President Biden signed House Resolution 263, the Big Cat Public Safety Act. The law now closes loopholes in the Captive Wildlife Safety Act amendments to the Lacey Act by prohibiting the private possession of big cats and prohibiting licensed exhibitors from using most big cat species for lucrative photo ops and other public contact experiences. Such profit incentives drive the rapid breeding and disposal of tigers and other big cats into the pet trade. Under the new law, private owners may keep cats they currently own if they register the animals with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service within 180 days. The bill, which was introduced by Representative Mike Quigley multiple times, imposes civil and criminal penalties on violators.
Issue 171
Legislative Highlights
Enacted Federal Actions
President Biden Signs Big Cat Public Safety Act
Pending Federal Actions
Bill Would Amend the AWA to Protect Roosters, Prevent Simulcasting, and Authorize Citizen Suits to Combat Animal Fighting
House Resolution 9309 would amend the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to provide greater protection for roosters used in animal fighting ventures, criminalize simulcasting animal fights, and authorize citizen suits to enjoin “any person” who is alleged to be in violation of the animal fighting section of the federal law. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
House Resolution 9309 would amend the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to provide greater protection for roosters used in animal fighting ventures, criminalize simulcasting animal fights, and authorize citizen suits to enjoin “any person” who is alleged to be in violation of the animal fighting section of the federal law. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Bill Would Impose Multiple Factory Farming Reforms, including Amending the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act to Include Birds
Senator Cory Booker announced the Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act of 2022, which would impose multiple reforms, including by:
- Requiring industrial operators to register high-risk CAFOs, submit disaster preparedness plans, and pay to cover the costs of preparing for and responding to disaster events;
- Ensuring that industrial operators aren’t using the worst depopulation and slaughter practices, including dangerously fast line-speed increases and self-inspection programs;
- Amending the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act to include poultry, with a 10-year phase in and grants provided to assist transitions to controlled atmosphere stunning systems;
- Creating new protections for nonambulatory (downer) pigs at slaughter;
- Amending the 28-Hour Law to include new protections for animals during transport; and
- Prohibiting the use of prison labor during disaster events.
The bill has not yet been assigned a number or a committee.
Senator Cory Booker announced the Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act of 2022, which would impose multiple reforms, including by:
- Requiring industrial operators to register high-risk CAFOs, submit disaster preparedness plans, and pay to cover the costs of preparing for and responding to disaster events;
- Ensuring that industrial operators aren’t using the worst depopulation and slaughter practices, including dangerously fast line-speed increases and self-inspection programs;
- Amending the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act to include poultry, with a 10-year phase in and grants provided to assist transitions to controlled atmosphere stunning systems;
- Creating new protections for nonambulatory (downer) pigs at slaughter;
- Amending the 28-Hour Law to include new protections for animals during transport; and
- Prohibiting the use of prison labor during disaster events.
The bill has not yet been assigned a number or a committee.
Bill Would Prevent Federal Funding from Being Used for Ventilation Shutdown Killing
House Resolution 9552, the Transparency in Depopulation Act, would prevent federal funding from being used for certain methods of animal slaughter, including ventilation shutdown, which entails elimination of ventilation and fan systems to raise temperatures and kill animals by inducing hyperthermia and hypoxia. The provisions also would require farms to publicly disclose their killing methods and other associated data. The bill was introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. The bill text is not yet publicly available.
House Resolution 9552, the Transparency in Depopulation Act, would prevent federal funding from being used for certain methods of animal slaughter, including ventilation shutdown, which entails elimination of ventilation and fan systems to raise temperatures and kill animals by inducing hyperthermia and hypoxia. The provisions also would require farms to publicly disclose their killing methods and other associated data. The bill was introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. The bill text is not yet publicly available.
