A weekly round-up of the most important animal stories happening around the world.
We are currently accepting feature pitches. Learn more →
“I don’t want to kill these animals anymore”: owner of dog meat restaurant in Vietnam closes his business after 20 years in food industry
The restaurant slaughtered thousands of dogs and chickens, but now its owner has joined a campaign to end the dog meat trade.
Denmark to launch world’s first carbon tax on agriculture
Under the plans, which were announced earlier this year but confirmed this week, livestock farms will be charged per tonne of methane emitted.
US dietary guidelines set to prioritize plant protein over meat protein
The proposed guidelines, used by federal nutrition programs and health professionals, will emphasize that protein can come from different sources, and recommend plant-based proteins over animal-based proteins.
Starbucks removes extra charge for non-dairy milk in US and Canada
The world’s largest coffee chain has announced it will no longer make customers pay a surcharge for plant-based milks like oat, soy, and almond.
HappyCow celebrates its 25th anniversary: how the app continues to change the world for animals
With over 4 million downloads, HappyCow remains an essential app for anyone wanting to help animals and create positive change.
US detects H5N1 bird flu in a pig for the first time
Scientists are alarmed by the virus spreading to pigs, warning that this development brings it one species closer to a major human outbreak.
Appeals court rules in favor of monkey breeding facility - but local residents say the fight continues
A recent court ruling sided with the company planning to build a controversial monkey breeding facility in the small town of Bainbridge, but opponents remain resolute, vowing, "this is far from over."
Heartbreaking new footage shows beagle puppy being trained to inhale toxins
The footage was reportedly recorded at Marshall BioResources in North Rose, New York, where up to 22,000 dogs - mostly beagles - are being bred for animal experimentation.
‘Humanewashing’: Inside the reality of PQA-approved pig farms
The certification is intended to assure consumers the certified meat is high-quality and safe. However, the findings reveal that dire conditions and inhumane treatment of pigs are commonplace in the pork industry.
California company launches plant-based milk made from watermelon seeds
MILKish, the “world’s first” watermelon seed milk, is described as a creamy milk alternative that is an excellent source of calcium and has significantly less calories than cow’s milk.
Company behind huge monkey-breeding facility in Georgia vows to build the facility despite opposition
PETA’s Senior Science Advisor, Dr. Lisa Jones Engel pushes back against Safer Human Medicine’s claims that the facility will benefit Bainbridge residents.
H&M to phase out new down feathers by the end of 2025
Following pressure from animal advocates around the world H&M has officially pledged to phase out the use of new down in favor of synthetic materials and post-consumer recycled down.
NYC plant-powered school meal program reduces overall emissions by over 40%, report finds
The Plant-Powered Fridays scheme was introduced to help improve student health, but it’s also having a significant impact on reducing emissions too.
Global wildlife populations decline by 73% in just 50 years, with food system as primary driver, report finds
The new report highlights a ‘system in peril’ as the world nears dangerous, irreversible tipping points that would be catastrophic for humanity.
EU court rules that France and other member states cannot ban “meaty” names for plant-based foods
The judge said that existing rules do enough to protect consumers, and that the process of banning plant-based companies from using “meaty” names like sausage and burger would create confusion and disruption.
‘World’s largest’ 3D food printing facility opens, bringing plant-based salmon filets to supermarkets
Revo Foods has launched what it claims is the world’s largest factory for 3D-printed food, debuting an updated mycelium salmon-inspired fillet as its first product.
The future of fashion is animal-free: UGG launches its first-ever sheep-free UGG boots
The brand has long faced criticism over its use of sheepskin for its infamous UGG boots, but now a new animal-free version could signal a more compassionate direction ahead.
ASPCA and Humane Society criticized for endorsing factory farms with “bogus” humane meat program
The groups have been blasted for supporting an “animal welfare certified” label, despite an investigation finding widespread, systematic animal cruelty at farms that use the certification.
Texas monkey prison plans scrapped by Charles River Laboratories - will Bainbridge be next?
Charles River Laboratories, the largest importer of monkeys for laboratory experiments, has scrapped plans to build a facility for 43,200 primates on 539 acres of ecologically sensitive land in Texas.
HBO's ‘Chimp Crazy’ shines a light on pet primate trade in the US
The new four-part docuseries from the maker of Tiger King has reignited momentum to pass the Captive Primate Safety Act to prohibit primate ownership across the country.