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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The BBC has discovered an international network operating online that shares graphic videos of cat torture, including electrocution, drowning, and starvation. This network has members globally, including in the UK, with individuals discussing how to obtain cats for abuse and even encouraging the mutilation of animals. The investigation uncovered evidence of British members suggesting obtaining kittens from the RSPCA. The content is extremely disturbing, featuring videos and images of horrific acts, with the network even promoting a “100 cat kill” competition.
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In response to overcrowding concerns, the Tiergarten Nürnberg zoo euthanized 12 baboons on Tuesday, despite public protest and intervention from animal rights activists. The zoo’s decision, which followed the failure of other population control methods, sparked outrage from animal protection groups who filed criminal complaints. The zoo defended its actions, citing the need to maintain a healthy baboon population within the confines of its limited space and in accordance with legal requirements, adding that samples were taken for research purposes, and the bodies were fed to the zoo’s predators. The zoo had previously attempted to relocate baboons and use contraception but had not been successful.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood