
Animal Welfare News
The latest animal welfare stories, summarized by AI
Featured Animal Welfare Stories


LA County Shelter Euthanizes 200 Dogs During Viral Outbreak
Nearly 200 dogs were euthanized at an LA County shelter due to a canine distemper outbreak, which was contained through testing, vaccination, and humane euthanasia, raising concerns about shelter overcrowding and response strategies.

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Nurse Mare's Heartwarming Adoption of Orphaned Foal Moves Everyone
A nurse mare in Utah, who lost her own foal, adopts an orphaned foal, forming a touching bond that has moved many viewers, highlighting the compassion and resilience of horses and the kindness of horse owners.

Butterball Faces Boycott Over Resurfaced Turkey Abuse Allegations
Butterball is facing a potential Thanksgiving turkey boycott after resurfaced footage from a 2006 PETA investigation showed workers at an Arkansas plant torturing and sexually abusing turkeys. The graphic video has sparked outrage on social media, with many consumers pledging to return their Butterball turkeys and opt for vegan alternatives. Butterball has responded by emphasizing their commitment to animal welfare and noting that the video does not reflect their current practices. PETA continues to highlight ongoing issues of animal abuse in the industry.

Tragic Human Error Claims Young Gorilla's Life at Zoo
A 2-year-old female western lowland gorilla named Eyare was killed at the Calgary Zoo due to a human error when a caretaker mistakenly activated the wrong door, causing fatal injuries. The zoo is implementing corrective measures, including training gorillas to maintain a safe distance from doors and improving staff training. The responsible caretaker has been removed from duty and will undergo additional training. Eyare's death has deeply affected the community, and the zoo is committed to preventing similar incidents in the future.

Tragic Gorilla Death at Zoo Due to Human Error
The death of a 2-year-old gorilla named Eyare at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo was caused by human error when a staff member accidentally opened the wrong door, leading to fatal injuries. The zoo has launched an investigation and is implementing new safety measures, including specialized training and design reassessments, to prevent future incidents. The staff member involved has been removed from duty pending further training.

Peanut the Squirrel's Rabies Test Negative, Owner Plans Lawsuit
Peanut, a social media-famous squirrel seized and euthanized by New York's Department of Environmental Conservation, tested negative for rabies, sparking criticism over the government's actions. The squirrel, along with a raccoon named Fred, was taken from Mark Longo's home due to complaints about illegal wildlife keeping. Despite the negative rabies test, the incident has led to public outrage and threats against officials, prompting an internal review of procedures.

Beagle Breeder Hit with Record $35M Fine for Animal Cruelty
The parent company of a Virginia facility that bred beagles for drug experiments has been fined over $35 million, the largest ever in an Animal Welfare Act case. About 4,000 beagles were rescued in 2022, and the company pleaded guilty to multiple violations, including inhumane euthanasia practices and inadequate veterinary care. The Humane Society helped facilitate the adoption of the rescued dogs.

Beagle Breeder Fined Record $35M for Animal Welfare Violations
Envigo RMS LLC has agreed to pay a record $35 million fine for mistreating beagles at its Virginia breeding facility, which violated the Animal Welfare Act and the Clean Water Act. The company failed to provide adequate veterinary care and proper wastewater treatment, leading to the rescue of thousands of beagles and the facility's closure. The fine includes payments to animal welfare organizations and environmental restoration efforts. Animal rights groups are calling for further accountability and urging the industry to adopt alternatives to animal testing.

US Breeder Fined $35M for Beagle Neglect
Envigo RMS LLC, a dog breeding company, has been fined a record $35 million for animal cruelty after 4,000 beagles were rescued from its Virginia facility. The company admitted to violating the Animal Welfare Act and the Clean Water Act, leading to inhumane treatment of animals and environmental contamination. The settlement includes payments to the US government and animal welfare organizations, and a five-year ban on breeding dogs.

Shelter Rescuers Uncover Identity of Mystery Animal
A hairless raccoon was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Nova Scotia, Canada, after a homeowner found her in their backyard. Rescuers discovered that the raccoon, named Rufus, was suffering from alopecia, causing her to lose all her fur. Despite her condition, Rufus has been accepted by other rescue raccoons and is being cared for by Hope For Wildlife. Rescuers are working to determine the cause of her alopecia and whether she can be released back into the wild in the future.

"Animal Protection Group Warns of High Risk of Zoonotic Diseases in China's Fur Farms"
An investigation by Humane Society International found high risk of zoonotic diseases developing in Chinese fur farms due to intensive conditions and close proximity to poultry, raising concerns about potential transmission to humans. The high stocking density of animals facilitates rapid virus spread, with footage showing animals in distress and unsanitary conditions. Despite a decline in fur production, there is still robust demand for fur in China, as social media platforms continue to portray fur as desirable and practical for warmth.