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A Humane World

"A Humane World" is the official blog of the HSUS—a first-hand account of our ongoing efforts to protect animals, as told by our current president and CEO, Kitty Block. Subscribe for daily or weekly updates.

The Humane Society of the United States deploys to Florida and Tennessee to help animals in the wake of devastating Hurricane Helene

Editor's note: This press release was updated on Sept. 30 to reflect updated details about veterinary services and additional locations the Humane Society Family of Organizations is deployed for disaster response. The Humane Society of the United States is on the ground in Florida and Tennessee...

Statement on Petco ending rabbit sales

The Humane Society of the United States applauds Petco’s decision to commit to an adoption-only policy for rabbits, the third-most common companion animal in the United States, and one of the pets most frequently held in animal shelters. By discontinuing its limited pilot program that offered...

Lawsuit challenges federal failure to protect hippos

WASHINGTON—Animal protection and conservation groups sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for missing its deadline to decide whether the common hippopotamus should be protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In 2022 Humane Society International, the Humane Society of the United...

Upcoming report confirms NYC Public Schools reduced overall emissions by over 40% through plant-powered meals

The Humane Society of the United States is set to release a new environmental report detailing how New York City Public Schools have significantly reduced their carbon emissions through the implementation of the plant-based meal program, Plant-Powered Fridays. The program, which has led to a 42%...

The Humane Society of the United States honors U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Mark Warner for their commitment to protecting horses

Today the Humane Society of the United States honored U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Mark Warner as the Humane Horsemen of the Year for 2023. This annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to protecting American equines. Senators Crapo and Warner have been...

Nevadans to present officials with polling that shows overwhelming support for a ban on wildlife killing contests

LAS VEGAS—This Thursday, concerned citizens from across Nevada will attend a meeting of the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners Contest Committee to advocate for a ban on wildlife killing contests. These controversial events reward participants for killing the most, the heaviest, or even the...

The Humane Society of the United States assists Caldwell County following the rescue of approximately 60 dogs and cats from alleged cruelty case

The Humane Society of the United States is caring for approximately 60 dogs and cats rescued by Caldwell County Animal Care and Enforcement from an alleged cruelty case in Lenoir, North Carolina. The animals were found by Caldwell County Animal Care and Enforcement living in stacked cages in...

Actor and advocate Daniel Henney to host signature To the Rescue! Gala benefiting Humane Society International and the Humane Society of the United States

The annual To the Rescue! gala supporting the animal protection work of Humane Society International and the Humane Society of the United States will take place Nov. 1, 2024, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. International film and television actor and passionate dog advocate Daniel Henney...

‘Yes on 308’ committee formed to support fur sales ballot initiative

DENVER—The Yes on 308 committee launched today to support Denver Citizen-Initiated Ordinance 308, which will appear on the ballot for all Denver voters. This proposed ordinance will end the sale of new fur products within the city. It will prohibit the sale of new fur clothing, accessories, and home...

Statement on former Pentagon official’s guilty plea for dogfighting

Last week, a former Pentagon official pled guilty in federal court to dogfighting and racketeering crimes. The Department of Justice investigation of the onetime public information officer for the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense detailed his 20-year history of dogfighting...

Northshore School District sets a new standard in Washington state with ambitious plant-based pledge

Northshore School District has solidified itself as a leader in K-12 food service by pledging to serve 28% plant-based menus by 2027. As the first school district in Washington state and the entire Pacific Northwest to sign a plant-based pledge with the Humane Society of the United States...

Man holding a beagle in front of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

How the Animal Welfare Act has evolved over the decades and what still needs to be done

In 1966, amid a growing clamor from the American public and Congress to do something about the shady business of family pets being stolen and sold to research facilities, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act into law. Amended several times over the years, the...