animal welfare
36 stories related to this topic, newest first.
bbc.co.ukSea Life to Relocate Gentoo Penguins to New Enclosure With Daylight
Merlin Entertainments will move 31 gentoo penguins from its London and Birmingham aquariums to a new facility offering natural light and a larger pool. The company will also end breeding of the species at both sites.
The IndependentFive steps to protect pets from heatwave risks
Pet owners in the UK face rising heatwave risks as summer temperatures increase. The article outlines practical steps to reduce heat-related illness in dogs, cats and other animals.
P.E.I. Humane Society Takes in 30 Cats on May 19
The shelter received 30 cats on May 19, including kittens and pregnant cats. The intake adds to an already busy kitten season and follows other large animal intakes earlier this year.
The IndependentHumpback Whale Named Timmy Died After Rescue Attempt in German Waters
A humpback whale found stranded in March off Germany's Baltic coast died days after a rescue effort moved it by barge to Danish waters. Experts had advised against the operation due to the animal's poor health.
rte.ieTwo Americans Arrested in Japan After Entering Baby Monkey Enclosure
Two U.S. citizens were taken into custody after one climbed into a macaque enclosure at a Japanese facility while the other recorded the act. The animal involved is a nine-month-old macaque named Punch that had previously gained online attention.
indianexpress.comCBS News Segment Highlights Pet Grief Support and Shelter Adoptions
CBS News contributor David Begnaud presented two stories about Americans assisting pet owners and shelter animals. One segment covered a former journalist who created a grief organization. The second featured a retiring meteorologist recognized for aiding adoptions.
gamereactor.euRacehorse Hit Zero Dies After Collapsing at Laurel Park
A 3-year-old colt collapsed and died shortly after finishing last in the first race at Laurel Park on Friday. The Maryland Racing Commission confirmed an apparent cardiac event and began a required review.
rnz.co.nzStudy Finds Crickets Perform Targeted Grooming on Injured Antennae
A new study documents crickets actively grooming and nursing injured antennae with flexible and targeted behavior. The actions go beyond simple reflexes, according to the research. The findings add to evidence that some insects may feel pain.
Science NewsFemale Rats Prefer Gentler Tickling Than Males
A study found that female rats show a stronger preference for low-pinning tickling sessions compared with high-pinning ones, while male rats responded equally to both. The research used a treat-burying test to measure positive emotional associations after different tickling proto…
pbs.orgFlorida Halts Sloth Imports for Two Months After Dozens Die at Orlando Facility
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ordered a temporary ban on sloth imports following the deaths of dozens of wild-born animals at a business called Sloth World. The two-month prohibition took effect Wednesday and will last until July 10. More than 98 percent o…
sciencealert.comCrickets Show Signs of Pain by Grooming Injured Antennae
Researchers observed crickets stroking and grooming a sore antenna after injury in a manner similar to how mammals tend to wounds. The behaviour is described as flexible self-protection, which scientists use to assess whether an animal experiences pain rather than a simple reflex…
nypost.com1,500 Beagles Transferred from Ridglan Farms to Animal Shelters in Wisconsin
Pop star Debbie Gibson and Black Sabbath co-founder Terry “Geezer” Butler visited the Dane County Humane Society on May 12, 2026, to support the placement of roughly 1,500 beagles bought from Ridglan Farms. The Center for a Humane Economy and Big Dog Ranch Rescue purchased the do…
forbes.comAnimal-Only Video App Fureelz Reports 40% User Growth Since April Launch
Fureelz, a Maine-based short-form video app dedicated exclusively to animal content, has expanded to 76 countries despite a U.S.-only public relations rollout. Founder Ashley Quincey partnered with animal welfare groups to add donation tools, aiming to turn viewer joy into suppor…
realclearpolitics.comRidglan Farms to Sell 1,500 Beagles to Rescue Groups for Adoption as Wisconsin License Is Suspended
The Wisconsin breeder reached a deal on April 30 with Big Dog Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy to release the dogs, which are now being adopted nationwide. The agreement follows 2025 state citations for animal welfare violations, a suspended breeding license and a faile…
upi.comPentagon Has Spent Over $57 Million on Overseas Animal Research Since 2019, PETA Says
PETA sent a 24-page letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on May 6 calling for an immediate halt to animal experiments involving more than $57 million in public funds. The group detailed more than $21 million sent overseas since 2019 for procedures including burning rats and b…
aircargoweek.comBrown Bears Rescued From Captivity in Armenia Recover at Wildlife Refuge
Bears previously kept in cages as status symbols by wealthy owners in Armenia have been rescued and moved to a wildlife refuge in the country's highlands. The animals, which faced neglect including lack of proper food and care, are undergoing physical and psychological rehabilita…
bbc.co.ukUSDA Proposes Raising Maximum Poultry Slaughter Line Speed to 175 Birds per Minute
Former government meat inspector Jill Mauer submitted comments opposing the Trump administration's plan to accelerate slaughterhouse lines, citing risks to workers and food safety. The February proposal would eliminate limits on hog slaughter speeds and increase poultry processin…
thehindu.comEurope's First Large-Scale Elephant Sanctuary Opens in Portugal
Two African elephants, one from a Portuguese circus and one from a Belgian zoo, will become the first residents of a new sanctuary in Portugal's Alentejo region. The facility aims to provide a more natural environment for captive elephants, which number around 600 across Europe.
