TAKE ACTION: The recently released draft of the next Farm Bill contains problematic language that would harm farmed animals—and defy the will of Americans who voted to protect them. Learn more: congressweb.com/AWI/522?fram... #NationalPigDay

“Animals have saved man much pain. We should try to do as much for them.” In AWI’s first feature in a national publication, founder Christine Stevens summarized the belief that led her to establish AWI—one that still grounds us 75 years later.

On Wednesday, approximately 6,000 pigs died horrifically in an Ohio barn fire. Thanks to @apnews.com for speaking with AWI policy advisor Allie Granger and shedding light on this catastrophic—and all-too-common—loss of life:

TAKE ACTION: MA residents, your help is needed to protect horseshoe crabs! The state is proposing to increase the number of these animals that can be taken from the wild and bled for medical testing—despite the availability of an equally safe and effective alternative.

AWI welcomes the introduction of the Modernizing Depopulation Act, sponsored by State Senator Lisa Cutter, which would make Colorado the first state to phase out a cruel method of “depopulating” birds for disease control. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...

TAKE ACTION: Illinois is considering two bills to benefit animals: one to address the health and welfare crisis created by fur farming, and one to end the use of certain wild animals in traveling shows. Urge your state legislators to cosponsor them: www.congressweb.com/AWI/542?fram...

Want to make a difference for horses? 🐴 Next Wednesday, February 25, join expert staff from AWI, American Wild Horse Conservation, and the Homes for Horses Coalition to learn about federal equine protection initiatives—and what you can do to help. Register here: zoom.us/meeting/regi...

Forty years ago, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) implemented a global ban on commercial whaling—a significant step forward for the protection of whales and our global ecosystems. 🐋

“Blow sampling”—aka “catching whale kisses”—is a minimally invasive way of collecting breath samples from whales as they exhale through their blowholes. The tiny droplets in these samples can have a mighty impact, expanding our understanding of whales—and how we can help them. 🐋

During a meeting last month, the National Sheriffs' Association's Animal Cruelty and Abuse Committee approved a resolution endorsing the Captive Primate Safety Act, which would outlaw the private possession of pet primates, who present a safety risk to the public and law enforcement.

TAKE ACTION: More than 24,000 American horses were shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada or Mexico in 2025, enduring grueling journeys before being violently killed to satisfy diners in other countries. Your elected officials have the power to stop this.

🚨BREAKING: Mexico is on the brink of publishing new regulatory measures that will permit the use of gillnets in vaquita porpoise habitat and allow night fishing, likely leading to the extinction of the species.  Read more: awionline.org/press-releas...

TY, IL Rep. Theresa Mah, for sponsoring the FUR VIRUS Act in #Illinois! This bill would implement crucial disease prevention measures by licensing existing fur farms in IL and preventing the establishment of new fur farms in the state. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...

Exciting news: The 36th annual “A Voice for Animals” contest is now open for submissions! Students ages 14 to 18 from around the globe can win cash prizes for essays and ideas that explore strategies to protect animals. Learn more: apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/awih...

During a recent House oversight hearing, retired US Fish and Wildlife Service special agent Ed Newcomer and Representative Mike Quigley highlighted the cruel and dangerous realities of the pet primate trade.

A new bill in Congress seeks to weaken the Big Cat Public Safety Act, lining the pockets of special interests at the expense of big cats. Please contact your federal representative and urge them to oppose H.R. 7159! www.congressweb.com/AWI/540?fram...

AWI Scholarship recipient Madison Kossow followed her dreams of opening a dog rescue—and today, Mission Mutt Dog Rescue has saved 77 dogs in need. Madison’s efforts demonstrate the powerful role of today’s youth in creating a better world for animals. awionline.org/awi-quarterl...

A winter storm is projected to bring snow, ice, and frigid temperatures to much of the United States this weekend. Ensure your pets are safe from the cold by keeping them indoors, preparing necessary supplies, and equipping them with an up-to-date ID tag and microchip.

Thanks to @dallasnews.com for speaking with AWI senior wildlife biologist DJ Schubert about bobcat and coyote activity in the Dallas-Fort Worth area—and what we can all do to be better neighbors to native wildlife: www.dallasnews.com/news/public-...

#NewYork residents: It is impossible to farm octopuses humanely. Please urge your state legislators to help establish New York as a leader in animal welfare and environmental protection by banning commercial octopus farming: www.congressweb.com/AWI/525?fram...

TAKE ACTION: Current attempts to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in American waters put our country’s cherished wildlife, oceans, beaches, and people in peril. Speak up against this plan using AWI’s Action Center by January 23: awionline.org/offshoredrilling

Primates are not pets. Let’s make 2026 the year we pass the Captive Primate Safety Act and finally put an end to the inhumane and dangerous pet primate trade.

Last week, a New York carriage horse named Destiny bolted into oncoming traffic, hitting several cars and ripping the bumper off of a taxi. The incident adds to a long list of crashes, injuries, and deaths associated with the use of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park.

There were once more horses than humans on the Outer Banks. A herd of Spanish mustangs has lived on the islands since the 1500s—but decades of human interference have drastically reduced their numbers. Today, only about a hundred of the Corolla wild horses are left.

Since 2013, almost 9 million animals have died in barn fires, most of whom were confined in overcrowded factory farms. Despite the number of lives under their care, farming operations generally are not required to take steps to prevent these tragedies. Learn more: awionline.org/content/barn...

