Senate Bill 1529, the “Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Animal Trafficking (FIGHT) Act” would amend the Animal Welfare Act to create a citizen suit provision to help stop animal fighting ventures, end the shipment of mature roosters through U.S. mail, enhance forfeiture provisions, and prohibit simulcasting and gambling on animal fights in the U.S. regardless of where broadcast signals originate. The bill was introduced by Senators Cory Booker and John Kennedy, and Senators Andrea Salinas and Don Bacon previously introduced the House version of the bill. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Spotlights
Bill Would Strengthen Federal Animal Fighting Laws and Create AWA Citizen Suit Provision
New York Bill Would Prohibit Use of Apes and Certain Other Primates for Entertainment
New York Senate Bill 6905, the “Primate Protection Act,” would prohibit the use of certain primates for entertainment. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
New York Senate Bill 6905, the “Primate Protection Act,” would prohibit the use of certain primates for entertainment. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
Pennsylvania Bills Would Prevent Dog Sales from Puppy Mills with AWA Citations
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 702 would prohibit U.S. Department of Agriculture-licensed dog dealers from selling dogs if they have been cited for a direct or critical violation of the Animal Welfare Act in the previous two years. The bill also includes whistleblower protection for employees. Senate Bill 701 would establish the same oversight of dog dealers with the added requirement that animal testing facilities offer dogs for adoption when they are no longer needed. The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 702 would prohibit U.S. Department of Agriculture-licensed dog dealers from selling dogs if they have been cited for a direct or critical violation of the Animal Welfare Act in the previous two years. The bill also includes whistleblower protection for employees. Senate Bill 701 would establish the same oversight of dog dealers with the added requirement that animal testing facilities offer dogs for adoption when they are no longer needed. The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Case Law Spotlights
Poultry Processor Must Pay $5.8 Million to Workers in Antitrust Settlement With the DOJ
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has filed a proposed consent decree with George’s Inc. and George’s Foods LLC, (collectively “George’s). George’s is a large poultry processing company accused of efforts to suppress poultry plant workers’ wages by sharing wage information with competing chicken processors. As part of the settlement, George’s will pay $5.8 million in restitution to poultry processing workers whose wages were suppressed and will submit regular reports to a court-appointed monitor overseeing the settlement for the next seven years. The DOJ settled its related antitrust claims in the same enforcement action against Cargill, Sanderson Farms, and Wayne Farms in 2022.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has filed a proposed consent decree with George’s Inc. and George’s Foods LLC, (collectively “George’s). George’s is a large poultry processing company accused of efforts to suppress poultry plant workers’ wages by sharing wage information with competing chicken processors. As part of the settlement, George’s will pay $5.8 million in restitution to poultry processing workers whose wages were suppressed and will submit regular reports to a court-appointed monitor overseeing the settlement for the next seven years. The DOJ settled its related antitrust claims in the same enforcement action against Cargill, Sanderson Farms, and Wayne Farms in 2022.
U.S. Supreme Court Declines Review of California’s Foie Gras Ban
The United States Supreme Court denied certiorari in Association des Éleveurs, et al. v. Bonta, Att'y Gen. Of Ca, thus leaving in place the foie gras ban California enacted in 2012. Foie gras producers were seeking review of a 2022 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit which upheld the ban. The Ninth Circuit rejected foie gras producers’ arguments that the ban conflicted with the Poultry Products Inspection Act and that it was unconstitutional under the dormant Commerce Clause. The court ruled that “[s]ellers can still force-feed birds to make their products. They just cannot sell those products in California.” This makes the second time in two weeks that SCOTUS has let stand California farmed animal welfare laws.
The United States Supreme Court denied certiorari in Association des Éleveurs, et al. v. Bonta, Att'y Gen. Of Ca, thus leaving in place the foie gras ban California enacted in 2012. Foie gras producers were seeking review of a 2022 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit which upheld the ban. The Ninth Circuit rejected foie gras producers’ arguments that the ban conflicted with the Poultry Products Inspection Act and that it was unconstitutional under the dormant Commerce Clause. The court ruled that “[s]ellers can still force-feed birds to make their products. They just cannot sell those products in California.” This makes the second time in two weeks that SCOTUS has let stand California farmed animal welfare laws.
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
Bill Would Strengthen Federal Animal Fighting Laws and Create AWA Citizen Suit Provision
Senate Bill 1529, the “Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Animal Trafficking (FIGHT) Act” would amend the Animal Welfare Act to create a citizen suit provision to help stop animal fighting ventures, end the shipment of mature roosters through U.S. mail, enhance forfeiture provisions, and prohibit simulcasting and gambling on animal fights in the U.S. regardless of where broadcast signals originate. The bill was introduced by Senators Cory Booker and John Kennedy, and Senators Andrea Salinas and Don Bacon previously introduced the House version of the bill. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Senate Bill 1529, the “Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Animal Trafficking (FIGHT) Act” would amend the Animal Welfare Act to create a citizen suit provision to help stop animal fighting ventures, end the shipment of mature roosters through U.S. mail, enhance forfeiture provisions, and prohibit simulcasting and gambling on animal fights in the U.S. regardless of where broadcast signals originate. The bill was introduced by Senators Cory Booker and John Kennedy, and Senators Andrea Salinas and Don Bacon previously introduced the House version of the bill. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Bill Would Allocate More Resources for Animal Disease Prevention and Response
Senate Bill 1666, the “Animal Disease and Disaster Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023,” would allocate resources for programs that help prevent and respond to animal disease outbreaks. The bill was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Cornyn and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The bill’s text is not yet publicly available.
Senate Bill 1666, the “Animal Disease and Disaster Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023,” would allocate resources for programs that help prevent and respond to animal disease outbreaks. The bill was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Cornyn and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The bill’s text is not yet publicly available.
Bill Would Allocate More Funds for Conservation of Imperiled Butterflies, Mussels, and Fish
Senate Bill 1708, the “Extinction Prevention Act of 2023” would allocate funds for conserving dozens of species of endangered and threatened butterflies, mussels, and fish. The bill was introduced by Senators Richard Blumenthal and Mazie Hirono and has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Senate Bill 1708, the “Extinction Prevention Act of 2023” would allocate funds for conserving dozens of species of endangered and threatened butterflies, mussels, and fish. The bill was introduced by Senators Richard Blumenthal and Mazie Hirono and has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Pending State Actions
Massachusetts Bill Would Impose Civil Liability on Negligent Dog Owners
Massachusetts House Docket 4346 would impose civil liability on negligent owners whose dogs cause property damage or injuries to other people or companion animals. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Massachusetts House Docket 4346 would impose civil liability on negligent owners whose dogs cause property damage or injuries to other people or companion animals. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.