thewalrus.caFrance Faces Decision on Relocating Two Captive Orcas from Abandoned Park
French authorities must determine the next steps for two orcas currently held at a deserted marine park. Options under consideration include transferring them to another facility or releasing them into an open-water sanctuary. The decision involves weighing animal welfare and log…
GB NewsHumpback Whale Timmy Released into North Sea After Stranding Off Germany
A humpback whale nicknamed Timmy, stranded in shallow waters near Germany's Baltic Sea coast since March, was released from a barge in the North Sea on May 2, 2026. The rescue, funded by two wealthy entrepreneurs, involved transporting the 12-tonne, 40-foot animal after multiple…
GB NewsRSPCA Urges Rethinking Crabbing Over Crustacean Sentience and Tradition
The RSPCA has urged an end to the traditional seaside activity of crabbing in Cornwall, citing research on crustacean sentience and a survey showing limited public awareness. Local stakeholders, including the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and harbour officials, emphasized the pastime's…
news.sky.comDrone Used to Evacuate Stray Cat and Dog from Ukrainian Front Lines
Soldiers from Ukraine’s 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade used a drone to rescue a cat named Barsik and a dog named Zagybluk from the battlefield earlier this month. The animals, companions to the troops for two years, were flown about 10 kilometers to safety. Broader efforts by g…
opindia.comDemand for Legal Pocket Bullies Rises After 2024 XL Bully Restrictions
Demand for pocket bullies has risen sharply since the 2024 ban on XL Bullies, with online marketplaces flooded with listings. Recent incidents include a fatal attack on a three-month-old baby and injuries to a five-year-old boy. Campaigners call for bans as dog attacks increased…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewMoonpay Partners to Enable Dogecoin Donations to AKC Humane Fund
Moonpay has partnered with organizations to enable donations in Dogecoin to the AKC Humane Fund. The fund is the American Kennel Club's nonprofit focused on protecting dogs and their owners in the United States. This initiative allows users to contribute using the cryptocurrency.
winnipegfreepress.comNew York Man Relinquishes 12-Foot Alligator Kept as Pet for Over 30 Years
A man from Hamburg, New York, has given up his 12-foot, 750-pound alligator named Albert, which he kept in an indoor swimming pool at his home for more than three decades. The reptile now resides at an unspecified location. The decision follows interactions with local authorities…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewLos Angeles Nonprofit Ends Spay-and-Neuter Services After City Imposes $1,450 Fee
A small nonprofit in Los Angeles that offered low-cost spay-and-neuter services for pets has ceased operations at a city site. The group was charged a $1,450 fee for using the location, which led to its decision to leave. This development affects access to affordable pet steriliz…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewSompting Wildlife Rescue in West Sussex Temporarily Closes Admissions Due to Increased Caseload
Sompting Wildlife Rescue in West Sussex has temporarily closed admissions after the number of new patients increased from an average of one per day. The centre, which handles injured and orphaned wildlife, reported the rise starting in March. This closure affects local animal wel…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewGreen Party Leader Calls for Horse Racing Ban After Horse Death at Aintree Festival
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, reiterated calls to ban horse racing following the death of the horse Gold Dancer at the Aintree Festival. A YouGov survey showed 38 percent of respondents support banning horse racing, 38 percent support continuing it, and 24 percent are…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewRSPCA Rescues Over 250 Dogs from Overcrowded Home in England
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rescued more than 250 poodle-cross dogs from a single home where conditions had deteriorated due to family circumstances. The dogs were found crammed into living spaces, leading to their relocation to multiple shelters fo…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewRSPCA Reports Hundreds of Dogs Rescued from Home in January Now Recovering Well
The RSPCA rescued hundreds of dogs from a home in January, where many were found in poor condition with matted and crusted coats requiring treatment. The charity stated that the animals are now doing well. This case highlights ongoing animal welfare efforts by the organization.
Victoria to Implement New Poultry Welfare Standards Phasing Out Conventional Cages by 2036
The Victorian government plans to introduce regulations requiring new chicken cages to include nest areas, perches, platforms, and scratch areas starting mid-year. These standards align with national agreements from 2023 and will ban conventional cages by 2036. Farmers have expre…
Internet Archive Book Images / Wikimedia (No restrictions)RSPCA Refutes Claims That Image of 250 Dogs in One Home Was AI-Generated
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) reported discovering 250 dogs housed in a single residence. The charity has addressed online claims suggesting an accompanying image was created using artificial intelligence. This incident highlights ongoing anim…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewChick-fil-A States Uncertainty in Meeting 2026 Cage-Free Egg Sourcing Goal Due to Bird Flu and Industry Factors
Chick-fil-A announced in 2016 its intention to source 100% cage-free eggs by the end of 2026. The company now indicates that this goal may not be met due to avian influenza outbreaks and broader industry challenges. The statement appears on the company's website, and Chick-fil-A…
The Boston GlobeDemand for Pet Food Pantries Increases in Boston Area Amid Rising Living Costs
Pet food pantries in the Boston area have seen growing demand as the cost of living rises and federal programs face cuts. Organizations like the Boston Animal Rescue League and MSPCA report higher distributions of pet meals. Pet owners, many who adopted during the pandemic, rely…
NewsweekStray Dog Found with Infections in Wisconsin Shelter After Owner Declines Reclaim
A 3-year-old cattle dog mix named Kayla was brought to the Green Lake Area Animal Shelter in Wisconsin as a stray on March 15. The shelter identified infections including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and a urinary tract infection after the mandatory hold period ended. The previous…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewVeterinarians Outline Signs of Insufficient Sleep in Dogs and Daily Requirements
Veterinarians indicate that dogs require 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day on average, with variations by age, breed, and size. Signs of poor sleep include yawning, irritability, low energy, and behavioral changes such as increased anxiety. Owners should monitor for persistent slee…