Enacted State Actions
California Enacts Wildlife Connectivity Law
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2344, the “Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act,” which requires the California Department of Transportation, in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to identify barriers to wildlife movement and prioritize crossing structures when building or improving roadways. According to UC Davis, California experienced more than 44,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions from 2016 to 2020, resulting in injuries and deaths to both drivers and wildlife and causing at least $1 billion in damage.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2344, the “Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act,” which requires the California Department of Transportation, in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to identify barriers to wildlife movement and prioritize crossing structures when building or improving roadways. According to UC Davis, California experienced more than 44,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions from 2016 to 2020, resulting in injuries and deaths to both drivers and wildlife and causing at least $1 billion in damage.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul Signs Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act (A.5653B/S.4839B) which prohibits the manufacture and sale of cosmetics in New York State that have been tested on animals. The law takes effect in January 2023, and New York now joins California, Nevada, Illinois, Hawaii, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, Virginia, and Louisiana on the growing list of states imposing such bans.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act (A.5653B/S.4839B) which prohibits the manufacture and sale of cosmetics in New York State that have been tested on animals. The law takes effect in January 2023, and New York now joins California, Nevada, Illinois, Hawaii, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, Virginia, and Louisiana on the growing list of states imposing such bans.
Pending State Actions
Pennsylvania Considers Beagle Freedom Bill
Pennsylvania House Bill 2912, the “Beagle Freedom Act,” would prohibit the importation and sales of dogs bred by individuals who have certain Animal Welfare Act noncompliances and additionally would require research facilities to offer dogs and cats for adoption when they no longer are being used. As of October 2022, thirteen states already have enacted “Beagle Freedom Bills” requiring animal experimenters and research facilities to make dogs and cats available for adoption. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Pennsylvania House Bill 2912, the “Beagle Freedom Act,” would prohibit the importation and sales of dogs bred by individuals who have certain Animal Welfare Act noncompliances and additionally would require research facilities to offer dogs and cats for adoption when they no longer are being used. As of October 2022, thirteen states already have enacted “Beagle Freedom Bills” requiring animal experimenters and research facilities to make dogs and cats available for adoption. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Virginia Bill Would Ban Cat Declawing and Impose Civil Penalties for Violations
Virginia House Bill 1382 would prohibit declawing cats except for necessary therapeutic purposes and would create civil penalties from $500 to $2,500 for violations. The bill also would entitle any animal control officer, humane investigator, or state or local law-enforcement officer to bring a civil action for declawing violations.
Virginia House Bill 1382 would prohibit declawing cats except for necessary therapeutic purposes and would create civil penalties from $500 to $2,500 for violations. The bill also would entitle any animal control officer, humane investigator, or state or local law-enforcement officer to bring a civil action for declawing violations.
Missouri Bill Would Limit Liability of Factory Farms
Missouri Senate Bill 84, the “Freedom to Farm Act,” would provide that the right to farm “shall be guaranteed free from government intervention and … shall not be infringed upon by the federal government under the regulation of interstate commerce.” The bill would eliminate almost all circumstances under which animal agriculture facilities can be subject to nuisance liability. The bill has been pre-filed and has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Missouri Senate Bill 84, the “Freedom to Farm Act,” would provide that the right to farm “shall be guaranteed free from government intervention and … shall not be infringed upon by the federal government under the regulation of interstate commerce.” The bill would eliminate almost all circumstances under which animal agriculture facilities can be subject to nuisance liability. The bill has been pre-filed and has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Greater Las Vegas Area Prohibits Retail Pet Sales
The Clark County Commission unanimously passed an ordinance banning the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, or potbellied pigs at retail pet stores. Retailers in Clark County, which encompasses the unincorporated Las Vegas area, have one year to comply.
The Clark County Commission unanimously passed an ordinance banning the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, or potbellied pigs at retail pet stores. Retailers in Clark County, which encompasses the unincorporated Las Vegas area, have one year to comply.
