Global animal rights' NEWS & ARTICLES
Fireworks in Tibet Disrupt Wildlife
New Report Reveals Cruel Reality of Wildlife Farming in Kenya
New Report Reveals Cruel Reality of Wildlife Farming in Kenya
A large-scale firework event recently held in a remote ecological area of China has drawn sharp criticism from animal welfare and conservation groups.
The event, organised by outdoor apparel brand Arc'teryx and Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, took place in the ecologically sensitive region of Shigatse in the Tibetan Himalayas.
Despite claims of using environmentally friendly materials, the display has been criticized for its potential adverse effects on local wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
New Report Reveals Cruel Reality of Wildlife Farming in Kenya
New Report Reveals Cruel Reality of Wildlife Farming in Kenya
New Report Reveals Cruel Reality of Wildlife Farming in Kenya
The latest report from the World Animal Protection Africa office uncovers cruelty in Kenya’s wildlife farms, exposing animal suffering, health risks and threats to conservation.
A new investigation by World Animal Protection Africa has revealed the hidden suffering of wild animals exploited in commercial wildlife farming in Kenya.
The report, Behind Bars: Lifting the Lid off Kenya's Cruel Wildlife Farming, uncovers shocking cruelty, significant public health risks, and the potential damage to Kenya's global reputation as a leader in wildlife conservation.
https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/news/wildlife-farming-in-kenya/
Ridglan Nabs Industry Insider to (Re)Shape Its “Story”
ALDF Partners with Advocates to Challenge EPA for Discarding Slaughterhouse Water Pollution Rules
ALDF Partners with Advocates to Challenge EPA for Discarding Slaughterhouse Water Pollution Rules
As embattled dog breeder Ridglan Farms faces mounting legal scrutiny, political condemnation, and community backlash, its allies in the animal research industry are stepping in to help (re)shape the public narrative.
Newman, who was paid six figures by AMP in 2021, recently began identifying himself as a “representative for Ridglan Farms.”
Newman’s resume spans decades of service to the industry. In addition to six years at AMP, he spent two years as the Associate Director for Media Relations at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, and 14 years in a similar role at the Oregon Health & Science University.
Though he no longer appears to be on AMP’s payroll, Newman has not strayed far from its mission. His recent public statements on Ridglan’s behalf echo the same talking points he honed during his employment with AMP.
https://riseforanimals.org/news/ridglan-propaganda/
ALDF Partners with Advocates to Challenge EPA for Discarding Slaughterhouse Water Pollution Rules
ALDF Partners with Advocates to Challenge EPA for Discarding Slaughterhouse Water Pollution Rules
ALDF Partners with Advocates to Challenge EPA for Discarding Slaughterhouse Water Pollution Rules
On September 15, 2025, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) joined a coalition of 10 organizations to file a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s recent decision to abandon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that would have stopped millions of pounds of pollutants from being dumped by slaughterhouses and meat processing plants into waterways across the U.S.
The groups filed their petition with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit after the EPA on August 28 announced that it would throw out rules planned by the Biden Administration that would have, for the first time, imposed limits on phosphorus pollution from 126 meat industry plants across the U.S., eliminating at least eight million pounds of this pollutant per year, plus nine million pounds of nitrogen and other pollutants, including fecal bacteria and grease.
Global animal rights' NEWS & ARTICLES
Colombia upholds bullfighting and cockfighting ban
Bangkok zookeeper killed by lions highlights risks of wildlife tourism
Bangkok zookeeper killed by lions highlights risks of wildlife tourism
Colombia’s Constitutional Court upholds a national ban on bullfighting and cockfighting, strengthening global momentum for animal welfare.
In a landmark decision for animal protection, Colombia’s Constitutional Court upheld Law 2385 of 2024, which bans bullfighting and other animal-fighting spectacles.
The Court ruled that culture and tradition cannot justify practices that cause suffering to sentient beings. A three-year transition period will allow affected communities to adapt livelihoods and events.
