The United States is one of the largest consumers of the world's wild animals. Taking animals from the wild can threaten the survival of some species. Even if the animals are born in captivity, the trade is dangerous and cruel.
Wild animals are traded illegally—to the tune of $10 billion or more globally each year, an amount second only to arms and drug smuggling—as well as legally. Animals are sold alive and also for their parts. This trade can devastate wild populations, and the methods used to capture, transport, and kill animals can cause tremendous suffering.
You can save wildlife. Encourage your policymakers to strengthen and enforce laws to reduce wildlife trade. And use the power of your purchasing choices: Don't buy wild.
Senate Panel Approves Large Constrictor Snake Trade Ban
A key U.S. senate has passed a ban on trading in certain large constrictor snakes pose a risk to the environment. Next stop: the full senate.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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January 17, 2012
The HSUS Recognizes a Step Forward on Exotic Snakes Rule, But Criticizes Obama Administration for Failing to Ban Commerce in Reticulated Pythons and Other Large Constricting Snakes That Dominate Trade
Interior Secretary Salazar’s announcement banning trade in Burmese pythons is a welcome move, but The HSUS is disappointed that the Obama administration dramatically weakened an Interior Department proposal to list nine species of large constrictor snakes as “injurious” under the Lacey Act, which prohibits importation and interstate movement of these deadly non-native snakes as pets.
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January 6, 2012
The HSUS Joins Forces with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for “Operation Cyberwild”
The HSUS applauds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for leading a crackdown on the illegal wildlife trade, “Operation Cyberwild,” with the assistance of specially trained HSUS volunteers who conducted Internet research on the trafficking in wild animals
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December 30, 2011
2011 ACE Documentary Grant Winners
The Humane Society of the United States awards the 2011 ACE Documentary Film Grant to "Cages of Shame," about bears held captive on bile farms in China.
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December 19, 2011
The HSUS Again Calls on Obama Administration to Adopt Rule to Ban Trade in Burmese Pythons and Other Large Constricting Snakes
The Humane Society of the United States called again on the White House to stop delaying action on a rule to ban the imports of tens of thousands of large constricting snakes into the country and they were joined by House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Norm Dicks, D-Wash., and former Chairman Bill Young, R-Fla., in demanding action on the long-delayed rule by the end of the year.
Our Victories
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January 20, 2012
Victory in Battle over Monkey-Breeding Facility
Following a highly publicized battle, Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court has ruled that Bioculture’s monkey breeding facility in Guayamna was constructed illegally and cannot operate.
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December 29, 2011
2011: Beautiful Victories for Animals in Laboratories
What do Botox, the Endangered Species Act, and biomedical research have in common? Find out about The HSUS's work to protect animals in laboratories in 2011.
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November 9, 2011
Five Chimpanzees Released from Laboratory Life
Five of the 26 elderly chimpanzees at New Iberia Research Center have been retired to a sanctuary. Please take action to free the 21 elderly chimpanzees who remain there, then help hundreds of other chimpanzees around the country who still suffer.
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October 19, 2011
Great News! The U.S. Army Will Stop Using Monkeys in Harmful Training Courses
The U.S. Army has announced that live monkeys will be replaced with humane non-animal alternatives in future chemical warfare trainings. More than 1,000 HSUS supporters contacted the Army urging that the use of monkeys be stopped.