New Jersey Bill Would Ban Retail Pet Sales of Companion Animals
New Jersey Senate Bill 3421, the “Pet Purchase Protection Act,” would prohibit the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops and would establish certain requirements for lawful animal adoptions. The bill has been referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
New Jersey Senate Bill 3421, the “Pet Purchase Protection Act,” would prohibit the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops and would establish certain requirements for lawful animal adoptions. The bill has been referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
Oregon Aquaculture Act Would Require Fish Farms to Meet Higher Environmental and Welfare Standards
Oregon LC 715 would establish requirements for aquaculture facilities to better protect the environment, wildlife, and promote animal welfare. Provisions include requirements for environmental enrichment and humane methods of slaughter. The bill includes a citizen suit provision and would subject violators to civil and criminal penalties. It has been pre-filed and has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Oregon LC 715 would establish requirements for aquaculture facilities to better protect the environment, wildlife, and promote animal welfare. Provisions include requirements for environmental enrichment and humane methods of slaughter. The bill includes a citizen suit provision and would subject violators to civil and criminal penalties. It has been pre-filed and has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Case Law Highlights
Federal Court Highlights
Tofurky Prevails in Constitutional Challenge to Arkansas Meat-Labeling Censorship Law
A federal court struck down an Arkansas law prohibiting producers of plant-based or cultivated meats from using terms like “beef,” “pork,” “roast,” and “sausage,” as unconstitutional. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas found that the Arkansas law unconstitutionally limited plaintiff Tofurky’s commercial free speech rights. The Court enjoined the state from using the law to prosecute Tofurky and other plant-based food companies. A federal judge in Louisiana made a similar ruling earlier this year that it is unconstitutional to prohibit the use of meat terminology on plant-based alternatives. Tofurky is represented in the litigation by James, Carter, & Priebe, LLP, the ACLU, the Good Food Institute, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
A federal court struck down an Arkansas law prohibiting producers of plant-based or cultivated meats from using terms like “beef,” “pork,” “roast,” and “sausage,” as unconstitutional. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas found that the Arkansas law unconstitutionally limited plaintiff Tofurky’s commercial free speech rights. The Court enjoined the state from using the law to prosecute Tofurky and other plant-based food companies. A federal judge in Louisiana made a similar ruling earlier this year that it is unconstitutional to prohibit the use of meat terminology on plant-based alternatives. Tofurky is represented in the litigation by James, Carter, & Priebe, LLP, the ACLU, the Good Food Institute, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
Supreme Court of the United States Hears Oral Arguments in California Prop 12 Case
The Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in National Pork Producers v. Ross, the case challenging California’s law requiring that whole pork meat sold within the state derive from pigs whose mothers were housed with at least 24 square feet of space. Much of the questioning by the justices focused on appropriate balancing under Pike v. Bruce Church, which established that a state law is unconstitutional if it imposes a burden on interstate commerce that is “clearly excessive in relation to the putative local benefits.” The pork sale restrictions are part of a broader animal confinement ballot initiative passed by California voters in 2018 as Proposition 12). The measure’s other minimum space requirements relating to egg-laying hens and calves raised for veal went into effect on January 1, 2022, while enforcement of the 24 square feet space requirement for breeding pigs was enjoined until March 2023 (six months after the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture published the final regulations implementing Proposition 12). A ruling is expected in Spring 2023.
The Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in National Pork Producers v. Ross, the case challenging California’s law requiring that whole pork meat sold within the state derive from pigs whose mothers were housed with at least 24 square feet of space. Much of the questioning by the justices focused on appropriate balancing under Pike v. Bruce Church, which established that a state law is unconstitutional if it imposes a burden on interstate commerce that is “clearly excessive in relation to the putative local benefits.” The pork sale restrictions are part of a broader animal confinement ballot initiative passed by California voters in 2018 as Proposition 12). The measure’s other minimum space requirements relating to egg-laying hens and calves raised for veal went into effect on January 1, 2022, while enforcement of the 24 square feet space requirement for breeding pigs was enjoined until March 2023 (six months after the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture published the final regulations implementing Proposition 12). A ruling is expected in Spring 2023.
