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Justice for Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Arizona Man Who Killed Neighbor’s Chihuahua With Shovel Sentenced

MEDIA RELEASE: Houston Zoo’s Deadly Breeding Lands It on the List of 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants

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Vivisection

MEDIA RELEASE: OHSU Board Votes to Consider Transitioning Primate Research Center to Sanctuary

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Wild and Free

California Residents: Help Get Mountain Lions State Endangered Species Protection

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Cetaceans

Japan Expands Whaling as Vulnerable Whales Face Extinction

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Justice for Animals

Two Cats Violently Abused in Florida Felony Cruelty Case

India’s Supreme Court Reserves Decision on Stray Dogs

February is Activist Appreciation Month!

The Science & Benefits of Plant-Based Eating

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Wild and Free

MEDIA RELEASE: State-Sanctioned Slaughter: So-called Restoration Plan Will Eradicate Catalina Deer

MEDIA RELEASE: Arizona Man Who Killed Neighbor’s Chihuahua With Shovel Sentenced

In Defense of Animals is astonished at the lenient sentencing of Kenneth McGaughey, who was charged with felony animal cruelty after being caught on video beating…

Arizona, dogs, Justice for Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Houston Zoo’s Deadly Breeding Lands It on the List of 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants

In Defense of Animals has named the Houston Zoo the No. 1 Worst Zoos for Elephants in North America for 2025.

10 Worst Zoos, elephants, Houston Zoo

MEDIA RELEASE: OHSU Board Votes to Consider Transitioning Primate Research Center to Sanctuary

In Defense of Animals applauds the OHSU Board of Directors for voting unanimously in favor of a resolution to negotiate with the NIH on the possibility of transitioning…

Oregon, primates, vivisection

California Residents: Help Get Mountain Lions State Endangered Species Protection

California’s mountain lions are in need of help, and several populations may just get it with protection under the state’s Endangered Species Act following a recommendation…

California, mountain lions, Wild Animals

Japan Expands Whaling as Vulnerable Whales Face Extinction

Japan continues commercial whaling into 2026, killing whales for a declining industry. Take action now and demand an end to these cruel hunts.

Bryde's whales, Cetaceans, fin whales, Japan, Japan whaling, minke whales, oceans, sei whales, whaling

Two Cats Violently Abused in Florida Felony Cruelty Case

A Florida man is facing one felony animal cruelty charge after being caught on surveillance camera assaulting one of his girlfriend’s cats and breaking the leg of…

cats, Florida, Justice for Animals

India’s Supreme Court Reserves Decision on Stray Dogs

Tensions remain high between advocates who’ve embraced India’s street dogs and those who want to see them removed, as measures to deal with them continue to move…

dogs, IDA India

February is Activist Appreciation Month!

Celebrate Animal Rescue for Activist Appreciation Month 2026

The Science & Benefits of Plant-Based Eating

Not only does plant-based nutrition and eating vegan protect your health and the planet, but it’s also the only truly humane choice for animals.

MEDIA RELEASE: State-Sanctioned Slaughter: So-called Restoration Plan Will Eradicate Catalina Deer

In Defense of Animals is profoundly outraged following the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s decision to approve the Catalina Island Conservancy's deadly,…

Catalina Island, deer, Wild Animals

Massachusetts Residents: Support the Bill Banning the Killing of Horseshoe Crabs for Bait

Horseshoe crabs have been exploited for use in the biomedical industry, but also as bait to be used by other fisheries, which has put their survival in jeopardy.

Horseshoe Crabs, Wild Animals

Starving Dog Rescued & Another Starved Dead Dog Found Tied Up in a Suitcase

An Iowa woman has been charged with animal torture and neglect after police found a dead dog who was tied up in a suitcase in her home and another who was left in…

dogs, Iowa, Justice for Animals

End Billy & Tina’s Suffering at the Tulsa Zoo & Send All 7 Elephant to Sanctuary

Elephants Billy and Tina, plus the other five elephants, deserve retirement from Tulsa Zoo to a sanctuary.