New York Bill Would Prohibit Use of Apes and Certain Other Primates for Entertainment
New York Senate Bill 6905, the “Primate Protection Act,” would prohibit the use of certain primates for entertainment. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
New York Senate Bill 6905, the “Primate Protection Act,” would prohibit the use of certain primates for entertainment. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
New York Bill Would Expand State Definition of “Aggravated Cruelty”
New York Senate Bill 6913 would amend the state’s animal cruelty code by expanding the definition of “aggravated cruelty” to include injury to a companion animal “by means of a deadly weapon.” The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
New York Senate Bill 6913 would amend the state’s animal cruelty code by expanding the definition of “aggravated cruelty” to include injury to a companion animal “by means of a deadly weapon.” The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
New York Bill Would Impose Requirements for Animal Care During Extreme Weather
New York Senate Bill 6966 would impose certain requirements for the humane housing and care of companion animals in extreme and inclement weather. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
New York Senate Bill 6966 would impose certain requirements for the humane housing and care of companion animals in extreme and inclement weather. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
New York Bill Would Extend “Livestock” Definition to Research Animals and Some Dogs
New York Senate Bill 7161 would expand the definition of “crops, livestock, and livestock products” to include law enforcement dogs, certain service dogs, and “any research animal.” According to the official justification of the law, this change would distinguish between companion animals and non-companion animals, as well as provide protections “for the breeding, production, training, and the use of” such non-companion animals. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
New York Senate Bill 7161 would expand the definition of “crops, livestock, and livestock products” to include law enforcement dogs, certain service dogs, and “any research animal.” According to the official justification of the law, this change would distinguish between companion animals and non-companion animals, as well as provide protections “for the breeding, production, training, and the use of” such non-companion animals. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
Pennsylvania Bills Would Prevent Dog Sales from Puppy Mills with AWA Citations
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 702 would prohibit U.S. Department of Agriculture-licensed dog dealers from selling dogs if they have been cited for a direct or critical violation of the Animal Welfare Act in the previous two years. The bill also includes whistleblower protection for employees. Senate Bill 701 would establish the same oversight of dog dealers with the added requirement that animal testing facilities offer dogs for adoption when they are no longer needed. The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 702 would prohibit U.S. Department of Agriculture-licensed dog dealers from selling dogs if they have been cited for a direct or critical violation of the Animal Welfare Act in the previous two years. The bill also includes whistleblower protection for employees. Senate Bill 701 would establish the same oversight of dog dealers with the added requirement that animal testing facilities offer dogs for adoption when they are no longer needed. The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Pennsylvania Bill Would Levy Penalties for Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act Violations
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 709 would augment the state’s prohibitions on taking and possession of federally protected birds by imposing criminal penalties and fines. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Game and Fisheries.
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 709 would augment the state’s prohibitions on taking and possession of federally protected birds by imposing criminal penalties and fines. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Game and Fisheries.
Case Law Updates
Federal Court Updates
Advocacy Group Alleges FWS Violated ESA in its Approval of Gulf of Mexico Oil Exploration
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) delivered a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for failing to adequately protect endangered whooping cranes, sea turtles, manatees, and other imperiled species from the dangers of offshore oil and gas extraction in the Gulf of Mexico. CBD argues that the agency’s Endangered Species Act analysis fails to consider or mitigate the risk of oil spills, vessel strikes, and climate change.
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) delivered a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for failing to adequately protect endangered whooping cranes, sea turtles, manatees, and other imperiled species from the dangers of offshore oil and gas extraction in the Gulf of Mexico. CBD argues that the agency’s Endangered Species Act analysis fails to consider or mitigate the risk of oil spills, vessel strikes, and climate change.
Alaska Tribe Renews Suit for Fishing Rights
The Metlaktla Indian Community is reviving a suit requesting expanded fishing rights in the waterways surrounding their island reservation. The latest complaint claims there is “no doubt that Congress . . . impliedly reserved for the Community the ‘adjacent fishing grounds’ as part of [the Community’s island reserve].” As a result, the Community claims they should be exempt from the State of Alaska’s limited entry permitting program that regulates fishing activities in those areas. In February, the Ninth Circuit issued an amended opinion, remanding this case back to the trial court for the determination of whether Metlakatla citizens had definitive fishing rights in the relevant areas and limiting the impact of a 2022 Ninth Circuit panel ruling that appeared to grant expansive fishing rights to the Community.
The Metlaktla Indian Community is reviving a suit requesting expanded fishing rights in the waterways surrounding their island reservation. The latest complaint claims there is “no doubt that Congress . . . impliedly reserved for the Community the ‘adjacent fishing grounds’ as part of [the Community’s island reserve].” As a result, the Community claims they should be exempt from the State of Alaska’s limited entry permitting program that regulates fishing activities in those areas. In February, the Ninth Circuit issued an amended opinion, remanding this case back to the trial court for the determination of whether Metlakatla citizens had definitive fishing rights in the relevant areas and limiting the impact of a 2022 Ninth Circuit panel ruling that appeared to grant expansive fishing rights to the Community.
