In the largest PETA-led rescue of animals held at a roadside zoo, 72 animals were saved from the deplorable Tri-State Zoological Park in Maryland, one of the worst roadside zoos in America. The doors on this decrepit facility, dubbed “fetid and dystopic” by a federal judge, have closed forever. This rescue marks an unprecedented effort … Read more »
PETA sued the South Dakota Animal Industry Board over its refusal to release identifying information in certificates of veterinary inspection, which are key documents used to track the movement of exotic wild animals among roadside zoos, circuses, and breeders. The court ruled in our favor, finding that the state agency didn’t have a legal basis … Read more »
After hearing from PETA about the cruelty of using camels, snakes, and other animals for public exhibitions, Micky’s West Hollywood in California committed to leaving live animals out of all future events! The club now joins the nearly 750 venues nationwide that already prohibit or restrict traveling animal acts, recognizing that spectacular events can be … Read more »
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented its infamous “teachable moments” program. Rather than being written up in an inspection report for failing to comply with minimum animal welfare standards, facilities that ran afoul of the law could simply be asked to do better. When animals such as bear cubs, monkeys, and dogs … Read more »
Tiger King villain and Myrtle Beach Safari operator Bhagavan “Doc” Antle was indicted on 10 federal charges, including previously announced money-laundering charges as well as six counts of wildlife crimes for allegedly engaging in wildlife trafficking with cheetahs, red ruffed lemurs, and a chimpanzee. Antle had previously been charged with two felony counts of wildlife trafficking … Read more »
After PETA tipped off authorities to singer Chris Brown’s illegal possession of a capuchin monkey, the Florida-based dealer behind the sale was indicted in federal court and pleaded guilty to a felony count of conspiracy to commit wildlife trafficking and three counts of violating the Endangered Species Act. Jimmy Wayne Hammonds—who breeds and sells exotic animals … Read more »
Tonka’s rescue followed a years-long legal battle between PETA and Tonia Haddix, who took over ownership of the chimpanzees at the now-shuttered Missouri Primate Foundation breeding compound in Festus, Missouri, after PETA sued over their living conditions. PETA was granted permission to rescue Tonka along with six others, but when we came to carry out … Read more »
In an exciting victory for animals, a law banning exhibitions of wildlife in public spaces in Quintana Roo, Mexico, has gone into effect! The measure, which passed with a unanimous vote in April 2022, bans cub-petting and other dangerous exhibitions in the Mexican state. The victory follows pressure from PETA Latino supporters and local animal … Read more »
Nearly five years after PETA’s triumph over Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the shuttered show is reportedly planning its return to the big top—without elephants, tigers, or any other nonconsenting animals. The exciting announcement sends a powerful message— something that PETA’s been saying for decades—to the entire industry: Cruelty doesn’t belong in circuses … Read more »
After hearing from PETA about the immense suffering dogs used for sledding endure on and off the trail, the New Rochelle Public Library in New York committed to not scheduling any more programs about the Iditarod or dog sledding! The dogs who are bred, chained, and pushed past their limits for the Iditarod are no … Read more »
After hearing from PETA, ADP, one of the largest global payroll companies, committed to not using live animals in promotional events and other forms of advertising. Animal-free promotions are safer for everyone and don’t support exhibitors who keep animals in extreme confinement, deny them basic necessities like food and veterinary care, and use abusive training … Read more »
In a rare move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture slapped Colton Morris, the organizer of the Shelby Alternative Livestock Auction, with an official warning for illegally selling animals at the October 2021 event without a license. This enforcement action came after a request from PETA to prohibit Morris from ever holding an exotic-animal auction again … Read more »
Kentucky adopted new exotic-animal regulations that prohibit circuses from using endangered species such as tigers and Asian elephants, ban elephant rides, and end dangerous exotic-animal shows at state and county fairs. PETA submitted comments in support of the statewide rule changes in late 2021 and has been instrumental in ensuring that the Kentucky Department of … Read more »
After hearing from PETA and our members and supporters, the Oklahoma Senate allowed H.B. 3281—the Endangered Ark Foundation Preservation Act—to die without calling it for a vote. This insidious bill would have protected trainers caught abusing elephants from prosecution under the state’s cruelty laws and was designed to benefit the Endangered Ark Foundation—a misleadingly named … Read more »