This ruling reflects a growing global movement to end animal cruelty in the name of entertainment.
https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/news/colombia-upholds-bullfighting-ban/
Bangkok zookeeper killed by lions highlights risks of wildlife tourism
Bangkok zookeeper killed by lions highlights risks of wildlife tourism
Bangkok zookeeper killed by lions highlights risks of wildlife tourism
The death of a Safari World zookeeper in Bangkok shows the dangers of using wild animals for entertainment and the urgent need for tourism reform.
A zookeeper at Safari World in Bangkok has died after being attacked by lions during feeding. The incident, witnessed by tourists visiting the park, has drawn widespread attention both in Thailand and internationally.
The victim, identified as 58-year-old Jian Rangkharasamee, was fatally mauled after leaving his vehicle in the lion enclosure.
Visitors attempted to intervene by honking car horns and shouting to scare the animals, but the attack could not be stopped.
Ending commercial exploitation of wild animals in travel & tourism
Morning 4: Woman faces new animal cruelty charges after 126 animals seized in Metro Detroit -- and o
Morning 4: Woman faces new animal cruelty charges after 126 animals seized in Metro Detroit -- and o
Would a real responsible traveller have captive wildlife entertainment on their wish list?
Demand for responsible holidays is rising.
There is an ever-growing demand for responsible travel, with travellers seeking more sustainable ways to holiday, but animal welfare is a missing piece.
Hundreds of thousands of wild animals are being exploited worldwide for tourist entertainment, resulting in a cycle of never-ending suffering. The suffering is often invisible, cleverly hidden by venues and associated travel companies who put profits first.
Luckily, travellers are waking up to the dark reality behind wild animal encounters, such as elephant rides and captive dolphin entertainment venues, and demanding wildlife-friendly alternatives and truly responsible holidays. Therefore, travel companies who continue to exploit wildlife for profit have a risky and unsustainable future.
https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/wildlife/commercial-exploitation/travel-tourism/
Morning 4: Woman faces new animal cruelty charges after 126 animals seized in Metro Detroit -- and o
Morning 4: Woman faces new animal cruelty charges after 126 animals seized in Metro Detroit -- and o
Morning 4: Woman faces new animal cruelty charges after 126 animals seized in Metro Detroit -- and o
A Michigan man is accused of sexually assaulting a 4-year-old A northern Michigan woman with an alleged history of animal abuse is facing new cruelty accusations in Metro Detroit.
More than 120 animals are now receiving better care after being seized by the Humane Society of Huron Valley on Sept. 5.
The 126 animals were taken from Christine Thompson included dogs, cats, horses, ponies, a donkey, goats, sheep, a rabbit, snakes, iguanas, frogs, tarantulas and more. Many were found in poor health and unsafe conditions but are now receiving care at HSHV.
Thompson allegedly exploited the animals for profit by contracting with traveling petting zoos and pony rides, which often conceal the animals’ suffering.
Officials said it’s a violation of Thompson’s bond to own any animals, let alone 126 in a different county.
Global animal rights' NEWS & ARTICLES
Court confirms World Animal Protection’s right to protest against JBS
Court confirms World Animal Protection’s right to protest against JBS
Court confirms World Animal Protection’s right to protest against JBS
We welcome the decision of the São Paulo State Court of Justice, which confirmed the legitimacy of our peaceful demonstrations against JBS, the world's largest meat producer.
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by JBS after our demonstrations in Brazil on 28th and 29th April 2024, which exposed the company's lack of commitment to the environment, climate, and animal welfare.
In a first-instance ruling, the court recognised that our demonstrations were carried out within the constitutional right to freedom of expression, as set out in Brazil's 1988 Federal Constitution.
https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/news/wap-win-against-jbs-court-case/
Animal Research News Roundup: September 5, 2025
Court confirms World Animal Protection’s right to protest against JBS
Court confirms World Animal Protection’s right to protest against JBS
Rise for Animals, 9/2/2025
TRS Labs — a top buyer of dogs from Ridglan Farms for use in experiments and testing — is scrambling to protect its supply chain. Their defense of Ridglan isn’t about science. It’s about profit.
