Animal Welfare Institute
@awionline.org
Seeking to improve the welfare of animals everywhere: in agriculture, in commerce, in our homes and communities, in research, and in the wild.
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Animal Welfare Institute
@awionline.org
· Nov 20
Hello, @bsky.app!
Since 1951, the Animal Welfare Institute has been dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people. We seek better treatment of animals everywhere—in agriculture, in commerce, in our homes and communities, in research, and in the wild. Learn more at AWIonline.org. 🐾
Since 1951, the Animal Welfare Institute has been dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people. We seek better treatment of animals everywhere—in agriculture, in commerce, in our homes and communities, in research, and in the wild. Learn more at AWIonline.org. 🐾
On Friday, January 23, at 2 p.m. EST, the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance will be hosting Kate Dylewsky, AWI’s assistant director of government affairs, for a webinar about this federal legislation designed to protect primates and people. Learn more: www.facebook.com/events/11211...
January 16, 2026 at 9:06 PM
On Friday, January 23, at 2 p.m. EST, the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance will be hosting Kate Dylewsky, AWI’s assistant director of government affairs, for a webinar about this federal legislation designed to protect primates and people. Learn more: www.facebook.com/events/11211...
Primates are not pets. Let’s make 2026 the year we pass the Captive Primate Safety Act and finally put an end to the inhumane and dangerous pet primate trade.
January 16, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Primates are not pets. Let’s make 2026 the year we pass the Captive Primate Safety Act and finally put an end to the inhumane and dangerous pet primate trade.
Horses don’t belong in cities, where they face honking horns, traffic, large loads, and long workdays on hard pavement. It’s time to leave Central Park’s horse-drawn carriages in the past. Learn more: awionline.org/content/hors...
January 15, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Horses don’t belong in cities, where they face honking horns, traffic, large loads, and long workdays on hard pavement. It’s time to leave Central Park’s horse-drawn carriages in the past. Learn more: awionline.org/content/hors...
Last week, a New York carriage horse named Destiny bolted into oncoming traffic, hitting several cars and ripping the bumper off of a taxi. The incident adds to a long list of crashes, injuries, and deaths associated with the use of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park.
January 15, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Last week, a New York carriage horse named Destiny bolted into oncoming traffic, hitting several cars and ripping the bumper off of a taxi. The incident adds to a long list of crashes, injuries, and deaths associated with the use of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is working to protect and conserve these beloved animals. Next Wednesday, Jan. 21, join a webinar with The Homes for Horses Coalition to learn more about CWHF’s work. Register here: zoom.us/meeting/regi...
January 14, 2026 at 3:58 PM
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is working to protect and conserve these beloved animals. Next Wednesday, Jan. 21, join a webinar with The Homes for Horses Coalition to learn more about CWHF’s work. Register here: zoom.us/meeting/regi...
There were once more horses than humans on the Outer Banks.
A herd of Spanish mustangs has lived on the islands since the 1500s—but decades of human interference have drastically reduced their numbers. Today, only about a hundred of the Corolla wild horses are left.
A herd of Spanish mustangs has lived on the islands since the 1500s—but decades of human interference have drastically reduced their numbers. Today, only about a hundred of the Corolla wild horses are left.
January 14, 2026 at 3:58 PM
There were once more horses than humans on the Outer Banks.
A herd of Spanish mustangs has lived on the islands since the 1500s—but decades of human interference have drastically reduced their numbers. Today, only about a hundred of the Corolla wild horses are left.
A herd of Spanish mustangs has lived on the islands since the 1500s—but decades of human interference have drastically reduced their numbers. Today, only about a hundred of the Corolla wild horses are left.
Since 2013, almost 9 million animals have died in barn fires, most of whom were confined in overcrowded factory farms.
Despite the number of lives under their care, farming operations generally are not required to take steps to prevent these tragedies.
Learn more: awionline.org/content/barn...
Despite the number of lives under their care, farming operations generally are not required to take steps to prevent these tragedies.
Learn more: awionline.org/content/barn...
January 12, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Since 2013, almost 9 million animals have died in barn fires, most of whom were confined in overcrowded factory farms.
Despite the number of lives under their care, farming operations generally are not required to take steps to prevent these tragedies.
Learn more: awionline.org/content/barn...
Despite the number of lives under their care, farming operations generally are not required to take steps to prevent these tragedies.
Learn more: awionline.org/content/barn...
