Thousands of chicks, abandoned in a USPS truck for three days, were rescued by the First State Animal Center and SPCA in Delaware. Many chicks perished due to lack of food and water, leaving thousands of survivors in the care of the shelter. The USPS is investigating the incident, while the shelter struggles to rehome the birds, facing financial strain from the unexpected influx of animals and ongoing negotiations with the Delaware Department of Agriculture for funding. The hatchery that shipped the chicks cannot retrieve them due to biosecurity concerns.
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Despite pressure from Donald Trump to allow imports of chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef as part of a trade deal, UK Treasury secretary James Murray confirmed that such products will remain illegal in the UK. This stance reflects the UK’s unwavering commitment to maintaining its existing food safety standards. These standards prohibit the sale of poultry treated with chlorine to eliminate bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. No compromises on food safety are being considered in trade negotiations.
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Following a September 2024 incident where a SeaWorld Orlando trainer was injured during an orca training exercise, OSHA cited the company for failing to adequately protect employees from known hazards associated with close contact with killer whales. This violation of the general duty clause resulted in a proposed $16,550 fine. The citation specifically addressed the risks of bites, being struck, and drowning. SeaWorld has 15 business days to respond to the citation.
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Following public outcry and a petition garnering over 10,000 signatures, Australian immigration officials are reviewing the visa of a woman who filmed herself mishandling a wombat joey. The woman’s actions, which conservationists deem “appalling” and potentially illegal, involved removing the joey from its mother and placing it in harm’s way. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the scrutiny surrounding this incident likely precludes future visa applications. Several high-profile Australian officials have condemned the woman’s behavior, highlighting the importance of protecting native wildlife.
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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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John Q. Hosedrinker