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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May 2, 2013
Hawaii Governor Urged to Sign Animal-Protection Bills
The Hawaii State Legislature unanimously passed a number of animal protection bills to strengthen animal cruelty laws, help residents find rental housing that accepts pets, and make other improvements for animals in state policy. These bills now go to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his approval.
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March 14, 2013
HSI and The HSUS Commend CITES Parties for Protecting Certain Shark and Manta Ray Species from International Commercial Trade
Humane Society International Deputy Wildlife Director Rebecca Regnery released the following statement praising the final decision at the meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species to list the oceanic whitetip shark, the porbeagle shark, three species of hammerhead sharks, and two species of manta rays, great and reef, on Appendix II.
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March 14, 2013
HSI y la HSUS Felicitan a las Partes de CITES por Decisión Final de Proteger Ciertas Especies de Tiburones y Mantarrayas del Comercio Internacional
Una delegación de Humane Society International y la Humane Society of the United States defendió más de 40 propuestas para proteger la vida silvestre de las amenazas que presenta la explotación comercial internacional durante la 16ta reunión de CITES en Bangkok.
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March 14, 2013
The HSUS and HSI Applaud Conservation Outcomes at CITES, Express Concern about Polar Bear Survival
A delegation from The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International championed more than 40 proposals to protect wildlife from the threats posed by international commercial trade during the 16th meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in Bangkok.
Our Victories
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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 14, 2013
USDA Revokes License of Mississippi Roadside Zoo
A roadside zoo in Mississippi has lost its exhibitor license after 43 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revoked the license following an undercover investigation and legal complaints to state and federal officials by The Humane Society of the United States.
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May 8, 2013
Court Upholds Calif. Law Preventing Cruel Trapping and Poisoning of Wildlife
A California court has upheld the constitutionality of Proposition 4, a 1998 state ballot measure banning use of cruel traps and poisons for the purpose of killing wildlife.
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April 19, 2013
Arkansas Legislative Session a Success for Animals
The Arkansas State Legislature passed a number of animal protection bills that were signed into law by Gov. Mike Beebe this legislative session, receiving praise from The Humane Society of the United States.