Trump Era ESA Rollbacks Remanded to FWS and NMFS Without Vacatur
A California federal judge who vacated Trump administration actions to weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA) earlier this year restored the regulations and remanded the action back to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS). The order follows a Ninth Circuit ruling that Judge Jon Tigar “clearly erred” in vacating the ESA rollbacks without weighing their legal merits. The rollbacks included rules allowing FWS to consider the economic impact when deciding whether to list an imperiled species under the ESA.
A California federal judge who vacated Trump administration actions to weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA) earlier this year restored the regulations and remanded the action back to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS). The order follows a Ninth Circuit ruling that Judge Jon Tigar “clearly erred” in vacating the ESA rollbacks without weighing their legal merits. The rollbacks included rules allowing FWS to consider the economic impact when deciding whether to list an imperiled species under the ESA.
Five Major Fast Food Chains File Beef Price Fixing Lawsuits Against Meatpackers Cargill, Swift, JBS, and Tyson
The parent companies of Arby’s, Burger King, Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s, Sonic, and Whataburger sued Cargill, Inc., Cargill Meat Solutions Corp., JBS S.A., JBS USA Food Company, JBS Packerland, Inc., National Beef Packing Company, Swift Beef Company, Tyson Foods, Inc., and Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. for allegedly conspiring to limit the supply and fix the prices of beef sold to the fast food chains in the U.S. wholesale market in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Each of the five nearly identical lawsuits against the world’s largest meat processing and packing companies were filed in the same court, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. These plaintiffs are ARCOP, Inc., CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc., Restaurant Services, Inc., Sonic Industries Services, Inc. (Sonic), and Whatabrands, LLC.
The parent companies of Arby’s, Burger King, Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s, Sonic, and Whataburger sued Cargill, Inc., Cargill Meat Solutions Corp., JBS S.A., JBS USA Food Company, JBS Packerland, Inc., National Beef Packing Company, Swift Beef Company, Tyson Foods, Inc., and Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. for allegedly conspiring to limit the supply and fix the prices of beef sold to the fast food chains in the U.S. wholesale market in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Each of the five nearly identical lawsuits against the world’s largest meat processing and packing companies were filed in the same court, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. These plaintiffs are ARCOP, Inc., CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc., Restaurant Services, Inc., Sonic Industries Services, Inc. (Sonic), and Whatabrands, LLC.
State Court Highlights
Tyson Foods Agrees to Pay $10.5 Million to Settle Washington AG’s Poultry Price-Fixing Suit
Tyson Foods, the country’s largest chicken producer, Tyson Chicken, Inc., Tyson Breeders, Inc., and Tyson Poultry, Inc. (“Tyson Defendants”) agreed to pay $10.5 million as a result of the State of Washington’s price-fixing lawsuit which accused the Tyson Defendants, Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., Sanderson Farms, Inc., Perdue Farms, Inc., Foster Farms, LLC, and fifteen other poultry producers of engaging in illegal anticompetitive conduct to manipulate supply and pricing since at least 2008. The Tyson settlement is the third and largest resolution in the state’s antitrust lawsuit against broiler chicken producers. Claims against sixteen companies continue.
Tyson Foods, the country’s largest chicken producer, Tyson Chicken, Inc., Tyson Breeders, Inc., and Tyson Poultry, Inc. (“Tyson Defendants”) agreed to pay $10.5 million as a result of the State of Washington’s price-fixing lawsuit which accused the Tyson Defendants, Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., Sanderson Farms, Inc., Perdue Farms, Inc., Foster Farms, LLC, and fifteen other poultry producers of engaging in illegal anticompetitive conduct to manipulate supply and pricing since at least 2008. The Tyson settlement is the third and largest resolution in the state’s antitrust lawsuit against broiler chicken producers. Claims against sixteen companies continue.
Largest Environmental Damage Recovery in Oregon History Reached in $698 Million Settlement for Monsanto’s Use of PCBs that Damaged Oregon Waters and Wildlife
The State of Oregon and Bayer US LLC, parent company of Monsanto and its co-defendants, have reached a $698 million settlement to resolve claims that Monsanto was aware as early as 1937 of the toxic nature of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but continued to use the PCBs until they were banned in 1977, damaging Oregon waters and wildlife in the process. According to Oregon’s Attorney General, it is the largest environmental damage recovery in Oregon's history.
The State of Oregon and Bayer US LLC, parent company of Monsanto and its co-defendants, have reached a $698 million settlement to resolve claims that Monsanto was aware as early as 1937 of the toxic nature of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but continued to use the PCBs until they were banned in 1977, damaging Oregon waters and wildlife in the process. According to Oregon’s Attorney General, it is the largest environmental damage recovery in Oregon's history.
Agency Highlights
Alaska Fish and Game Department Closes Bering Sea Snow Crab Season for the First Time
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced for the first time that the Bering Sea snow crab season will be closed for 2022-2023 following a 2022 NMFS trawl survey that revealed a 90% reduction in the snow crab population over the past decade. Scientists attribute the dramatic decline in large part to climate change.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced for the first time that the Bering Sea snow crab season will be closed for 2022-2023 following a 2022 NMFS trawl survey that revealed a 90% reduction in the snow crab population over the past decade. Scientists attribute the dramatic decline in large part to climate change.
UPSIDE Foods is the First Company to Receive FDA "Green Light" for Cultivated Meat
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the agency has completed its first pre-market consultation for a human food made from cultured animal cells. UPSIDE Foods became the first company in the world to receive a "No Questions" letter from the FDA for cultivated meat, poultry, or seafood. The letter signals that the FDA has accepted UPSIDE's conclusion that its cultivated chicken is safe to eat.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the agency has completed its first pre-market consultation for a human food made from cultured animal cells. UPSIDE Foods became the first company in the world to receive a "No Questions" letter from the FDA for cultivated meat, poultry, or seafood. The letter signals that the FDA has accepted UPSIDE's conclusion that its cultivated chicken is safe to eat.
FWS Proposes Closure of ESA Loophole that Allows Trade in Live African Elephants Without a Permit
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published notice of its intent to close an Endangered Species Act (ESA) loophole that currently allows the import, export, and other forms of trade in live African elephants without a permit. The proposed 4(d) rule revisions would additionally clarify the enhancement requirements that FWS imposes during its evaluation of applications for ESA permits to import African elephant sport-hunted trophies. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed ESA rule revisions through January 17, 2023.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published notice of its intent to close an Endangered Species Act (ESA) loophole that currently allows the import, export, and other forms of trade in live African elephants without a permit. The proposed 4(d) rule revisions would additionally clarify the enhancement requirements that FWS imposes during its evaluation of applications for ESA permits to import African elephant sport-hunted trophies. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed ESA rule revisions through January 17, 2023.
Animal Protection Caucus Urges USDA to Enforce AWA Against Musk’s Neuralink
Members of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus wrote to Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator Kevin Shea, urging them to exercise greater Animal Welfare Act oversight of Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant company, which experiments on monkeys, sheep, pigs, and rats. According to the letter, multiple complaints of “botched experiments” and “unnecessary animal suffering” are reportedly the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Office of the Inspector General.
Members of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus wrote to Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator Kevin Shea, urging them to exercise greater Animal Welfare Act oversight of Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant company, which experiments on monkeys, sheep, pigs, and rats. According to the letter, multiple complaints of “botched experiments” and “unnecessary animal suffering” are reportedly the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Office of the Inspector General.
International Highlights
European Union Adopts Resolution Calling for End to Illegal Wildlife Trade by 2025
The European Parliament adopted a resolution urging the elimination of illegal wildlife trafficking in the European Union (EU) by 2025 and urged all countries to step up enforcement of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Parliament stressed the importance of ending wildlife trafficking and the exotic pet trade in order to curtail the transmission of zoonotic diseases, prevent future pandemics, and deter transnational criminal syndicates. The resolution comes as the market for exotic pets has grown in the EU, and globally, and as CITES parties prepare to meet in Panama next month.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution urging the elimination of illegal wildlife trafficking in the European Union (EU) by 2025 and urged all countries to step up enforcement of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Parliament stressed the importance of ending wildlife trafficking and the exotic pet trade in order to curtail the transmission of zoonotic diseases, prevent future pandemics, and deter transnational criminal syndicates. The resolution comes as the market for exotic pets has grown in the EU, and globally, and as CITES parties prepare to meet in Panama next month.
Mexican Congress Approves Ban on Dolphin Shows and Swim-With-Dolphins Experiences
The Mexican Chamber of Deputies, one of the country’s bicameral legislative bodies, approved an amendment to the country’s General Wildlife Law providing that “the use of specimens of marine mammals in fixed or itinerant shows is prohibited, as well as any activity whose purpose is not scientific research for their conservation.” Many of Mexico’s captive marine mammals are located in tourist towns in Quintana Roo. The amendment has been referred to the Senate of the Republic.
The Mexican Chamber of Deputies, one of the country’s bicameral legislative bodies, approved an amendment to the country’s General Wildlife Law providing that “the use of specimens of marine mammals in fixed or itinerant shows is prohibited, as well as any activity whose purpose is not scientific research for their conservation.” Many of Mexico’s captive marine mammals are located in tourist towns in Quintana Roo. The amendment has been referred to the Senate of the Republic.
Report Documents Widespread Wildlife Trade and Trafficking in Mexico
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) released a report on the widespread trafficking of imperiled wild animals, including jaguars, sloths, howler monkeys, crocodiles, sea cucumbers, and parrots, across Mexico. The report follows a four-month undercover investigation carried out by CBD in 2022, revealing that lax government enforcement, a lack of political will to address the problem, and weak social media oversight all contribute to the illegal wildlife market. Sales occur both online, on digital marketplaces like Facebook, and in traditional mercados in Mexico City.
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) released a report on the widespread trafficking of imperiled wild animals, including jaguars, sloths, howler monkeys, crocodiles, sea cucumbers, and parrots, across Mexico. The report follows a four-month undercover investigation carried out by CBD in 2022, revealing that lax government enforcement, a lack of political will to address the problem, and weak social media oversight all contribute to the illegal wildlife market. Sales occur both online, on digital marketplaces like Facebook, and in traditional mercados in Mexico City.
Animal Cruelty Charges Against Marineland Dropped for the Second Time in Five Years
For the second time in five years, the Canadian Crown has dropped cruelty-to-animals charges against Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls. The Niagara Regional Police had charged Marineland in 2021, alleging that the amusement park had used dolphins and whales for entertainment purposes in violation of Canada’s Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act.
For the second time in five years, the Canadian Crown has dropped cruelty-to-animals charges against Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls. The Niagara Regional Police had charged Marineland in 2021, alleging that the amusement park had used dolphins and whales for entertainment purposes in violation of Canada’s Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act.
Academic Highlights
New Scholarship Documents Negative Welfare Impacts of Cub-Petting on Lions
A new peer-reviewed study, Chorney, S.; DeFalco, A.; Jacquet, J.; LaFrance, C.; Lary, M.; Pirker, H.; Franks, B., Poor Welfare Indicators and Husbandry Practices at Lion (Panthera Leo) “Cub-Petting” Facilities: Evidence from Public YouTube Videos, Animals 2022, 12, 2767, documents animal welfare concerns associated with lion cub-petting in South Africa. Researchers found that cub-petting creates acute negative welfare impacts on the cats, as documented by the lions’ stress behaviors and stereotypies.
A new peer-reviewed study, Chorney, S.; DeFalco, A.; Jacquet, J.; LaFrance, C.; Lary, M.; Pirker, H.; Franks, B., Poor Welfare Indicators and Husbandry Practices at Lion (Panthera Leo) “Cub-Petting” Facilities: Evidence from Public YouTube Videos, Animals 2022, 12, 2767, documents animal welfare concerns associated with lion cub-petting in South Africa. Researchers found that cub-petting creates acute negative welfare impacts on the cats, as documented by the lions’ stress behaviors and stereotypies.
4th Quarter 2022 Highlights