The Dane County Board is preparing to vote on Resolution 2025-119, a measure urging Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (“DATCP”) to revoke Ridglan’s commercial dog breeder license. TRS doesn’t want that to happen — so, it submitted a letter to the Board, cloaking its self-interest in appeals to “science” and “veterinary medicine.”
1,200 monkeys held in Maryland for years released from quarantine
Appellate Court Ruling Confirms SPCA Authority to Enforce California Animal Protection Laws
Appellate Court Ruling Confirms SPCA Authority to Enforce California Animal Protection Laws
1,296 monkeys, some being held in Frederick, Maryland, are being released to Charles River Labs after more than 2 and a half years in federal custody.
“In its second-quarter financial report, Charles River, which purchased the monkeys – valued at $ 27 million – for drug research, states that the Department of the Interior has cleared the way for the monkeys to enter the U.S. legally.
The huge shipment of monkeys, which arrived at Dulles Airport, was seized after claims that they were captured in the wild in Cambodia, rather than bred in laboratories.
Appellate Court Ruling Confirms SPCA Authority to Enforce California Animal Protection Laws
Appellate Court Ruling Confirms SPCA Authority to Enforce California Animal Protection Laws
Appellate Court Ruling Confirms SPCA Authority to Enforce California Animal Protection Laws
On August 20, 2025, the California Court of Appeals for the First Appellate District published a precedent-setting opinion, holding that societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCAs) may enforce state laws relating to animals, whether criminal or civil, under Corporations Code section 10404.
This marks the first published appellate decision in California confirming that an SPCA has standing to bring civil enforcement actions under this statute.
Global animal rights' NEWS & ARTICLES
A ‘Bloodless’ Portuguese Bullfight Ended When a Bullfighter Was Gored to Death
How Joan Jett, Tabitha Brown, and More Are Asking Domino’s for Vegan Cheese, Please
How Joan Jett, Tabitha Brown, and More Are Asking Domino’s for Vegan Cheese, Please
A bullfighter’s death in Portugal serves as a stark reminder that there is no such thing as a ‘bloodless’ bullfight. The 22-year-old bullfighter, Manuel Maria Trindade, was killed during his debut show at Lisbon’s Campo Pequeno, but this never should have happened.
Trindade was a forçado whose “job” was to provoke a bull into charging. During the pega de cara or “face catch” performance, Trindade baited the bull into charging at him so he could latch onto the bull’s horns. But when Trindade grabbed his horns, the bull did what any one of us would do if someone were attacking us. He defended himself.
https://www.peta.org/news/bullfighter-killed-bloodless-bullfight/
How Joan Jett, Tabitha Brown, and More Are Asking Domino’s for Vegan Cheese, Please
How Joan Jett, Tabitha Brown, and More Are Asking Domino’s for Vegan Cheese, Please
How Joan Jett, Tabitha Brown, and More Are Asking Domino’s for Vegan Cheese, Please
PETA just launched a nationwide campaign led by unicorns, and they’re working on a magic trick that will change Domino’s pizza night for the better. What delicious, nutritious, and animal-friendly ingredient are they casting a spell for the pizza giant to add? Vegan cheese! While the chain offers dairy-free options in countries like the U.K., Australia, and Germany, the U.S. menu is stuck in the past—but not for long.
Find out how PETA is making the magic happen.
https://www.peta.org/news/dominos-pizza-vegan-cheese-campaign/
Warning as poisonous plant causes string of animal deaths
Denver city leaders are considering a ban on the sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits in pet stores
Denver city leaders are considering a ban on the sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits in pet stores
Farmers across southern England have been warned to be vigilant after a number of sheep and cattle deaths were linked to a poisonous plant. Tyndale Vets issued a series of warnings after recording a rise in livestock deaths caused by the hemlock water dropwort plant, which resembles cow parsley but can kill just hours after ingestion.