Thanks to @duluthnewstribune.com for publishing this op-ed by AWI’s Allie Granger about the impacts of bird flu in Minnesota and beyond. The USDA must act to prevent the inhumane “depopulation” of millions of birds and put an end to this ongoing crisis. www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/colu...
Local View: USDA's strategy to curb avian influenza is for the birds
From the column: "The department must take a different approach, one that includes vaccinating flocks."
www.duluthnewstribune.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Thanks to @duluthnewstribune.com for publishing this op-ed by AWI’s Allie Granger about the impacts of bird flu in Minnesota and beyond. The USDA must act to prevent the inhumane “depopulation” of millions of birds and put an end to this ongoing crisis. www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/colu...
Learn more in the AWI Quarterly: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
January 8, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Learn more in the AWI Quarterly: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
In March, NMFS provided notice of the Makah Tribe’s request for a permit to hunt gray whales off the Washington coast. Should NMFS decide to grant the permit,
PCFG gray whales would be the primary targets, based on their location during the proposed hunting season
PCFG gray whales would be the primary targets, based on their location during the proposed hunting season
January 8, 2026 at 6:58 PM
In March, NMFS provided notice of the Makah Tribe’s request for a permit to hunt gray whales off the Washington coast. Should NMFS decide to grant the permit,
PCFG gray whales would be the primary targets, based on their location during the proposed hunting season
PCFG gray whales would be the primary targets, based on their location during the proposed hunting season
Data from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) shows that their population has plummeted from over 27,000 in 2016 to fewer than 13,000 today. The Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG) gray whales, a unique subset of ENP gray whales, numbers only about 200 whales.
January 8, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Data from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) shows that their population has plummeted from over 27,000 in 2016 to fewer than 13,000 today. The Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG) gray whales, a unique subset of ENP gray whales, numbers only about 200 whales.
For decades, Eastern North Pacific (ENP) gray whales were celebrated as a conservation success story.
Today, however, these whales face increasing threats from climate change and a dwindling food supply in the Arctic.
Today, however, these whales face increasing threats from climate change and a dwindling food supply in the Arctic.
January 8, 2026 at 6:58 PM
For decades, Eastern North Pacific (ENP) gray whales were celebrated as a conservation success story.
Today, however, these whales face increasing threats from climate change and a dwindling food supply in the Arctic.
Today, however, these whales face increasing threats from climate change and a dwindling food supply in the Arctic.
TAKE ACTION: Using the link below, submit a public comment opposing federal oil and gas leasing in untouched areas off Alaska, California, and Florida’s Gulf Coast. Then, urge Congress to support legislation to protect our coasts from offshore drilling—forever. www.congressweb.com/AWI/517?fram...
January 7, 2026 at 1:52 PM
TAKE ACTION: Using the link below, submit a public comment opposing federal oil and gas leasing in untouched areas off Alaska, California, and Florida’s Gulf Coast. Then, urge Congress to support legislation to protect our coasts from offshore drilling—forever. www.congressweb.com/AWI/517?fram...
The OCTOPUS Act, which was reintroduced in the Senate in June, is a bipartisan bill that would preemptively ban commercial octopus farming in the US. Use AWI’s Action Center to ask your senator to cosponsor this important bill: www.congressweb.com/AWI/528?fram...
Act Now to Prevent Inhumane Octopus Farms in the United States
Growing interest in commercial octopus farming threatens to subject these cognitively complex, sentient animals to inhumane conditions and prolonged suffering. To prevent this unsustainable and cruel ...
www.congressweb.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:14 PM
The OCTOPUS Act, which was reintroduced in the Senate in June, is a bipartisan bill that would preemptively ban commercial octopus farming in the US. Use AWI’s Action Center to ask your senator to cosponsor this important bill: www.congressweb.com/AWI/528?fram...
Thanks, @kennytorrella.bsky.social and @vox.com, for this deep dive into the horrific potential of octopus farming—a pursuit that presents grave welfare concerns for these cognitively complex creatures: www.vox.com/future-perfe...
The race to stop octopus farming before it starts
A major seafood company wants to farm octopuses for their meat. Activists and academics say it’s impractical and cruel.
www.vox.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Thanks, @kennytorrella.bsky.social and @vox.com, for this deep dive into the horrific potential of octopus farming—a pursuit that presents grave welfare concerns for these cognitively complex creatures: www.vox.com/future-perfe...