Poultry Processor Must Pay $5.8 Million to Workers in Antitrust Settlement With the DOJ
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has filed a proposed consent decree with George’s Inc. and George’s Foods LLC, (collectively “George’s). George’s is a large poultry processing company accused of efforts to suppress poultry plant workers’ wages by sharing wage information with competing chicken processors. As part of the settlement, George’s will pay $5.8 million in restitution to poultry processing workers whose wages were suppressed and will submit regular reports to a court-appointed monitor overseeing the settlement for the next seven years. The DOJ settled its related antitrust claims in the same enforcement action against Cargill, Sanderson Farms, and Wayne Farms in 2022.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has filed a proposed consent decree with George’s Inc. and George’s Foods LLC, (collectively “George’s). George’s is a large poultry processing company accused of efforts to suppress poultry plant workers’ wages by sharing wage information with competing chicken processors. As part of the settlement, George’s will pay $5.8 million in restitution to poultry processing workers whose wages were suppressed and will submit regular reports to a court-appointed monitor overseeing the settlement for the next seven years. The DOJ settled its related antitrust claims in the same enforcement action against Cargill, Sanderson Farms, and Wayne Farms in 2022.
Ninth Circuit Rejects FWS Jaguar Critical Habitat Designation
The Ninth Circuit vacated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) designation of certain areas in Southern Arizona as critical habitat for endangered jaguars. The litigation was initially brought by the Center for Biodiversity (CBD) after FWS found that a proposed mining project from Rosemont Copper Company would not adversely impact the jaguar’s critical habitat. Rosemont intervened and filed crossclaims against the FWS, arguing that certain of its jaguar critical-habitat designations were arbitrary and capricious. The Ninth Circuit agreed with Rosemont and vacated habitats designated as both occupied and unoccupied by the FWS. The court did not reach the question of whether FWS erred in concluding that the mine would not adversely impact the critical habitat designations. The habitat designations are thus remanded to FWS for reconsideration.
The Ninth Circuit vacated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) designation of certain areas in Southern Arizona as critical habitat for endangered jaguars. The litigation was initially brought by the Center for Biodiversity (CBD) after FWS found that a proposed mining project from Rosemont Copper Company would not adversely impact the jaguar’s critical habitat. Rosemont intervened and filed crossclaims against the FWS, arguing that certain of its jaguar critical-habitat designations were arbitrary and capricious. The Ninth Circuit agreed with Rosemont and vacated habitats designated as both occupied and unoccupied by the FWS. The court did not reach the question of whether FWS erred in concluding that the mine would not adversely impact the critical habitat designations. The habitat designations are thus remanded to FWS for reconsideration.
Washington Federal Court Rules Against Dog Owner in Heavy Metals Dog Food Case
A Washington federal judge ruled in favor of Champion Petfoods in a lawsuit claiming that the company misled consumers regarding the presence of heavy metals in dog food. The judge granted summary judgment in favor of Champion on several claims, including the claim that the phrase “Biologically Appropriate” was misleading and that Champion improperly omitted information concerning the level of heavy metals in their dog food. The judge also rejected the plaintiff’s attempt to certify a class for a class action suit, finding that the different dog food labels and formulas prevented a finding of commonality. A few claims, including those related to the misleading nature of labels for “fresh” and “regional” ingredients survived the decision and can proceed to trial.
A Washington federal judge ruled in favor of Champion Petfoods in a lawsuit claiming that the company misled consumers regarding the presence of heavy metals in dog food. The judge granted summary judgment in favor of Champion on several claims, including the claim that the phrase “Biologically Appropriate” was misleading and that Champion improperly omitted information concerning the level of heavy metals in their dog food. The judge also rejected the plaintiff’s attempt to certify a class for a class action suit, finding that the different dog food labels and formulas prevented a finding of commonality. A few claims, including those related to the misleading nature of labels for “fresh” and “regional” ingredients survived the decision and can proceed to trial.