The increase in cases is thought to be linked to dry weather over the summer, with lower water levels in ditches causing animals to venture further searching for something to drink and stumbling on the toxic flowers.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2102996/warning-poisonous-plant-hemlock-animal-deaths-farming
Denver city leaders are considering a ban on the sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits in pet stores
Denver city leaders are considering a ban on the sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits in pet stores
Denver city leaders are considering a ban on the sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits in pet stores
Denver city leaders are considering a ban on the sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits in pet stores — a move aimed at shutting down the pipeline from inhumane breeding mills and stopping deceptive practices before they start.
If the ordinance passes, Denver would join other Colorado cities such as Littleton, Commerce City, and Fort Collins, which passed similar bans last year.
Denver Councilman Chris Hinds, who represents District 10, said this is not an issue in Denver right now at local pet stores, but that's exactly the point.
Global animal rights' NEWS & ARTICLES
TikTok Linked to Illegal Sale of Endangered Pangolins
Four-month-old orca calf Teno exploited in Loro Parque shows
Four-month-old orca calf Teno exploited in Loro Parque shows
New research exposes TikTok’s role in the illegal wild meat trade in Togo, putting pangolins and other endangered species at risk.
An investigation by World Animal Protection has revealed that endangered wildlife is being openly sold through TikTok in Togo, West Africa.
Researchers found traders based in the capital, Lomé, using the social media platform to advertise and sell dead wild animals, including the endangered white-bellied pangolin.
The study, conducted between November 2022 and April 2024, examined 80 videos from two public TikTok accounts. These videos featured more than 3,500 carcasses of smoked wild animals, including at least 130 white-bellied pangolins.
https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/news/pangolins-found-for-sale-on-tiktok/
Four-month-old orca calf Teno exploited in Loro Parque shows
Four-month-old orca calf Teno exploited in Loro Parque shows
Four-month-old orca calf Teno exploited in Loro Parque shows
Concerns rise over the welfare of four-month-old orca calf Teno after footage shows him performing at Loro Parque.
A four-month-old orca calf named Teno, born to the orca Morgan, is already being made to perform in loud, crowded shows at Loro Parque in Tenerife.
Footage shared on TikTok shows Teno and his mother being made to perform tricks in front of a packed stadium, rewarded only with dead fish.
We condemn this as 'lifelong animal suffering' and are calling on travel giant TUI to stop selling tickets to orca and dolphin shows.
Brazil’s President Partially Vetoes “Devastation Bill” — But Threats to Animals and Nature Remain
Brazil’s President Partially Vetoes “Devastation Bill” — But Threats to Animals and Nature Remain
Brazil’s President Partially Vetoes “Devastation Bill” — But Threats to Animals and Nature Remain
Brazil’s President has partially vetoed the so-called “Devastation Bill” (Bill No. 364/2019), a controversial piece of legislation that weakens the country’s environmental licensing rules. The move comes after widespread public concern over the bill’s potential impact on biodiversity, Indigenous communities, and millions of wild animals.
Following the partial vetoes, the bill was sanctioned as Law 15,090/2025. While the changes represent a small step in the right direction, they still leave significant loopholes that prioritise short-term economic gains over long-term environmental protection.
Shocking Report Uncovers Dolphin Suffering TUI Hides from Tourists
Brazil’s President Partially Vetoes “Devastation Bill” — But Threats to Animals and Nature Remain
Brazil’s President Partially Vetoes “Devastation Bill” — But Threats to Animals and Nature Remain
TUI markets dolphin shows as family fun, but our Stories of Suffering report tells a different story. See the reality behind the performances.
Despite claims to uphold animal welfare, the global travel giant continues to profit from facilities that breed dolphins for commercial purposes — a clear violation of their own policies.
