As the ban on dog meat consumption in Korea nears, questions arise regarding the fate of the estimated 468,000 dogs currently housed on farms. While the government focuses on eradicating the dog meat industry, the lack of plans for the dogs’ care after the ban’s implementation in February 2027 raises concerns. Animal shelters are already at capacity, and Humane World for Animals Korea emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure the well-being of these animals. Despite the commendable goal of ending the dog meat trade, the government must address the welfare of the dogs by providing guidelines and resources for their rescue and care.
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Texas State Representative James Talarico is running for U.S. Senate in 2026, challenging traditional views on government spending and corporate responsibility. He argues that significant “welfare” benefits go to corporations and wealthy executives through tax avoidance, reframing the debate on who benefits from public resources. This perspective, informed by his experience as a former teacher, has gained traction, especially among younger voters, and may influence future tax policy. His platform focuses on corporate accountability and applying fairness and personal responsibility to both the wealthy and working people.
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As part of a new government animal welfare strategy, England will ban the practice of boiling live lobsters, deeming it an unacceptable killing method. This decision follows similar bans in countries like Switzerland and New Zealand, and aligns with the recognition of invertebrates’ sentience, including lobsters and crabs. Alongside the lobster ban, the strategy encompasses measures such as outlawing hen cages, pig farrowing crates, and puppy farming, as well as tightening hunting regulations by ending trail hunting. Animal welfare charities widely welcome these changes, particularly the lobster ban, highlighting the availability of more humane alternatives.
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The Trump administration has ordered states to reverse actions taken to provide full SNAP benefits to low-income Americans, citing them as “unauthorized” and threatening financial penalties for non-compliance. This follows a federal judge’s order to provide the funds, which was temporarily paused by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. The resulting uncertainty has left nearly 1 in 8 Americans, who rely on SNAP benefits, in a state of flux, increasing demand at food banks and pantries nationwide. The USDA memo, first reported by The New York Times, has been met with criticism from state officials who cite a lack of clarity.
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During a recent podcast interview, Vice President J.D. Vance stated that people who mistreat animals are “bad people.” This comment, made during a discussion about a streamer accused of using an electric collar on his dog, was quickly called into question. Vance’s statement directly contradicted the actions of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who revealed in her memoir that she had executed her family dog, a move that drew widespread criticism and potentially cost her the chance to be Trump’s running mate. This detail serves as a stark contrast to Vance’s assertion, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within the political landscape.
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A transport truck carrying rhesus monkeys associated with Tulane National Biomedical Research Center crashed in Jasper County, Mississippi, leading to a tragic outcome. The driver misinformed local law enforcement about the monkeys being dangerous and carrying diseases, prompting officials to “destroy” all but one. Tulane University clarified the primates belonged to a third party and were not infectious, while also offering assistance. The sheriff’s department is coordinating with the university regarding the remaining caged monkeys and the disposal of the carcasses.
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Poland’s lower house has approved a measure to phase out fur farms by the end of 2033, with operators eligible for compensation if they shut down by 2031. The motion gained cross-party support, reflecting widespread public backing for the ban, and will see Poland join over 20 European countries that have outlawed the practice. This decision is expected to impact the world’s second-largest fur producer and potentially support a “Fur Free Europe” movement. Furthermore, the legislation includes increased severance for farm workers and is supported by data illustrating a decline in fur farms and exports in recent years.
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Poland passes bill to ban fur farming by 2033, and it’s a move that’s catching attention for a few key reasons. Initially, it’s about animal welfare, and there is a lot of discussion about animal cruelty.
Poland’s decision is not only about animal welfare; it’s also a significant step toward biosecurity and disease prevention. The context of past outbreaks, particularly in mink farms, makes this a critical consideration.
Back in 2020, mink farms in Poland, as well as several other northern European nations, were sadly identified as major contributors to early COVID-19 outbreaks. More recently, there have been several cases of avian flu spreading in these facilities.… Continue reading
Marineland, a Niagara Falls attraction, is requesting emergency funding from the Canadian government to care for its whales, warning of imminent euthanasia due to financial constraints. The park’s request to export 30 belugas to a Chinese aquarium was denied by the Fisheries Minister, who cited a 2019 law restricting whale captivity and entertainment shows. Marineland claims relocation is the only alternative to euthanizing the animals, as other options are unavailable, and it is now for sale but has not yet found a buyer.
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Aalborg Zoo in Denmark is requesting donations of unwanted small pets like chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, as well as horses, to feed its predator animals. The zoo emphasizes the importance of providing “whole prey” to mimic the animals’ natural diet and ensure their well-being. Healthy animals are gently euthanized by trained staff and used as food, preventing waste. The zoo accepts donations of specific animals on weekdays and provides tax deductions for horse donations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood