House Bill 3276 would establish a pilot grant program to make grants to school food authorities for one hundred percent plant-based food and milk options, including culturally appropriate plant-based options. The bill was introduced by Representative Nydia Velazquez and has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Spotlights
House Bill Would Establish Pilot Grant Program for Plant-Based Meals and Milk in Schools
Maryland Becomes the First State to Require Animal Testing Facilities to Contribute Funding to Development of Non-Animal Research Methods
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed House Bill 626, making Maryland the first state to require that animal experimentation facilities contribute to a research fund that will be used to provide grants for the development of non-animal research alternatives. The Humane Society of the United States worked closely with legislators on drafting the bill, which takes effect on July 1, 2023.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed House Bill 626, making Maryland the first state to require that animal experimentation facilities contribute to a research fund that will be used to provide grants for the development of non-animal research alternatives. The Humane Society of the United States worked closely with legislators on drafting the bill, which takes effect on July 1, 2023.
Pennsylvania Bill Would Prohibit State Funding of “Painful Animal Experimentation,” Increase Research Transparency, and Require Facilities to Offer Animals for Adoption
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 658 would prohibit the use of Commonwealth funds for “painful animal subject experimentation,” for devocalizing or doing research on devocalized animals, and would require animal testing facilities that receive Commonwealth funds to offer animals for adoption when they are no longer needed. Those provisions would apply to dogs and cats. The bill also would direct the State Treasurer to produce an annual report that divulges the total amount of Commonwealth funding for animal research, a list of all state funded animal research projects, and the names and business addresses of all recipients of Commonwealth funding for animal research projects. It additionally would require all higher education institutions receiving any Commonwealth funds to post annual reports that include the total amount they spent on animal research during the prior year, a detailed list of active animal research projects, any non-compliance with federal, state and local research guidelines, the number of animals adopted out after research projects, the composition of any institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs), and “a detailed explanation of specific efforts by the institution to refine, reduce and replace the use of animals in research during the preceding calendar year.” Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano worked with The White Coat Waste Project in crafting the bill which has been referred to the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 658 would prohibit the use of Commonwealth funds for “painful animal subject experimentation,” for devocalizing or doing research on devocalized animals, and would require animal testing facilities that receive Commonwealth funds to offer animals for adoption when they are no longer needed. Those provisions would apply to dogs and cats. The bill also would direct the State Treasurer to produce an annual report that divulges the total amount of Commonwealth funding for animal research, a list of all state funded animal research projects, and the names and business addresses of all recipients of Commonwealth funding for animal research projects. It additionally would require all higher education institutions receiving any Commonwealth funds to post annual reports that include the total amount they spent on animal research during the prior year, a detailed list of active animal research projects, any non-compliance with federal, state and local research guidelines, the number of animals adopted out after research projects, the composition of any institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs), and “a detailed explanation of specific efforts by the institution to refine, reduce and replace the use of animals in research during the preceding calendar year.” Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano worked with The White Coat Waste Project in crafting the bill which has been referred to the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
New York City Enacts Ban on the Sale of Guinea Pigs by Pet Stores
New York City enacted Intro 4, a local law approved by New York City Council to prohibit pet stores from selling guinea pigs. New York City Council passed the law on April 11, 2023, and Mayor Eric Adams returned it unsigned on May 16, 2023. In New York City, if the mayor does not sign or veto a bill within thirty days, it becomes law. The NY city animal shelter system reportedly experienced nearly 1,000 guinea pigs surrenders during the past year.
New York City enacted Intro 4, a local law approved by New York City Council to prohibit pet stores from selling guinea pigs. New York City Council passed the law on April 11, 2023, and Mayor Eric Adams returned it unsigned on May 16, 2023. In New York City, if the mayor does not sign or veto a bill within thirty days, it becomes law. The NY city animal shelter system reportedly experienced nearly 1,000 guinea pigs surrenders during the past year.
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
Bill Would Authorize FWS to Restore Coastal Landscapes that Provide Habitat to Fish and Wildlife Under Federal Jurisdiction
Senate Bill 1381, the “Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023,” would authorize the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) to assess, protect, restore, and enhance important coastal landscapes that provide habitat to migratory birds, threatened or endangered species, interjurisdictional fish, and marine mammals over which FWS has management authority. It was introduced by Senator Ben Cardin and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Senate Bill 1381, the “Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023,” would authorize the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) to assess, protect, restore, and enhance important coastal landscapes that provide habitat to migratory birds, threatened or endangered species, interjurisdictional fish, and marine mammals over which FWS has management authority. It was introduced by Senator Ben Cardin and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
House Bill Would Establish Pilot Grant Program for Plant-Based Meals and Milk in Schools
House Bill 3276 would establish a pilot grant program to make grants to school food authorities for one hundred percent plant-based food and milk options, including culturally appropriate plant-based options. The bill was introduced by Representative Nydia Velazquez and has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
House Bill 3276 would establish a pilot grant program to make grants to school food authorities for one hundred percent plant-based food and milk options, including culturally appropriate plant-based options. The bill was introduced by Representative Nydia Velazquez and has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Enacted State Actions
Maryland Becomes the First State to Require Animal Testing Facilities to Contribute Funding to Development of Non-Animal Research Methods
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed House Bill 626, making Maryland the first state to require that animal experimentation facilities contribute to a research fund that will be used to provide grants for the development of non-animal research alternatives. The Humane Society of the United States worked closely with legislators on drafting the bill, which takes effect on July 1, 2023.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed House Bill 626, making Maryland the first state to require that animal experimentation facilities contribute to a research fund that will be used to provide grants for the development of non-animal research alternatives. The Humane Society of the United States worked closely with legislators on drafting the bill, which takes effect on July 1, 2023.
Pending State Actions
Delaware Bill Would Require Animal Shelters to Maintain Behavioral Enrichment Protocols
Delaware Senate Bill 129 would update the state’s animal shelter standards, including specifying housing and care requirements, mandatory vaccination and microchipping, and requiring animal shelters to adopt behavioral enrichment protocols. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Social Services.
Delaware Senate Bill 129 would update the state’s animal shelter standards, including specifying housing and care requirements, mandatory vaccination and microchipping, and requiring animal shelters to adopt behavioral enrichment protocols. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Social Services.
New Jersey Bill Would Ban Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land
New Jersey Assembly Bill 5383 would prohibit foreign ownership of agricultural and horticultural land. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee.
New Jersey Assembly Bill 5383 would prohibit foreign ownership of agricultural and horticultural land. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee.
New York Bill Would Require Horse Dealers to Display Signage About Illegality of Horse Slaughter
New York Assembly Bill 6497 would require horse dealers to display signage about the illegality of selling or transferring a thoroughbred or standardbred racehorse or breeding stock for slaughter. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture.
New York Assembly Bill 6497 would require horse dealers to display signage about the illegality of selling or transferring a thoroughbred or standardbred racehorse or breeding stock for slaughter. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture.
New York Bill Would Create Animal Adoption Tax Credits
New York Assembly Bill 6936 would establish tax credits for animal adoptions. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means.
New York Assembly Bill 6936 would establish tax credits for animal adoptions. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means.
Pennsylvania Bill Would Prohibit State Funding of “Painful Animal Experimentation,” Increase Research Transparency, and Require Facilities to Offer Animals for Adoption
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 658 would prohibit the use of Commonwealth funds for “painful animal subject experimentation,” for devocalizing or doing research on devocalized animals, and would require animal testing facilities that receive Commonwealth funds to offer animals for adoption when they are no longer needed. Those provisions would apply to dogs and cats. The bill also would direct the State Treasurer to produce an annual report that divulges the total amount of Commonwealth funding for animal research, a list of all state funded animal research projects, and the names and business addresses of all recipients of Commonwealth funding for animal research projects. It additionally would require all higher education institutions receiving any Commonwealth funds to post annual reports that include the total amount they spent on animal research during the prior year, a detailed list of active animal research projects, any non-compliance with federal, state and local research guidelines, the number of animals adopted out after research projects, the composition of any institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs), and “a detailed explanation of specific efforts by the institution to refine, reduce and replace the use of animals in research during the preceding calendar year.” Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano worked with The White Coat Waste Project in crafting the bill which has been referred to the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 658 would prohibit the use of Commonwealth funds for “painful animal subject experimentation,” for devocalizing or doing research on devocalized animals, and would require animal testing facilities that receive Commonwealth funds to offer animals for adoption when they are no longer needed. Those provisions would apply to dogs and cats. The bill also would direct the State Treasurer to produce an annual report that divulges the total amount of Commonwealth funding for animal research, a list of all state funded animal research projects, and the names and business addresses of all recipients of Commonwealth funding for animal research projects. It additionally would require all higher education institutions receiving any Commonwealth funds to post annual reports that include the total amount they spent on animal research during the prior year, a detailed list of active animal research projects, any non-compliance with federal, state and local research guidelines, the number of animals adopted out after research projects, the composition of any institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs), and “a detailed explanation of specific efforts by the institution to refine, reduce and replace the use of animals in research during the preceding calendar year.” Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano worked with The White Coat Waste Project in crafting the bill which has been referred to the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
Texas Bill Would Require Disclosure of mRNA Vaccines on Food Labels
Texas Senate Bill 2632 would require use of mRNA vaccines to be disclosed on meat food products. It has been referred to the Senate Health & Human Services Committee.
Texas Senate Bill 2632 would require use of mRNA vaccines to be disclosed on meat food products. It has been referred to the Senate Health & Human Services Committee.
Enacted Municipal Actions
New York City Enacts Ban on the Sale of Guinea Pigs by Pet Stores
New York City enacted Intro 4, a local law approved by New York City Council to prohibit pet stores from selling guinea pigs. New York City Council passed the law on April 11, 2023, and Mayor Eric Adams returned it unsigned on May 16, 2023. In New York City, if the mayor does not sign or veto a bill within thirty days, it becomes law. The NY city animal shelter system reportedly experienced nearly 1,000 guinea pigs surrenders during the past year.
New York City enacted Intro 4, a local law approved by New York City Council to prohibit pet stores from selling guinea pigs. New York City Council passed the law on April 11, 2023, and Mayor Eric Adams returned it unsigned on May 16, 2023. In New York City, if the mayor does not sign or veto a bill within thirty days, it becomes law. The NY city animal shelter system reportedly experienced nearly 1,000 guinea pigs surrenders during the past year.
Case Law Updates
Federal Court Updates
Federal Judge Sentences Wildlife Trafficker for Smuggling Protected Corals from the Philippines
U.S. District Court Judge Joshua Kindred sentenced Veleriy Gorbounov of Colorado to two years of probation, a $4,000 fine payable to a coral reef restoration organization in the Philippines, and a prohibition on participating in the sale of marine corals for the term of his probation after Gorbounov pleaded guilty to Lacey Act charges for his role illegally importing endangered corals for retail sales. Gorbounov is one of eight defendants who are being prosecuted for felony or misdemeanor Lacey Act crimes for their roles in the smuggling operation.
U.S. District Court Judge Joshua Kindred sentenced Veleriy Gorbounov of Colorado to two years of probation, a $4,000 fine payable to a coral reef restoration organization in the Philippines, and a prohibition on participating in the sale of marine corals for the term of his probation after Gorbounov pleaded guilty to Lacey Act charges for his role illegally importing endangered corals for retail sales. Gorbounov is one of eight defendants who are being prosecuted for felony or misdemeanor Lacey Act crimes for their roles in the smuggling operation.
Conservation Group Threatens to Sue FWS and Others for Failing to Protect Imperiled Animals from Offshore Drilling
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a notice of intent to sue to the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement for failing to adequately protect endangered whooping cranes, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, manatees, and other imperiled species from the dangers of offshore oil and gas extraction in the Gulf of Mexico. CBD alleges that the agencies approved oil and gas activity in the Gulf of Mexico in reliance upon faulty Endangered Species Act analysis that does not mitigate the risk of oil spills, bird collisions with offshore platforms, manatee vessel strikes, and climate change.
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a notice of intent to sue to the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement for failing to adequately protect endangered whooping cranes, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, manatees, and other imperiled species from the dangers of offshore oil and gas extraction in the Gulf of Mexico. CBD alleges that the agencies approved oil and gas activity in the Gulf of Mexico in reliance upon faulty Endangered Species Act analysis that does not mitigate the risk of oil spills, bird collisions with offshore platforms, manatee vessel strikes, and climate change.
Beyond Meat Hit with Securities Exchange Act Class Action Lawsuit
The Retail Wholesale Department Store Union Local 338 Retirement Fund, an institutional investor, filed a class action lawsuit against Beyond Meat, Inc., CEO Ethan Walden Brown, and two of its former chief financial officers for alleged violations of the Securities Exchange Act. The putative class alleges that the company and its executives misrepresented Beyond Meat's ability to scale to meet production demands for partnerships with McDonalds, Starbucks, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, causing the company's stock to trade at artificially high prices, during which time the individual defendants sold personally held stock for over $58 million in personal enrichment. According to the complaint, stock prices declined when the company failed to meet those demands. Beyond Meat’s stock price hit an all-time low this week, falling 61% since last year.