TUI Group markets itself as a responsible, animal-friendly brand, offering “family-friendly” dolphin shows and experiences. However, a deeper look into what is on sale reveals a much darker reality.
https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/news/tui-stories-of-suffering/
Global animal rights' NEWS & ARTICLES
What Lawmakers Did for Farm Animals in 2025
In March, we told you about a concerning trend of lawmakers rolling back laws that establish basic animal welfare standards, environmental policies and more.
Many states’ legislative sessions have ended for the year.* Here are some of the major developments you don’t want to miss:
https://www.aspca.org/news/what-lawmakers-did-farm-animals-2025
Animal Cruelty Task Force Performs Largest Dog Rescue in More than a Decade
On July 31, our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) finished rescuing animals in dire need at the scene of a hoarding case in Christian County.
The team first responded yesterday morning (see original post below), bringing 140 dogs to safety in two batches over the course of the day. The ACT team returned to the property early on July 31 to help rescue the remaining animals.
https://hsmo.org/christian-county-rescue-july-2025/
Putting animal welfare on the agenda at the UN High-Level Political Forum 2025
From 14 to 23 July, the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development will review global progress towards two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) essential for animal welfare: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
This HLPF offers a key opportunity to demonstrate that animal welfare is key to sustainable development.
https://wfa.org/un-high-level-political-forum-2025/
World News Wednesday: July 10–22 – Animal Rights on the Rise
From courtroom battles to consumer bans, the global fight for animals surged forward this week—despite setbacks in U.S. legislation.
Animal rights efforts gained momentum worldwide between July 10 and 22, as nations enacted new protections, corporations responded to activist pressure, and legal challenges pushed for greater accountability in animal industries.
Notable developments include a nationwide ban on piglet castration without anesthesia in the Netherlands, a major USDA lawsuit over research facility oversight in the U.S., and Switzerland’s expansion of its animal suffering labeling law to cover processed products.
https://humaneherald.org/2025/07/23/world-news-wednesday-july-10-22-animal-rights-on-the-rise/
Global animal rights' NEWS & ARTICLES
Ranchers in southern Mexico are struggling against a flesh-eating parasite infecting livestock
Ranchers in southern Mexico are struggling against a flesh-eating parasite infecting livestock
Ranchers in southern Mexico are struggling against a flesh-eating parasite infecting livestock
CINTALAPA, Mexico — With Mexican cattle again barred this month from entry to the United States over fears of spreading a flesh-eating parasite, ranchers and veterinarians in Mexico hundreds of miles from the border are fighting what has U.S. agricultural authorities so on edge.
In the southern state of Chiapas, which borders Guatemala, the New World screwworm fly’s rapid spread appears to have caught most ranchers off guard, despite memories of previous outbreaks in the 1980s and 1990s.
Arrested on 16 animal cruelty charges, Davie farm owner speaks out as he comes out of jail
Ranchers in southern Mexico are struggling against a flesh-eating parasite infecting livestock
Ranchers in southern Mexico are struggling against a flesh-eating parasite infecting livestock
A local farm sits empty of animals and children after Davie police arrested its owner Thursday on 16 counts of animal cruelty.
Officers said the animals at "Family Farms" were severely underfed, prompting their removal and charges against owner Robert Hoover.
According to an arrest report, police conducted covert investigations and observed alarming conditions on the property.
Hotel reptile market plan in animal rights row
A row has broken out over plans to host a reptile market at a Blackpool hotel this summer.
The event at the Norbreck Castle will see people "buy and sell their surplus animals and offspring", according to the International Herpetological Society (IHS).
But some animal charities have condemned the market as a "gross violation" of reptile welfare and have urged Britannia Hotels to cancel it.
Blackpool Council said its officers would be at the event to make sure it complied with standards, while the IHS said its markets were "fully compliant with UK law".
