Animal Welfare Institute

AWI Grant Helping to Expand Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets in Illinois

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) is pleased to announce Oasis Women’s Center as the recipient of its 2026 Safe Havens for ...
Animal Welfare Institute

The “Blackfish” Legacy: Captive Marine Mammal Industry Continues Decline

Washington, DC—A decade after the documentary “Blackfish” examined the ethics and consequences of keeping orcas in captivity, marine theme parks and aquariums that feature cetaceans are struggling to ...
Animal Welfare Institute

Newborn Dairy Calves Endure Long, Grueling Journeys Across the United States

Government records reveal that hundreds of thousands of dairy calves are routinely transported 1,000 miles or more, compromising animal welfare and human health. Washington, DC—Every year, the dairy ...
Animal Welfare Institute

President Trump’s Day-One Actions Will Decimate Wildlife Habitat

Washington, DC—On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders designed to advance policies that are disastrous to wildlife and their habitats. The orders expand ...
Animal Welfare Institute

SWIMS Act Reintroduced to Phase Out Public Display of Captive Whales

Washington, DC—The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) applauds US Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and US Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) for reintroducing the Strengthening ...
Animal Welfare Institute

New Research: USDA Fails to Pursue Prosecutions of Slaughter Plants, Despite Repeat Violations

Washington, DC—Repeat violators of the federal Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA) continue to escape meaningful enforcement by the US Department of Agriculture, resulting in continued animal ...
Animal Welfare Institute

Ejiao Act Reintroduced to Protect Donkeys from Dangerous Gelatin Trade

Washington, DC—US Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) reintroduced the Ejiao Act Tuesday in the House of Representatives to ban the sale and trade of ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) products in the United States. Ejiao ...
Animal Welfare Institute

AWI Grants Support Humane Approaches to Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Washington, DC—Today, the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) announced the nine recipients of its Christine Stevens Wildlife Award who are developing innovative, less intrusive wildlife study techniques ...
Animal Welfare Institute

Department of Interior Weakens Migratory Bird Protections

Washington, DC—Late last week, the Department of the Interior reissued a legal opinion that weakens the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by no longer penalizing individuals and corporations for the ...
Animal Welfare Institute

Legislation to Ban Brutal and Indiscriminate Body-Gripping Traps Reintroduced

Washington, DC—The Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act was reintroduced last Friday in the House of Representatives by Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC). This bill would prohibit the import and export of, ...
Animal Welfare Institute

Illinois Becomes Third State to Ban Sale of Animal-Tested Cosmetics

Washington, DC—The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and Cruelty Free International congratulate Illinois for joining California, Nevada, and more than 30 countries worldwide in banning the sale of ...