Prominent conservationist Jane Goodall has condemned Morocco’s alleged slaughter of three million street dogs in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, urging FIFA to intervene. Reports indicate thousands of dogs have already been killed using brutal methods, despite authorities claiming the initiative ended in August 2024. Goodall’s letter to FIFA accuses the organization of complicity in this “horrific act of barbarity,” demanding an immediate halt to the killings and threatening reputational damage to FIFA if action isn’t taken. Humane alternatives to controlling stray dog populations exist, and Goodall urges FIFA to utilize its influence to ensure their implementation.
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A 22-year-old Spanish woman, Blanca Ojanguren Garcia, died Friday after being gored by an elephant while bathing it at a Koh Yao Elephant Care center in Thailand. The incident occurred during a tourist activity popular in the country, which also faces a dwindling wild elephant population and a rising captive elephant population used for tourism. Police are investigating the incident, and the elephant sanctuary and Spanish embassy have been contacted for comment. The tragedy underscores concerns about the risks of close human-elephant interaction within the Thai tourism industry.
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A two-alarm fire at the Plaza Latina Bazaar in Northwest Dallas resulted in the death of 579 animals housed in an exotic pet store, primarily from smoke inhalation. Most of the deceased animals were small birds, but also included chickens, hamsters, and several dogs and cats; no exotic animals perished. Despite the extensive damage and smoke, firefighters rescued and revived several animals, including a tortoise and a puppy, with Dallas Animal Services now caring for the survivors. The fire, which began around 9 a.m., caused a partial roof collapse and affected multiple businesses within the complex.
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Following allegations of animal abuse and neglect at Alpha Genesis Incorporated (AGI), the USDA is investigating. Leaked documents provided by a whistleblower detail numerous preventable primate injuries and deaths stemming from unsafe conditions, inadequate care, and unqualified staff between 2021 and 2023. These incidents, including a monkey’s death from entrapment and a pregnant monkey’s death during a botched surgery due to a lack of qualified personnel, led to a 270-page complaint filed by PETA. The investigation encompasses a recent escape of 43 monkeys and additional allegations surrounding the deaths of 20 macaques from a heater malfunction.
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Greyhound racing in New Zealand will be phased out over the next 20 months, with the final race anticipated in July 2026. This decision, driven by persistent concerns over animal welfare and high injury rates, follows years of critical reports revealing significant numbers of dog deaths and injuries. Urgent legislation is being enacted to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs during the transition. The government, collaborating with animal welfare organizations, will facilitate the rehoming of approximately 2900 racing dogs.
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KFC has abandoned its 2026 pledge to source slower-growing chicken breeds in the UK, citing insufficient market supply. Despite initial commitments to the Better Chicken Commitment, only 1% of KFC’s UK chicken currently comes from these breeds. The company maintains its dedication to improving welfare standards through other means, but animal welfare groups are protesting this reversal. This decision comes despite pressure from animal welfare organizations and the availability of alternative suppliers.
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A baby red panda has tragically died due to “stress caused by fireworks,” after choking on her own vomit just five days after her mother died. This heartbreaking incident has renewed calls for tighter restrictions on the public sale of fireworks, highlighting the potential dangers they pose to animals, even those in supposedly safe environments.
While the specific details surrounding the baby panda’s death are unclear, the general consensus is that the fireworks triggered an anxiety response in the already vulnerable animal, leading to vomiting and ultimately choking. This scenario raises concerns about the suitability of keeping sensitive animals like red pandas in urban environments where loud noises are common, particularly during events like fireworks displays.… Continue reading
The escape of 43 rhesus macaque monkeys from a South Carolina lab has captured the attention of the internet. As of Sunday evening, 25 of the furry runaways have been captured, leaving 18 still on the loose. Some of the recaptured monkeys are now enjoying a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which is a testament to the fact that even monkeys appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
There is a sense of excitement among some online commentators who are rooting for the monkeys to escape, comparing their plight to the protagonists of the movie “12 Monkeys” and rooting for them to make their way to the Everglades.… Continue reading
Mark Longo, a resident of rural Pine City, New York, is pleading for the return of his pet squirrel, Peanut, who was seized by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The DEC officers raided his home following complaints that he was keeping wildlife as pets, which is against state laws. Peanut had gained hundreds of thousands of followers on social media with his playful and amusing antics documented by Longo. A raccoon named Fred was also taken during the raid. Longo fears that Peanut, who he had kept for seven years, may have been euthanized.
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As I sit here contemplating the recent news about Namibia’s plans to kill more than 700 animals, including elephants and hippos, in order to distribute their meat amid drought and widespread hunger, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of sadness and despair. The fact that such a drastic measure is even being considered is a clear indication of the dire situation we find ourselves in due to climate change.
The impending humanitarian crisis that will inevitably arise from the effects of global warming should serve as a wake-up call to us all. We cannot continue to ignore the devastating impact our actions are having on the planet and its inhabitants.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood