults who have nowhere else to turn. With abstinence-only programs taking funding precedence over comprehensive sex education, this accessible alternative could save lives. Thank those who are providing education and comfort to this vulnerable population.
