A weekly round-up of the most important animal stories happening around the world.
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Fur ban and slaughterhouse ban proposals rejected in Denver
Two pro-animal initiatives have failed to gather enough support after appearing on the ballot for all Denver voters.
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.
Oakland Zoo’s last remaining elephant is sent to a sanctuary, in “watershed moment” for the evolution of zoos
The compassionate move comes after modern research into animal welfare has shown that elephants do not cope well in captivity, with zoo enclosures unable to meet the complex needs of elephants.
SeaQuest Fort Worth closes amid animal cruelty investigation
The aquarium chain has shut its Texas location after whistleblower reports revealed animal abuse including sharks likely starving to death and marine animals dying in plastic bags during transport.
‘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.
Conservation groups urge US government to ban controversial ‘cyanide bombs’, which poisoned over 6,000 animals last year
The government's little-known Wildlife Services continues to use the ‘horrifying’ bombs in national forests to kill wildlife including coyotes and foxes.
Microplastics found in dolphin breath, alarming study finds
The scientific research reveals that microplastic exposure is now so widespread that it has been detected in wild bottlenose dolphins.
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.
Florida man who tied his dog to a pole and then abandoned him during Hurricane Milton is charged with a felony
Viral footage of law enforcement discovering the stranded dog near a highway led to mass calls for the owner to be identified and held accountable.
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.
Disney World is removing all dolphins from Epcot to prioritize animal welfare - but sadly they won’t be retired to a sanctuary
The dolphins at Epcot are being sent to a dolphinarium which has one of the highest death rates in the US, leading campaigners to call for the animals to be transferred to a sanctuary instead.