Thanks to @duluthnewstribune.com for publishing this op-ed by AWI’s Allie Granger about the impacts of bird flu in Minnesota and beyond. The USDA must act to prevent the inhumane “depopulation” of millions of birds and put an end to this ongoing crisis. www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/colu...

For decades, Eastern North Pacific (ENP) gray whales were celebrated as a conservation success story. Today, however, these whales face increasing threats from climate change and a dwindling food supply in the Arctic.

TAKE ACTION: Using the link below, submit a public comment opposing federal oil and gas leasing in untouched areas off Alaska, California, and Florida’s Gulf Coast. Then, urge Congress to support legislation to protect our coasts from offshore drilling—forever. www.congressweb.com/AWI/517?fram...

Thanks, @kennytorrella.bsky.social and @vox.com, for this deep dive into the horrific potential of octopus farming—a pursuit that presents grave welfare concerns for these cognitively complex creatures: www.vox.com/future-perfe...

In 2025, we’ve celebrated significant animal protection achievements. Together with advocates like you, we’ve been able to make a difference for animals at the state, national, and international level—from mustangs to manta rays. awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped

In 2025, AWI helped ensure that several provisions benefiting animals were included in fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills, which direct the federal government’s spending, including language to protect wild horses and animals on factory farms. Learn more: awionline.org/awi-quarterl... #2025Wrapped

In a win for animals worldwide, new protections were adopted for dozens of species, including the Chilean rose hair tarantula, Dorcas gazelle, and Ethiopian vipers, at #CITESCoP20. Trade in these species is now prohibited or regulated. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped

This summer, the American Veterinary Medical Association revised its policy on housing mother pigs and – for the first time – signaled its support for a transition to group housing, which provides increased space and permits more natural and social behaviors— improving their welfare. #2025Wrapped

Another 2025 win came in September when, following advocacy from AWI and others, the National Institutes of Health announced that its grants can now support the rehoming and retirement of animals used in research—giving them a chance at a life beyond the laboratory. #2025Wrapped

In July, thanks to a major legal victory in the Tenth Circuit, wild horses in Wyoming were granted a reprieve from what likely would have been the largest roundup of these federally protected animals in US history. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped

In June, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed S.B. 25-168 into law, making the state a leader in fighting wildlife trafficking and pushing to eliminate this unconscionable multibillion-dollar industry. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped

With 2026 just days away, we’re highlighting several animal welfare wins of 2025! In March, we expanded our Safe Havens for Pets directory to include resources for pets of people facing homelessness—helping keep families together. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped

Thank you to the 387,000+ people who submitted comments in opposition to a proposal from the Trump administration to make sweeping changes to the Endangered Species Act regulations. Read our statement in full: awionline.org/press-releas...

Just days after the first North Atlantic right whale calf of the 2025-26 calving season was spotted, another member of this critically endangered species—a juvenile named Division—was found so severely entangled in fishing gear that he is not expected to survive.

With the hubbub of the holidays upon us, taking the time to determine which food labels actually mean higher animal welfare can feel impossible. Save our food label guide now so you can make more compassionate choices this holiday season: awionline.org/sites/defaul...

As 2025 comes to a close, AWI wishes to thank you, our social media followers, for enhancing our efforts to help reduce animal suffering. Every like, reply, and repost helps spread awareness of important animal welfare issues in the United States and abroad.

This month, over 100 threatened species received new or increased protections from commercial trade at #CITESCoP20. AWI is excited by the conference outcomes, which indicate widespread support for science-based conservation & wildlife protection. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...

URGENT: This week, the House of Representatives will be considering two bills that would weaken Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for wildlife. Please urge your representatives to vote NO on these harmful measures! ⬇️

Earlier this year, a @cbsnews.com and @insideedition.bsky.social investigation revealed a disturbing trend where baby spider monkeys are smuggled into the US to be sold as pets—after being taken from their mothers, who are shot and killed. www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F42...

Meet Elizabeth. Once a champion racehorse who won more than $53k, she was found last October nameless, neglected, and emaciated—but thanks to Homes for Horses Coalition member sanctuary This Old Horse, Elizabeth is safe and healthy today.

Don't forget! Public comments on the Trump administration's proposed revisions to Endangered Species Act regulations are due by December 22. Take action today: www.congressweb.com/AWI/539?fram...

Taiwan’s ban on captive wild animal performances is a welfare win, but what does it mean for cetaceans? Dr. Naomi Rose, AWI senior scientist in marine mammal biology, spoke with TaiwanPlus News about the change & what’s next for Taiwan’s captive dolphins: www.taiwanplus.com/news/taiwan-...

Imagine you are a week-old dairy calf, stuffed into an overcrowded trailer with little ventilation, unsure of your destination. Then you are trucked for more than 28 hours, with no breaks for food or water.

Good news: Clearwater Marine Aquarium researchers have spotted the first critically endangered North Atlantic right whale calf of the season! 🐋🎉 The calf was spotted last Friday with their mother, 17-year-old Champagne, off the coast of North Carolina.

Millions of animals are used in research each year. Historically, non-animal options haven’t been sophisticated enough to replace live subjects. However, new tech is bringing us closer to a more humane—and more scientifically relevant—future. Learn more: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...