The Retail Wholesale Department Store Union Local 338 Retirement Fund, an institutional investor, filed a class action lawsuit against Beyond Meat, Inc., CEO Ethan Walden Brown, and two of its former chief financial officers for alleged violations of the Securities Exchange Act. The putative class alleges that the company and its executives misrepresented Beyond Meat's ability to scale to meet production demands for partnerships with McDonalds, Starbucks, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, causing the company's stock to trade at artificially high prices, during which time the individual defendants sold personally held stock for over $58 million in personal enrichment. According to the complaint, stock prices declined when the company failed to meet those demands. Beyond Meat’s stock price hit an all-time low this week, falling 61% since last year.
Milk Moovement Antitrust Suit Against Milk Software Company Mooves Forward
Milk Moovement, a startup providing data services to the dairy industry, filed a countersuit in January 2023 against rival Dairy LLC, now operating as Ever.Ag. The suit began in December 2021 with Ever.Ag alleging that Milk Moovement had misappropriated trade secrets, but has now expanded to include Milk Moovement’s antitrust allegations against Ever.Ag. The startup alleges a variety of antitrust counterclaims against Ever.Ag including “improperly lock[ing] up customers,” “market-power consolidating acquisitions,” and claims questioning its relationship with Dairy Farmers of America. The counterclaims, which are pending in the Eastern District of California, survived a recent motion to dismiss this week.
Milk Moovement, a startup providing data services to the dairy industry, filed a countersuit in January 2023 against rival Dairy LLC, now operating as Ever.Ag. The suit began in December 2021 with Ever.Ag alleging that Milk Moovement had misappropriated trade secrets, but has now expanded to include Milk Moovement’s antitrust allegations against Ever.Ag. The startup alleges a variety of antitrust counterclaims against Ever.Ag including “improperly lock[ing] up customers,” “market-power consolidating acquisitions,” and claims questioning its relationship with Dairy Farmers of America. The counterclaims, which are pending in the Eastern District of California, survived a recent motion to dismiss this week.
Agency Updates
FSIS Announces Pork Rind Recall
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that Michigan-based Mitten Gourmet, LLC, is recalling approximately 1,137 pounds of ready-to-eat pork rind products that were produced without federal inspection. The products were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that Michigan-based Mitten Gourmet, LLC, is recalling approximately 1,137 pounds of ready-to-eat pork rind products that were produced without federal inspection. The products were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
DOJ Announces Task Force to Investigate and Prosecute Crimes Against Environment and Wildlife in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the launch of the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Environmental Crimes Task Force to investigate and prosecute violations of federal law harming the environment, wildlife and human health, and associated fraud, waste, and abuse in the region. The creation of the Task Force comes a year after the DOJ created an Office of Environmental Justice in its Environment and Natural Resources Division and is part of a larger strategy to engage federal agencies in the enforcement of civil and criminal environmental laws.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the launch of the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Environmental Crimes Task Force to investigate and prosecute violations of federal law harming the environment, wildlife and human health, and associated fraud, waste, and abuse in the region. The creation of the Task Force comes a year after the DOJ created an Office of Environmental Justice in its Environment and Natural Resources Division and is part of a larger strategy to engage federal agencies in the enforcement of civil and criminal environmental laws.
FWS Accepting Public Comments on ESA Five-Year Status Review for Dozens of Wildlife Species
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced that it is initiating a five-year status review of dozens of species under the Endangered Species Act. FWS will accept public comments relating to the listing status of each species through July 10, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced that it is initiating a five-year status review of dozens of species under the Endangered Species Act. FWS will accept public comments relating to the listing status of each species through July 10, 2023.
FSIS Announces Recall of Pork Products that Were Imported from Canada Without Inspection
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that Ontario, Canada-based Eastern Meat Solutions, Inc. is recalling approximately 40,763 pounds of raw, boneless pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States. The products were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that Ontario, Canada-based Eastern Meat Solutions, Inc. is recalling approximately 40,763 pounds of raw, boneless pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States. The products were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
NMFS Announces New Regulations to Reduce Shark and Ray Bycatch
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced a final rule establishing fish aggregating device design requirements, International Maritime Organization number requirements, bycatch restrictions for sharks and rays, and protocols for freeing entangled sharks to facilitate species identification. The rule is effective June 12, 2023.
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced a final rule establishing fish aggregating device design requirements, International Maritime Organization number requirements, bycatch restrictions for sharks and rays, and protocols for freeing entangled sharks to facilitate species identification. The rule is effective June 12, 2023.
International Updates
Report Shows that Ecuador Does Not Meet Sufficient Whale and Dolphin Bycatch Mitigation Protocols to Import Seafood into the United States
The Center for Biological Diversity and other conservation and animal protection groups released a report finding that Ecuador’s fishing industry does not meet U.S. standards under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for limiting whale and dolphin bycatch. As a result, Ecuador may lose access to the U.S. seafood import market for some products in 2024. Ecuador exports around USD $1.6 billion of seafood to the United States annually.
The Center for Biological Diversity and other conservation and animal protection groups released a report finding that Ecuador’s fishing industry does not meet U.S. standards under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for limiting whale and dolphin bycatch. As a result, Ecuador may lose access to the U.S. seafood import market for some products in 2024. Ecuador exports around USD $1.6 billion of seafood to the United States annually.
Iceland Joins the U.S., Switzerland, Canada, Singapore, and Seychelles as Early Adopters of WTO Agreement to Mitigate Illegal and Unsustainable Fishing Practices Around the Globe
Iceland became the sixth country to commit to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Switzerland was the first to accept the agreement in January, followed by Singapore in February, the Seychelles in March, the U.S. in April, and Canada in May. The agreement prohibits WTO member governments from providing subsidies to fishing vessels or operators that engage in “illegal, unreported and unregulated” fishing practices and prohibits subsidies for any fishing of species that have been depleted by overfishing and for fishing on the “unregulated high seas.” After Iceland’s commitment, one hundred and three other member countries still must commit before the agreement to curtail overfishing of the world's oceans becomes operational.
Iceland became the sixth country to commit to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Switzerland was the first to accept the agreement in January, followed by Singapore in February, the Seychelles in March, the U.S. in April, and Canada in May. The agreement prohibits WTO member governments from providing subsidies to fishing vessels or operators that engage in “illegal, unreported and unregulated” fishing practices and prohibits subsidies for any fishing of species that have been depleted by overfishing and for fishing on the “unregulated high seas.” After Iceland’s commitment, one hundred and three other member countries still must commit before the agreement to curtail overfishing of the world's oceans becomes operational.
Academic Updates
Research Shows that Humans Around the World Don’t Want Animals to Suffer During Slaughter
Dr. Michelle Sinclair, a Visiting Fellow at the Brooks McCormick Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law School, joined research colleagues in South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, the United States, and Australia, to publish the results of their study about perceptions of animal slaughter around the world. The results of the research convey that “in most countries, participants would prefer that animals be rendered unconscious before they are slaughtered (preslaughter stunning); including in countries where this practice is not currently widespread.” Noting further that “these findings suggest that concern for the reduction of animal suffering during slaughter is a universal human tendency.”
Dr. Michelle Sinclair, a Visiting Fellow at the Brooks McCormick Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law School, joined research colleagues in South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, the United States, and Australia, to publish the results of their study about perceptions of animal slaughter around the world. The results of the research convey that “in most countries, participants would prefer that animals be rendered unconscious before they are slaughtered (preslaughter stunning); including in countries where this practice is not currently widespread.” Noting further that “these findings suggest that concern for the reduction of animal suffering during slaughter is a universal human tendency.”
Other Updates
California Announces Collaboration with Local, State, and Federal Agencies to Restore Sierra Nevada Populations of Endangered Salmon and Sturgeon
California Governor Gavin Newsom was joined by local, state, and federal agency representatives in Yuba County to announce $30 million in funding for a collaborative effort to help salmon and sturgeon reach upstream spawning grounds in Sierra Nevada. The project aims to restore the Yuba River to its pre-Gold Rush route, giving endangered species like Chinook salmon and green sturgeon an easier way to access colder upstream breeding grounds without having to navigate challenging fish ladders.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was joined by local, state, and federal agency representatives in Yuba County to announce $30 million in funding for a collaborative effort to help salmon and sturgeon reach upstream spawning grounds in Sierra Nevada. The project aims to restore the Yuba River to its pre-Gold Rush route, giving endangered species like Chinook salmon and green sturgeon an easier way to access colder upstream breeding grounds without having to navigate challenging fish ladders.