Ninth Circuit Declines Request for En Banc Reconsideration of Grizzly Bear Ruling
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has denied the Center for Biological Diversity’s (CBD) request for en banc reconsideration of a panel ruling that rejected their push for the federal government to expand territory and help recover grizzly bears. Four years ago, CBD challenged the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's (FWS) decision to reject its petition for rulemaking to expand the bears’ habitat in the lower forty-eight states and revise the agency’s scientific approach to species recovery. In 2020, a Montana federal judge ruled in favor of the FWS, finding that a recovery plan is not final agency rule that can be petitioned under the Administrative Procedure Act. On appeal, the Ninth Circuit disagreed with the lower court but ultimately affirmed the ruling, finding that while the recovery plan was a final rule subject to petition, the agency’s denial of the petition was not a final agency action that the appeals court was able to review.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has denied the Center for Biological Diversity’s (CBD) request for en banc reconsideration of a panel ruling that rejected their push for the federal government to expand territory and help recover grizzly bears. Four years ago, CBD challenged the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's (FWS) decision to reject its petition for rulemaking to expand the bears’ habitat in the lower forty-eight states and revise the agency’s scientific approach to species recovery. In 2020, a Montana federal judge ruled in favor of the FWS, finding that a recovery plan is not final agency rule that can be petitioned under the Administrative Procedure Act. On appeal, the Ninth Circuit disagreed with the lower court but ultimately affirmed the ruling, finding that while the recovery plan was a final rule subject to petition, the agency’s denial of the petition was not a final agency action that the appeals court was able to review.
U.S. Supreme Court Declines Review of California’s Foie Gras Ban
The United States Supreme Court denied certiorari in Association des Éleveurs, et al. v. Bonta, Att'y Gen. Of Ca, thus leaving in place the foie gras ban California enacted in 2012. Foie gras producers were seeking review of a 2022 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit which upheld the ban. The Ninth Circuit rejected foie gras producers’ arguments that the ban conflicted with the Poultry Products Inspection Act and that it was unconstitutional under the dormant Commerce Clause. The court ruled that “[s]ellers can still force-feed birds to make their products. They just cannot sell those products in California.” This makes the second time in two weeks that SCOTUS has let stand California farmed animal welfare laws.
The United States Supreme Court denied certiorari in Association des Éleveurs, et al. v. Bonta, Att'y Gen. Of Ca, thus leaving in place the foie gras ban California enacted in 2012. Foie gras producers were seeking review of a 2022 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit which upheld the ban. The Ninth Circuit rejected foie gras producers’ arguments that the ban conflicted with the Poultry Products Inspection Act and that it was unconstitutional under the dormant Commerce Clause. The court ruled that “[s]ellers can still force-feed birds to make their products. They just cannot sell those products in California.” This makes the second time in two weeks that SCOTUS has let stand California farmed animal welfare laws.
Agency Updates
NMFS Considers ESA Permit Application for Import of Hammerhead Shark Parts
The National Marine Fisheries Service published notice that a researcher at Texas A&M University is seeking a permit to import scalloped hammerhead shark parts for scientific research. NMFS will accept public comments through June 15, 2023.
The National Marine Fisheries Service published notice that a researcher at Texas A&M University is seeking a permit to import scalloped hammerhead shark parts for scientific research. NMFS will accept public comments through June 15, 2023.
AWI Submits Petition for Rulemaking on CO2 Slaughter of Pigs
Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), Compassion in World Farming USA, World Animal Protection, the Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund, and the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association have submitted a petition to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), requesting that FSIS conduct rulemaking to require swine slaughter facilities that use carbon dioxide stunning to install video cameras inside their stunning areas (referred to as gondolas). According to the petition, “[s]uch a requirement is necessary to ensure that the interiors of the gondolas, and all of the pigs inside of the gondolas, can be examined and inspected during stunning or killing, so that FSIS inspectors are able to evaluate whether the animals are being slaughtered humanely, as required by law.”