Billy, captivity, elephants, Sanctuary, Tina, Tulsa Zoo, zoochosis

UPDATE: Dolphins Leave Miami Seaquarium Only to Face Continued Exploitation

Dolphins Aries, Onyx, Ripley, and Zo have left Miami Seaquarium only to be exploited again.

Cetaceans, dolphin transfer, dolphins, Miami Seaquarium

The Visionary Ballot Initiative That Dares to Put Animal Freedom on the Ballot in Oregon

Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) is a bold, far-reaching ballot initiative in Oregon that challenges the legal loopholes enabling and legitimizing pervasive animal…

ballot, cruelty, Farmed Animals, IP28, laws, legislation, Oregon

UPDATE: New Changes Could Help Horseshoe Crabs Survive the Biomedical Industry

Decades of exploitation by the biomedical industry have led to a massive decline in horseshoe crabs, but a number of new changes, and more in the works, could protect…

Horseshoe Crabs, vivisection, Wild Animals

Safe Shelters for Dogs in Need: Be a Lifesaver Today!

Every donation provides essential shelter and a chance for survival to a dog braving the outdoors. Be the reason a dog has a safe place to rest today.

MEDIA RELEASE: Outrage: Man Who Nailed Dog to Fence Acquitted

In Defense of Animals decries the shocking failure of justice in the case of a stray dog who was sadistically nailed to a board in Arkansas.

Arkansas, Justice for Animals

Worcester, Massachusetts Residents: Stop Rodeo Cruelty

Support Worcester’s ordinance to ban cruel rodeo practices. Protect animals from pain, terror, and abuse.

bulls, calves, cows, cruelty, Farmed Animals, horses, rodeo, Vegan, Worcester

Endangered Whales Are Drowning In Record Numbers Because of the Fishing Industry

Take action to stop whale entanglements in California by demanding ropeless gear for the full Dungeness crab season. Protect threatened whales now.

Cetaceans, Dungeness crab, entanglement, fishing, fishing gear, humpback whales, ropeless gear, whales

Tragic Farewell to Kshamenk, the World’s Loneliest Orca

Kshamenk the orca has died after 32 years of confinement at Mundo Marino. He spent over two decades in total isolation in a cramped tank in Argentina.

Argentina, captivity, Cetaceans, Empty the Tanks, Kshamenk, orcas

WATCH: Doll Stanley’s Private Kitty Haven

Inside Doll Stanley’s private Kitty Haven in Mississippi, 14 rescued cats now live safely with cozy nooks, a sunny catio, and lifelong care. Each cat has a rescue…

advocacy, animal rescue, cats, companion animals, Hope Animal Sanctuary, Justice for Animals, Mississippi, Rescue, Sanctuary

Celebrate Groundhog Day Without Terrifying Groundhogs

Urge communities across the United States to retire live groundhogs from Groundhog Day events. Protect these wild animals from stress and injury and celebrate the…

groundhog, United States, Wild Animals

MEDIA RELEASE: Protesters Expose Animals Found in Trashbags at the Reptile Super Show

Animal advocates with In Defense of Animals, Rescue Not Retail, Los Angeles Animal Save, Animal Alliance Network, and the Los Angeles Animal Defense League drew…

Pomona Fairplex, reptile expo, reptile show

URGENT: Tell the Senate to Reject H.R. 845 & Protect Wolves After Devastating House Vote

The Senate is considering H.R. 845, a dangerous bill that would remove federal protections for wolves. Act now to urge your senators to oppose H.R. 845 and uphold…

legislation, United States, Wild Animals, Wolves

10 Grossly Neglected Horses Seized From Repeat Animal Abuser in Florida

A Florida man with a long history of animal mistreatment is facing multiple charges after 10 horses were found in deplorable conditions on his property in Boca Raton.

Florida, horses, Justice for Animals

IDA India Celebrates 30 Years of Serving Animals in Need

Since IDA India’s conception 30 years ago, much has changed to better accommodate animals and many thousands have been helped.

animal rescue, IDA India

A Partial Win for Plant Milks in Schools as Dairy Cruelty Expands

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act expanded dairy in schools, locking in animal cruelty, while easing plant milk access. Make school lunches vegan.

cruelty, dairy, Farmed Animals, schools, Vegan

Victory! Orcas Wikie & Keijo Approved for Seaside Sanctuary

A major win for captive orcas. Wikie and Keijo are approved for transfer to a seaside sanctuary. Public pressure made this possible.

captive killer whale, captive orcas, cetacean, Keijo, killer whale, Marineland Antibes, orcas, Wikie

MEDIA RELEASE: Topanga Community Honors Hang-Gliding Trailblazer & Wildlife Lost in Palisades Fire

One year after the devastating Palisades Fire, the Topanga community united for a series of events culminating in a new art installation on the “Great Wall of Topanga”…

California, Sustainable Activism, wildfires

MEDIA RELEASE: Zoo “Baby Boom” Turns Deadly: 1 in 4 Elephant Calves Die Before Age 5

For the first time, In Defense of Animals has dedicated its renowned 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants list to exposing the fatal consequences of breeding captive elephants,…

10 Worst Zoos, elephants

10 Worst Zoos for Elephants 2025

Zoos are breeding baby elephants into early graves. The 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants in North America list for 2025 reveals the worst offenders

Packed Like Cargo, Denied Everything: End the Transport Abuse of Billions of Animals

Billions of farmed animals suffer horrendously during transport. Urge Congress and USDA to pass the Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act.

chickens, cows, Farmed Animals, goats, Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act, pigs, sheep, slaughter, turkey, Vegan

Under Trump, America’s Last Wildlife Refuges Are on the Line

Take action to protect the National Wildlife Refuge System. Urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain full protections for wildlife refuges, safeguard…

toad, United States, Wild Animals

Update: Cat-Killer Priest’s Sentence Betrayed the Cats & the Public

A priest who drowned cats avoided jail. This blog breaks down how the court, prosecutors, and church leadership all failed the cats and how to demand accountability.

abuse, animal abuse, animal cruelty, Arkansas, cats, companion animals, Justice for Animals

UPDATE: Baywatch Star Welcomes End of Brennan’s Turtle Races

After decades of exploitation, turtle racing at Brennan’s has ended, and the turtles are now cleared for retirement to appropriate outdoor homes.

advocacy, Alexandra Paul, animal exploitation, Los Angeles, reptiles, turtles, victories, welfare

WATCH: Puppy Severely Burned in House Fire Beats the Odds

A puppy burned in a devastating house fire fights for her life and survives thanks to Hope Animal Sanctuary. Watch Cinder’s powerful journey from ashes to healing.

animal rescue, burn recovery, dog rescue, fire rescue, Hope Animal Sanctuary, Mississippi, rescue and rehabilitation

Southern California: Join an Outreach Event at the Los Angeles Reptile Super Show

Take action on January 10 to challenge cruelty at the Reptile Super Show and help protect animals from exploitation and the exotic pet trade.

advocacy, animal advocacy event January 10, animal cruelty awareness, animal rights protest Los Angeles, exotic pet trade, exotic pet trade cruelty, protect animals, reptile super show outreach, reptile super show protest, wildlife exploitation

Endangered Whales & Dolphins Are Threatened by a JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase is backing a dangerous LNG project that threatens whales and the Sea of Cortez. Urge it to divest and protect this World Heritage site.

Cetaceans, environment, fossil fuels, Gulf of California, Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase, ocean, Sea of Cortez, Wild Animals

Send the Suffering Elephants at Two Tails Ranch to Sanctuary!

Two Tails Ranch in Florida has faced a lot of criticism over its facilities and treatment of elephants in its care. It’s time to send its five elephants to sanctuary!

10 Worst Zoos, elephants, Natural Bridge Zoo, Two Tails Ranch

WATCH: Wary Dog Humanely Trapped At Last

A wary dog with severe mange is humanely trapped and rescued in rural Mississippi, finding safety, healing, and trust at Hope Animal Sanctuary.

animal rescue, dog rescue, feral dogs, Hope Animal Sanctuary, mange treatment, Mississippi

WATCH: World Vegan Month Advances Solidarity With Action & Truth Sharing

Celebrate World Vegan Month with events, webinars, and resources to protect animals, promote veganism, and help heal the planet.

activists, chickens, cows, Farmed Animals, fishes, goats, Mexico, pigs, San Francisco, sheep, Vegan, World Vegan Month

Victory! Connecticut Man Sentenced to Prison for Killing Neighbor’s Cat

A Connecticut man, Carmello Roberts, has been sentenced to prison for killing his neighbor’s cat, Noodles. Supporter advocacy helped secure accountability for animal…

animal cruelty, cats, Connecticut, court, Justice for Animals, legal, Noodles, Victory

MEDIA RELEASE: Baywatch Star Welcomes End of Brennan’s Turtle Races

In Defense of Animals and Baywatch star Alexandra Paul are welcoming the permanent closure of Brennan’s Pub in Marina del Rey, marking the end of a decades-long…

entertainment, Los Angeles, turtle races, Wild Animals

Stop Pig Wrestling & Hog Bagging Torture at Rodeos & Fairs

Terrified pigs are abused at hog-bagging and pig-wrestling events. Speak out and demand that community leaders end this violent, cruel entertainment.

bandera, county fair, entertainment, Farmed Animals, hog bagging, pig wrestling, pigs, rodeo, Texas, Wyoming

Mister the Cat Bagged, Slammed, & Abandoned in New York

A New York man faces felony animal cruelty charges after a cat was bagged, slammed to the ground, and abandoned. Demand maximum penalties.

animal abuse, animal cruelty, cats, Justice for Animals, maximum prosecution, New York, Public Safety

MEDIA RELEASE: Connecticut Man Sentenced for Killing Neighbor’s Cat

In Defense of Animals applauds the sentencing of Connecticut man who was arrested and charged with animal cruelty for brutally killing a neighbor’s cat named Noodles…

cats, Connecticut, Justice for Animals

WATCH: Fur Free Friday Protests Target Louis Vuitton

Activists in Los Angeles and across the U.S. rallied on Fur Free Friday to protest Louis Vuitton’s fur sales. Learn why fur is cruel and take action to help the…

California, fur, trapping, Wild Animals

Victory! Community Advocacy Saves San Francisco’s Animal Commission

Community action saves San Francisco’s Animal Commission, protecting transparency, animal well-being, and oversight for animals citywide.

animal protection, Commission of Animal Control and Welfare, community action, companion animals, policy & legislation, San Francisco Animal Commission, transparency, Wildlife

WATCH: Your Impact in 2025 with In Defense of Animals

2025 was a year of resilience! Discover our historic victories for Tule elk, elephants, and homeless animals, and how we're fighting for a kinder world.

Animals, Victory

Protect Michigan Deer with Humane, Non-Lethal Solutions

Michigan plans lethal deer kills starting in January. Urge Governor Whitmer and the DNR to choose humane, non-lethal solutions like sterilization to protect deer,…

coexistence, deer, Michigan, Wild Animals

URGENT: Stop the Reckless Assault on the Endangered Species Act

The Trump Administration has proposed regulatory changes that would weaken the Endangered Species Act. Submit your comment now and help keep those protections in…

Department of Fish and Wildlife, endangered species, Endangered Species Act, habitat loss, public comment, Wild Animals, wildlife protection

WATCH: Public Pressure Prompts Withdrawal of Developer’s Second Slaughterhouse Bid

Grassroots action stopped a second proposed Jacksonville slaughterhouse, showing that speaking up for animals and against violence can create real change.

Farmed Animals, Florida, Jacksonville, protest, slaughterhouses, Vegan

WATCH: How One Giant Bird Became a Voice for Geese Everywhere

Giant goose inspires humane conflict solutions at the NRPA Conference as communities reject roundups and gassing through our National Goose Protection Coalition.

Canada geese, geese, National Goose Protection Coalition, non-lethal goose mitigation, Wild Animals

Victory! Poland Signs Fur Ban Law to End Reign as EU’s Largest Producer

Poland has taken a stand against animal cruelty by banning fur farming. A historic victory for animals, driven by dedicated animal rights organizations.

advocacy, animal cruelty, animal rights, animal welfare, ban fur, fur, fur farming

MEDIA RELEASE: Cat-Killer Priest Sentenced

In Defense of Animals decries the sentencing of Catholic priest, who trapped and cruelly drowned innocent cats.

Arkansas, Justice for Animals

Illinois Rodeos Are Breaking the Law: Tell Officials to Prosecute Animal Abusers

There is profound harm to animals at every rodeo, but even with solid evidence of violations of cruelty laws at Mexican-style rodeos in Illinois, officials aren’t…

degloving, Illinois, Justice for Animals, rodeo, rodeo abuse

30 Belugas Languishing at Marineland - Help Save Them & the Other Animals!

30 beluga whales and many other animals are suffering at Marineland Canada. Urge Ontario to act now and rescue them.

beluga whales, belugas, captivity, Cetaceans, dolphins, marineland, marineland canada, whales

UPDATE: Judge & DA’s Office Fail to Hold Cat Torturer Accountable in Texas

In El Paso, a man was sentenced to probation for killing a cat in a brutal act of cruelty. Judge William Moody, former DA Bill D. Hicks, and current DA James Montoya…

animal cruelty, El Paso legal reform, Judge Moody, judicial accountability, justice, Texas DA

Dog Rescued from a Meat Farm is All Smiles Now, But He’s Still Waiting for a Forever Home

It wasn’t always all smiles for Pluto, who was rescued from deplorable conditions at a dog meat farm in 2023, but he’s made amazing progress despite his traumatic…

dog meat, Jindo Love Rescue, Miryang Dog Meat Farm, South Korea

Meet the Cats of Freedom Farms

Discover the charming legacy of the Freedom Farms cats—past and present—and how these beloved felines bring personality, protection, and heart to the farm.

animal rescue, animal welfare, animals companions, cat, Freedom Farms, humane living, rescued animals, Sanctuary

MEDIA RELEASE: Poland Signs Fur Ban Law to End Reign as EU’s Largest Producer

In a monumental victory for animals and a devastating blow to the global fur trade, Poland has officially enacted a ban on fur farming. The legislation, signed into…

Farmed Animals, fur, Fur Free Friday, mink, mink farming, Poland, Wild Animals

How to Report Illegal Fishing and Abuse to Keep Fish Safe!

Please stop the abuse of fish by reporting incidents to the proper authorities.

Tell Louis Vuitton: Fur Has No Place in Fashion

Tell Louis Vuitton to stop selling real fur. Join the global campaign urging LV to go fur-free and end animal suffering.

Farmed Animals, fur, Fur Free Friday, Wild Animals

Tell NOAA to Slow Vessels to Save Humpback Whales

Urge NOAA to expand vessel speed and approach rules to stop deadly strikes on Atlantic humpback whales. Sign to protect them now.

Cetaceans, humpback whales, NOAA, NOAA Fisheries, Unusual Mortality Event, vessel strikes, whales

WATCH: Dying Dog Comes Back to Life Thanks to Life-Saving Care in India

Street dogs face many challenges on the streets of Mumbai, but caring residents help ensure many get the help they need, like this dog, who was on the brink of death…

dogs, IDA India

Tax-Smart Giving: Make 2025 Count for Animals

Check out the smartest giving strategies to close out 2025 to help animals

charitable giving, fundraising, legacy giving, tax benefits, tax-smart giving, year-end giving

WATCH: Forgotten Elephant Watoto, A Life Behind Bars

Forgotten elephant Watoto existed at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle for 43 years, deprived of everything that makes life worthwhile for elephants.

10 Worst Zoos, African elephants, captivity, elephants, forgotten elephants, Watoto, Woodland Park Zoo, zoos

MEDIA RELEASE: Another Paltry Sentence for Man Who Took Part in Killing Rabbit at Party

In Defense of Animals is denouncing the sentencing of Gabriel Nava, who was charged with animal cruelty for brutally killing a rabbit who belonged to the host of…

Justice for Animals, Massachusetts

MEDIA RELEASE: Appalling Sentence for El Paso Cat Killer

In Defense of Animals is appalled by the sentencing of Krystopher Nathan Torres, who was charged with animal cruelty for killing a cat and eating their internal…

cat, Justice for Animals, Texas

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