Animal Welfare Institute

Students ages 14–18: Submissions are being accepted for the 35th annual “A Voice for Animals” essay contest, sponsored by AWI and Humane Education Network! Now through May 31, submit essays, videos, or photo essays that explore ways to prevent animal suffering and protect vulnerable species. Open to students worldwide. Winning entries receive cash prizes. Learn more at hennet.org/contest.php

Thank you, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, for reintroducing the Mink VIRUS Act! Not only do mink suffer in cramped and crowded cages on fur farms, but we also cannot ignore the risk of disease proliferation and the possibility of human infection. It’s time to leave this declining industry in the past to ensure that mink farms don’t produce the next pandemic virus. https://lnkd.in/ebYQKte7

“Wielding both literal and figurative chainsaws, Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency have gutted the federal workforce in recent weeks… As long-time marine conservationists, we share profound concerns about cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.” Thank you, The Hill, for publishing this op-ed by Georgia Hancock, AWI Marine Wildlife Program director and senior attorney, and Doug DeMaster, PhD, retired science and research director for NOAA Fisheries. Under this second Trump administration, NOAA and its management and conservation mandates are in grave peril. https://lnkd.in/e8iWbqAU TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to oppose any effort to weaken NOAA: https://lnkd.in/ePEkd-a4

AWI mourns the passing of Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), a staunch advocate for animals and the environment who dedicated half a century to public service. Rep. Grijalva’s compassion truly extended to all animals. He was a passionate supporter of the Endangered Species Act, a staunch advocate for our nation’s wild horses and burros, and sponsored several important conservation bills, working with AWI. We send our condolences to his family and staff, and we will carry on his legacy of fierce and unyielding advocacy for all living beings. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eCaZiJFX

UPCOMING WEBINAR: Friday, March 28, join the Homes for Horses Coalition to learn about the global status of equine slaughter and what you can do to help combat this industry. Equine slaughter is a prevalent policy issue both domestically and abroad. In the US, tens of thousands of horses are exported for slaughter annually, and countries such as Ireland and South Korea have faced backlash in recent years for sending ex-racehorses to slaughter. Across the globe, millions of donkeys are killed to fuel the ejiao industry. This webinar will highlight the latest legislative and advocacy actions taken to protect horses and donkeys. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e3_aimHH

Good news out of Illinois! The Mink Facility Disease Prevention Act (H.B. 2627) passed out of the Public Health Committee of the Illinois House of Representatives. The bill now heads to the full Illinois House for a vote. H.B. 2627 would protect both animal and public health by requiring disease prevention and surveillance measures at farms that raise and slaughter mink for their fur. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eBDkBvpd

Thank you, Amarillo Globe-News, for publishing this op-ed by Dr. Joanna Grossman, director of AWI’s Equine Program, about the USDA’s delay in implementing new Horse Protection Act regulations to end the abusive practice of “soring.” https://lnkd.in/ekYy_XCe TAKE ACTION: Use AWI’s Action Center to tell the USDA not to backtrack on these critical reforms! https://lnkd.in/eVyHzqrF

Late last month, six AWI employees— Johanna Hamburger, Robin Jacobsohn, Georgia Hancock, Machelle Hall, Lauren McCain, and Sue Fisher—attended the annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC), held in Eugene, Oregon. PIELC is the oldest and largest conference of its kind, bringing together activists, attorneys, students, scientists, and concerned citizens. There were over 100 panels, workshops, and other presentations covering a wide range of environmental issues, including wildlife management, forest protection, grazing reform, air and water pollution, and environmental justice. In conjunction with PIELC, AWI co-hosted a state-level advocacy workshop that was attended by representatives from eight wildlife protection and conservation organizations. The workshop served as a foundation for increasing collaboration, coordination, and resource sharing amongst groups doing state-level advocacy work across the country. Due to the current federal landscape, investing in state-level efforts is more important than ever to make progress for animals. Pictured from left to right: Georgia Hancock, Machelle R.L. Hall, Johanna Hamburger, and Robin Jacobsohn

Congratulations to the 10 winners of AWI’s two annual Refinement funding opportunities! The Refinement Research Award funds research projects that develop or test novel refinement methods, and the Implementing Refinement Grant funds the purchase of equipment or training meant to improve the welfare of animals used in research. Learn more about the recipients’ projects: https://lnkd.in/eCN6EWqR

On this #InternationalWomensDay, we’re celebrating the remarkable story of AWI’s founder, Christine Stevens, who dedicated her life to reducing animal suffering around the world. Christine founded AWI in 1951 to end the cruel treatment of animals in experimental laboratories—work that quickly expanded to take on other animal welfare causes. Learn more about her life by watching this presentation by AWI board member Caroline Griffin: https://lnkd.in/e6yFDSHm