Key terms: factory farming, Food Safety Inspection Service, slaughter
Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), Compassion in World Farming USA, World Animal Protection, the Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund, and the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association have submitted a petition to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), requesting that FSIS conduct rulemaking to require swine slaughter facilities that use carbon dioxide stunning to install video cameras inside their stunning areas (referred to as gondolas). According to the petition, “[s]uch a requirement is necessary to ensure that the interiors of the gondolas, and all of the pigs inside of the gondolas, can be examined and inspected during stunning or killing, so that FSIS inspectors are able to evaluate whether the animals are being slaughtered humanely, as required by law.”
Key terms: factory farming, Food Safety Inspection Service, slaughter
NMFS Authorizes BLM to Take Marine Mammals During Lighthouse Construction Project
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced it has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Bureau of Land Management for authorization to incidentally harass marine mammals during construction activities associated with a lighthouse stabilization project in Humboldt County, California. The IHA is effective from June 1, 2023, through October 1, 2023.
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced it has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Bureau of Land Management for authorization to incidentally harass marine mammals during construction activities associated with a lighthouse stabilization project in Humboldt County, California. The IHA is effective from June 1, 2023, through October 1, 2023.
International Updates
India’s Supreme Court Declines to Hear Case Seeking to Establish Legal Rights for Animals
The Supreme Court of India dismissed a case that sought a declaration of the animal kingdom, including avian and aquatic species, as “legal entities” with corresponding legal rights. The petition, filed by People’s Charioteer Organisation, sought to strengthen animal protection laws by allowing all citizens to act in loco parentis on behalf of animals. The Bench of Chief Justice of India found that it lacks jurisdiction to hear the petition.
The Supreme Court of India dismissed a case that sought a declaration of the animal kingdom, including avian and aquatic species, as “legal entities” with corresponding legal rights. The petition, filed by People’s Charioteer Organisation, sought to strengthen animal protection laws by allowing all citizens to act in loco parentis on behalf of animals. The Bench of Chief Justice of India found that it lacks jurisdiction to hear the petition.
Production of Plant-Based Alternatives in Germany Continues to Increase
According to a recent press release, the market for plant-based alternatives has continued to grow in Germany. In 2022, according to the Federal Statistical Office, companies in Germany produced 6.5% more meat substitutes compared to the previous year, producing around 104,300 tons of plant-based alternatives. Meat consumption in Germany has dropped by almost 15% in the decade between 2012 and 2022.
According to a recent press release, the market for plant-based alternatives has continued to grow in Germany. In 2022, according to the Federal Statistical Office, companies in Germany produced 6.5% more meat substitutes compared to the previous year, producing around 104,300 tons of plant-based alternatives. Meat consumption in Germany has dropped by almost 15% in the decade between 2012 and 2022.
India’s Supreme Court Upholds Amendments That Allow Bull-Taming Sports
The Supreme Court of India upheld amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act which allow bull-taming activities like jallikattu, kambala buffalo races, and bullock-cart races. Jallikattu, also known as eruthazhuvuthal, is a bull-taming sport that is traditionally a part of the Pongal harvest festival. The practice has been criticized due to animal cruelty concerns as well as the dangerous nature of the sport which has resulted in death and injuries for both bulls and human participants.
The Supreme Court of India upheld amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act which allow bull-taming activities like jallikattu, kambala buffalo races, and bullock-cart races. Jallikattu, also known as eruthazhuvuthal, is a bull-taming sport that is traditionally a part of the Pongal harvest festival. The practice has been criticized due to animal cruelty concerns as well as the dangerous nature of the sport which has resulted in death and injuries for both bulls and human participants.