PETA sues Maine Lobster Festival over steaming live lobsters
The animal rights group claims steaming lobsters alive violates state law banning animal torture and torment.
ROCKLAND, Maine — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a lawsuit Thursday in Knox County Superior Court against the Maine Lobster Festival and the City of Rockland over steaming thousands of lobsters alive at the event, according to a PETA news release.
The festival is an annual tradition in Maine that began in the 1940s, a couple of years after the end of World War II. The festival also helped bring Maine lobster and lobster fishermen into the limelight.
Global animal rights' NEWS & ARTICLES
Trump Is Suing to Overturn Prop 12 and Other Animal Welfare Laws
Grand Jury Indicts Two Individuals for Involvement with Online Groups
Grand Jury Indicts Two Individuals for Involvement with Online Groups
The administration says animal welfare laws in California are raising egg prices nationwide.
Last week, the Trump administration announced it filed a lawsuit against California over its animal welfare laws. The administration claims that the state’s welfare protections, which include Proposition 12, have caused egg prices to skyrocket nationwide. The lawsuit targets three laws in the Golden State aimed at improving living conditions for egg-laying hens, arguing that they violate federal statutes regulating egg production.
Grand Jury Indicts Two Individuals for Involvement with Online Groups
Grand Jury Indicts Two Individuals for Involvement with Online Groups
Grand Jury Indicts Two Individuals for Involvement with Online Groups
Grand Jury Indicts Two Individuals for Involvement with Online Groups Dedicated to Monkey Torture and Mutilation.
A grand jury indictment was unsealed today charging two individuals for their alleged involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
The indictment alleges that Katrina D. Favret, of Tennessee, and Robert M. Craig, of North Carolina, conspired with previously charged defendant Ronald P. Bedra, of Etna, Ohio, to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos.” Favret is also charged with creating and with distributing animal crush videos.
New York carriage driver acquitted of overworking horse that collapsed
Swiss Government Mandates the Disclosure on Food Labels of Some Forms of Animal Abuse
Swiss Government Mandates the Disclosure on Food Labels of Some Forms of Animal Abuse
NEW YORK (AP) — A horse carriage driver was acquitted Monday of animal cruelty in a modern trial about the old-fashioned coaches that meander through New York’s Central Park.
A six-person jury found Ian McKeever not guilty of overworking a horse called Ryder, who collapsed en route back to his stable on an 84-degree Fahrenheit (29-degree Celsius) day in August 2022. The horse lay on an avenue near Times Square for nearly an hour as concerned bystanders gathered around and police cooled him with a hose and ice. The animal ultimately got up, to cheers.
McKeever had pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge. His attorney, Raymond Loving, said the horse wasn’t overtaxed and simply tripped while changing lanes on a Manhattan street.
https://apnews.com/article/nyc-horse-carriage-collapse-trial-21d568a8ec454b990007874a0eb0fdf6
Swiss Government Mandates the Disclosure on Food Labels of Some Forms of Animal Abuse
Swiss Government Mandates the Disclosure on Food Labels of Some Forms of Animal Abuse
Swiss Government Mandates the Disclosure on Food Labels of Some Forms of Animal Abuse
On the 1st of July 2025, Switzerland introduced a new requirement for food labels to disclose whether the fabrication of products of animal origin involved specific painful practices, following a series of ordinances approved by the Swiss federal government. These regulations apply to meat, eggs, milk, foie gras, and other animal-derived foods, aiming to provide consumers with clearer information about the treatment of animals during production.
The government stated that labels must now indicate if any procedures — such as castration or dehorning of cows, or castration, tail docking, or teeth clipping for pigs — were performed without anaesthesia or stunning. The same rule applies to the cutting of frogs’ legs without anaesthetic.
Liver and meat from force-fed geese and ducks, such as foie gras, must also be labelled accordingly. Although force-feeding has been banned in Switzerland for more than four decades, the practice remains legal in other countries.