In 2025, we’ve celebrated significant animal protection achievements. Together with advocates like you, we’ve been able to make a difference for animals at the state, national, and international level—from mustangs to manta rays. awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
December 31, 2025 at 2:32 PM
In 2025, we’ve celebrated significant animal protection achievements. Together with advocates like you, we’ve been able to make a difference for animals at the state, national, and international level—from mustangs to manta rays. awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
In 2025, AWI helped ensure that several provisions benefiting animals were included in fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills, which direct the federal government’s spending, including language to protect wild horses and animals on factory farms. Learn more: awionline.org/awi-quarterl... #2025Wrapped
December 30, 2025 at 4:07 PM
In 2025, AWI helped ensure that several provisions benefiting animals were included in fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills, which direct the federal government’s spending, including language to protect wild horses and animals on factory farms. Learn more: awionline.org/awi-quarterl... #2025Wrapped
In a win for animals worldwide, new protections were adopted for dozens of species, including the Chilean rose hair tarantula, Dorcas gazelle, and Ethiopian vipers, at #CITESCoP20. Trade in these species is now prohibited or regulated. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
December 29, 2025 at 4:17 PM
In a win for animals worldwide, new protections were adopted for dozens of species, including the Chilean rose hair tarantula, Dorcas gazelle, and Ethiopian vipers, at #CITESCoP20. Trade in these species is now prohibited or regulated. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
This summer, the American Veterinary Medical Association revised its policy on housing mother pigs and – for the first time – signaled its support for a transition to group housing, which provides increased space and permits more natural and social behaviors— improving their welfare. #2025Wrapped
December 28, 2025 at 6:57 PM
This summer, the American Veterinary Medical Association revised its policy on housing mother pigs and – for the first time – signaled its support for a transition to group housing, which provides increased space and permits more natural and social behaviors— improving their welfare. #2025Wrapped
Another 2025 win came in September when, following advocacy from AWI and others, the National Institutes of Health announced that its grants can now support the rehoming and retirement of animals used in research—giving them a chance at a life beyond the laboratory. #2025Wrapped
December 27, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Another 2025 win came in September when, following advocacy from AWI and others, the National Institutes of Health announced that its grants can now support the rehoming and retirement of animals used in research—giving them a chance at a life beyond the laboratory. #2025Wrapped
In July, thanks to a major legal victory in the Tenth Circuit, wild horses in Wyoming were granted a reprieve from what likely would have been the largest roundup of these federally protected animals in US history. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
December 27, 2025 at 12:58 AM
In July, thanks to a major legal victory in the Tenth Circuit, wild horses in Wyoming were granted a reprieve from what likely would have been the largest roundup of these federally protected animals in US history. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
In June, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed S.B. 25-168 into law, making the state a leader in fighting wildlife trafficking and pushing to eliminate this unconscionable multibillion-dollar industry. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
December 24, 2025 at 1:44 PM
In June, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed S.B. 25-168 into law, making the state a leader in fighting wildlife trafficking and pushing to eliminate this unconscionable multibillion-dollar industry. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
With 2026 just days away, we’re highlighting several animal welfare wins of 2025!
In March, we expanded our Safe Havens for Pets directory to include resources for pets of people facing homelessness—helping keep families together. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
In March, we expanded our Safe Havens for Pets directory to include resources for pets of people facing homelessness—helping keep families together. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
December 23, 2025 at 8:21 PM
With 2026 just days away, we’re highlighting several animal welfare wins of 2025!
In March, we expanded our Safe Havens for Pets directory to include resources for pets of people facing homelessness—helping keep families together. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
In March, we expanded our Safe Havens for Pets directory to include resources for pets of people facing homelessness—helping keep families together. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas... #2025Wrapped
The ESA is our nation’s most effective tool for saving wildlife facing extinction, and these regulations would make it more difficult to protect threatened & endangered species. This outcry shows that the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the ESA flout the desires of the American people.
December 23, 2025 at 4:07 PM
The ESA is our nation’s most effective tool for saving wildlife facing extinction, and these regulations would make it more difficult to protect threatened & endangered species. This outcry shows that the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the ESA flout the desires of the American people.
Thank you to the 387,000+ people who submitted comments in opposition to a proposal from the Trump administration to make sweeping changes to the Endangered Species Act regulations. Read our statement in full: awionline.org/press-releas...
December 23, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Thank you to the 387,000+ people who submitted comments in opposition to a proposal from the Trump administration to make sweeping changes to the Endangered Species Act regulations. Read our statement in full: awionline.org/press-releas...