Organizations Call on IPCC to Reject the Global Meat Industry’s Influence
A coalition of 98 organizations and individuals sent a letter to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calling on the IPCC “to fully recognize the scientific evidence that shows the role of food and agriculture in driving the climate crisis and to ensure that future reports specifically highlight plant-based diets as a key climate strategy.” The letter criticizes the IPCC for failing to include the need for reduction in meat consumption in the panel’s latest synthesis report and urges the IPCC “to maintain its credibility by taking steps to ensure that Big Agriculture and the global meat industry have no influence over future reports.”
A coalition of 98 organizations and individuals sent a letter to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calling on the IPCC “to fully recognize the scientific evidence that shows the role of food and agriculture in driving the climate crisis and to ensure that future reports specifically highlight plant-based diets as a key climate strategy.” The letter criticizes the IPCC for failing to include the need for reduction in meat consumption in the panel’s latest synthesis report and urges the IPCC “to maintain its credibility by taking steps to ensure that Big Agriculture and the global meat industry have no influence over future reports.”
Academic Updates
New Report Released on the Future of Alternative Proteins
The Center for Strategic & International Studies has released a new report on the future of alternative proteins. The report concludes: “The current state of animal agriculture confers significant external costs related to global and national security—with implications for climate change, global health, and economic resilience. In the face of these risks and vulnerabilities, investing in alternative proteins provides strategic benefit for the United States.”
The Center for Strategic & International Studies has released a new report on the future of alternative proteins. The report concludes: “The current state of animal agriculture confers significant external costs related to global and national security—with implications for climate change, global health, and economic resilience. In the face of these risks and vulnerabilities, investing in alternative proteins provides strategic benefit for the United States.”
GFI Releases Summary of Food System Methane Reports
The Good Food Institute has released a one-page summary highlighting the topline results of recent reports (Methane Technical Report, Methane Policy Recommendations, and Methane Synthesis Report) from ClimateWorks Foundation and the Methane Hub on food system methane reduction. The reports find that alternative proteins could mitigate methane potential by 44% while generating over 80 million jobs and creating over $700 billion in economic growth by 2050.
The Good Food Institute has released a one-page summary highlighting the topline results of recent reports (Methane Technical Report, Methane Policy Recommendations, and Methane Synthesis Report) from ClimateWorks Foundation and the Methane Hub on food system methane reduction. The reports find that alternative proteins could mitigate methane potential by 44% while generating over 80 million jobs and creating over $700 billion in economic growth by 2050.
Other Updates
American Heart Association Certifies Beyond Steak as First Plant-Based Heart Healthy Food
The American Heart Association (AHA) has granted a heart-check mark to Beyond Meat’s Beyond Steak, marking the first time a plant-based alternative has been designated by the AHA as a heart-healthy food. The certification requires products to be low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and contain more than 10% of the recommended Daily Value of at least one of six essential nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin C, protein, iron, calcium, or fiber.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has granted a heart-check mark to Beyond Meat’s Beyond Steak, marking the first time a plant-based alternative has been designated by the AHA as a heart-healthy food. The certification requires products to be low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and contain more than 10% of the recommended Daily Value of at least one of six essential nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin C, protein, iron, calcium, or fiber.
Animal Outlook Releases Investigation of Tyson Grower
Animal Outlook released its latest investigation of a Tyson contract grower during the 6-week process from newly hatched chicks to the time they are sent to slaughter. The undercover investigator, who worked for the grower for two months, obtained footage of mass, systemic cruelty, as well as evidence that Tyson knew about the cruel conditions at the facility. Tyson’s representative at the facility is secretly recorded mocking marketing claims of “free range” chicken, stating “Those birds don’t go outside. You know that. …That is strictly for commercial purposes.”
Animal Outlook released its latest investigation of a Tyson contract grower during the 6-week process from newly hatched chicks to the time they are sent to slaughter. The undercover investigator, who worked for the grower for two months, obtained footage of mass, systemic cruelty, as well as evidence that Tyson knew about the cruel conditions at the facility. Tyson’s representative at the facility is secretly recorded mocking marketing claims of “free range” chicken, stating “Those birds don’t go outside. You know that. …That is strictly for commercial purposes.”