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Groups Intend to Sue FWS for Failure to Take Timely Action on Hippopotamus ESA Petition

The Center for Biological Diversity, Humane Society International, Humane Society of the United States, and Humane Society Legislative Fund sent a 60-day notice of intent to sue to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). The senders intend to sue FWS for violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by not making a timely 12-month finding on their March 24, 2022 petition to list the common hippopotamus under the ESA. The agency’s 12-month finding following its positive 90-day finding was due March 24, 2023.

Groups Intend to Sue FWS for Failure to Take Timely Action on Manatee ESA Petition

The Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Biological Diversity, Miami Waterkeeper, Save the Manatee Club, and Frank S. González Garcia sent a 60-day notice of intent to sue to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). Represented by the Harvard Law School Animal Law & Policy Clinic, the senders intend to sue FWS for violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by not making a timely 12-month finding on their November 21, 2022 petition to uplist the West Indian Manatee, the Florida manatee, and Antillean manatee subspecies as endangered under the ESA. The agency’s 12-month finding following its positive 90-day finding was due November 21, 2023.

New Maritime Coalition Forms and Releases Guidelines to Combat Wildlife Trafficking

The World Shipping Council announced the formation of a 10-organization coalition to fight wildlife trafficking in the maritime industry and supply chain. The coalition has developed Joint Industry Guidelines for Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trafficking to help supply chain participants to prevent, identify, and report illicit wildlife activities. Led by the World Shipping Council, the other coalition organizations are TRAFFIC, the World Wide Fund for Nature, International Fund for Animal Welfare, United Nations Development Program, Global Environment Facility, Global Wildlife Program, BIC, Global Shippers Forum, and TT Club.

Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Bald and Golden Eagles

Travis Branson, a Washington resident, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, violating the Lacey Act, and trafficking bald and golden eagles after the government alleged he killed and sold eagles on the black market between January 2015 and March 2021. Branson is scheduled for sentencing on July 31, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana and faces potential fines and imprisonment.

Federal Court Upholds NMFS 90-Day Finding Against Delisting Arctic Ringed Seals

The U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska denied a challenge brought by the State of Alaska and the North Slope Borough against the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) 90-day finding on their petition to remove Endangered Species Act protections for Arctic ringed seals. The court found that “NMFS provided a rational connection between the facts it observed and its conclusion” in its 90-day finding and ruled that there was “no reason to vacate” the agency’s decision in response to Plaintiffs’ petition to delist. The Center for Biological Diversity had intervened as a defendant in the case.

Animal Advocacy Groups Call for Cancellation of Two Events at Royal Manitoba Winter Fair

The Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) and national animal law organization Animal Justice are urging organizers of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair to cancel calf scramble and sheep wrangling events, citing potential violations of Manitoba's Animal Care Act. In past years, pig and calf scrambles were cancelled after public outcry and legal pressure. However, the Fair reintroduced similar events in 2024, rebranded as a "barnyard challenge featuring calves" and "sheep wrangling." During these events, participants chase and wrestle terrified animals, causing distress. Fair organizers refute claims of cruelty, pointing to previous assessments conducted by the animal protection office.

Washington Enacts Legislation to Shelter People and Pets in Extreme Weather Situations

Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1012, which establishes “an extreme weather response grant program” to assist people and their pets during times of extreme hot or cold weather or poor air quality due to wildfires. Among other things, the grant program will reimburse political subdivisions and federally recognized tribes for “[r]etrofitting or establishing facilities within warming and cooling centers that are pet friendly in order to permit individuals to evacuate with their pets.”