The HSUS works to advance public policies—including at the state and federal levels—to protect animals from cruelty and abuse. The 113th Congress is now in session, and federal lawmakers will consider a number of important animal protection bills. Here's a look at some priority issues we are focusing on this year and how to make your voice heard. Federal Legislation
State Legislation
Ke$ha Speaks Up for Animals
Join Ke$ha in making 2013 a year for the animals! Watch her video; then take action below by asking your lawmakers to support important animal welfare bills.
Act Now
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Stop animal fighting
Attending and bringing a child to an animal fight should be a crime. Ask your U.S. representative to cosponsor the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act and crack down on spectators at animal fights.
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Protect horses
The Horse Protection Act bans the cruel "soring" of Tennessee walking horses, but it's still rampant in the industry. Support legislation to strengthen the Horse Protection Act and stop this criminal abuse. take action now
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Improve the lives of hens
Amending the Egg Products Inspection Act will provide better living conditions for 280 million egg-laying hens and phase out the use of barren battery cages. An agreement between The HSUS and the United Egg Producers has paved the way for Congress to act. take action now
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Get chimps out of labs
The Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act [PDF], which had broad support last year, sought to phase out invasive testing on chimpanzees and retire government-owned chimps to sanctuary. Now, a group of 113 chimps is headed to sanctuary, with more expected soon. Learn more
News
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May 21, 2013
Alabama Legislative Session a Success for Animals
The Alabama legislative session ended on a high note for animals as lawmakers sent HB 27, a bill to strengthen the state’s animal cruelty laws, to Gov. Robert Bentley for his signature, receiving praise from The Humane Society of the United States.
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May 21, 2013
Animal Advocates Encouraged by Progress for Shark Fin Ban in Texas Legislature, Vow Future Efforts after Bill Dies in Senate
Statement from The HSUS vowing future efforts to ban shark fin products in Texas after bill dies in the Senate.
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May 16, 2013
California State Assembly Passes Groundbreaking Legislation to Require the Use of Non-Lead Ammunition in Hunting
Important legislation requiring the use of non-lead ammunition for hunting today passed the California State Assembly by a wide margin.
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May 16, 2013
Congressional Votes on Farm Bill Bring Good News, Bad News for Animals
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, in taking up the Farm Bill yesterday, approved an amendment to crackdown on spectators at animal fighting ventures, but also approved a destructive, constitutionally questionable amendment to strip states of their right to protect farm animals and other animals from exploitation and abuse.
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May 15, 2013
Celebrities, School Children, Advocates Gather at Capitol to Lobby for Permanent Ban on Horse Slaughter
As part of the “Horses on the Hill” event, celebrities, local school children, young equestrians and advocates joined lawmakers at the Capitol to urge legislators to permanently protect our nation’s horses from inhumane slaughter.
