Wildlife Services Is Not on the Side of Wildlife

The federal Wildlife Services program killed 2.7 million animals in 2016. In its annual “kill report,” the agency data shows that 1.6 million of the 2.7 million deaths were of native wildlife species. Wildlife Services maintains that it “manages the damages” caused by so-called invasive species, yet less than half of the animals in the report are actually considered invasive. The Center for Biological Diversity asserts that of the almost 3 million animals killed yearly, many are unintentional kills that include household pets.

The Criminalization of Animal Rights Activism

Is supporting animal rights terrorism? Is nonviolent activism terrorism? According to some interpretations of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), they are.

Welcome Visitor or Trespasser? The Green Iguana in Florida

The green iguana, found in South Florida, where I live, is considered to be an invasive species. Despite the rather benign behavior of these docile creatures, local citizens view them as pests. Iguana hunting, especially in South Florida, is legal. Homeowners possess the right to “kill-on-sight” if they believe that an iguana is becoming a nuisance.

When You Think You’ve Heard It All

It’s likely that your coconut-infused products are made with coconuts gathered by child slave labor, that is, the labor of baby primates. Their mothers have been murdered. They’re then chained, whipped and beaten into submission. They are hung by the neck to develop strong back legs. Why? Because they can then pick 1200 coconuts each day in contrast to humans who can only pick a few hundred each day.

Death by Plastic

The North Pacific Gyre is an area twice the size of the state of Texas where marine debris—human-generated litter and garbage—stretches from the West Coast of North America to Japan. Plastic debris causes the deaths of more than a million seabirds every year, as well as more than 100,000 marine mammals.

Banning Fur in Berkeley

On March 14, 2017, the Berkeley City Council will discuss a proposal to ban the sale of fur in the city. The proposal is the result of a petition started by the group Berkeley Coalition for Animals (BCA), a volunteer-led coalition addressing issues of animal rights legislation, business, and culture.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors Unanimous for Rescue Animals

On February 14 the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to amend the city’s health code, banning the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores unless they are obtained from animal shelters or animal rescue organizations.

University Students on a Mission to Create Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

The University of California, Berkeley (UCB) has developed a partnership with the Good Food Institute and UCB’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (SCET) that challenges students to develop plant-based meat alternatives in a semester-long course.

“Man’s Best Friend” Has No Rights

Jeb, a service dog in Michigan, was accused of killing a neighbor’s dog. DNA testing was used to prove his innocence. Without the DNA testing, Jeb would have been destroyed (i.e, killed) as a legally “dangerous animal.”

The Commodification of Personhood

A brand is unlike the eyes of the other, those of our own or any species with whom gazes are exchanged. There is no Thou here. There is only I, I, I. The eye comes smack up against flat surfaces. There is no space to reflect, to wonder, to explore.

Taxpayers Funding Animal Research

Federal tax dollars are funding animal research projects. Whether the taxpayer agrees or disagrees with the use of animals in laboratory testing arenas is of no importance to the United States government.

The Crime of Compassion

Diane Gandee Sorbi was charged with theft for rescuing a dying hen during a DxE undercover investigation of Costco egg supplier Pleasant Valley Farms.

Out of Sight, Held In Mind

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new website hides animal welfare data, “based on our commitment to being transparent, remaining responsive to our stakeholders’ informational needs, and maintaining the privacy rights of individuals.”

Here the USDA uses language to proclaim the exact opposite of its action.

It’s Not Entertainment or a Lifestyle, It’s Animal Cruelty

As Bourdain has switched networks, his shows have seemingly become grittier, with more graphic imagery and pushing the boundaries on what he will participate in in terms of killing and consuming animals.

Immigration ban has massive impact on U.S. meat industry

The United States meat industry is worried about taking a massive financial hit because of the new refugee policies that Trump has enacted.

The wall with Mexico could cost the U.S. more than money

The Northern Jaguar has become virtually extinct over the past several years and their survival is threatened by the construction of a wall with Mexico.