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.
Pinned
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. 🐾
🚨BREAKING: Mexico is on the brink of publishing new regulatory measures that will permit the use of gillnets in vaquita porpoise habitat and allow night fishing, likely leading to the extinction of the species.
Read more: awionline.org/press-releas...
Read more: awionline.org/press-releas...
February 6, 2026 at 1:52 AM
🚨BREAKING: Mexico is on the brink of publishing new regulatory measures that will permit the use of gillnets in vaquita porpoise habitat and allow night fishing, likely leading to the extinction of the species.
Read more: awionline.org/press-releas...
Read more: awionline.org/press-releas...
TY, IL Rep. Theresa Mah, for sponsoring the FUR VIRUS Act in #Illinois! This bill would implement crucial disease prevention measures by licensing existing fur farms in IL and preventing the establishment of new fur farms in the state. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...
February 3, 2026 at 8:17 PM
TY, IL Rep. Theresa Mah, for sponsoring the FUR VIRUS Act in #Illinois! This bill would implement crucial disease prevention measures by licensing existing fur farms in IL and preventing the establishment of new fur farms in the state. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...
Exciting news: The 36th annual “A Voice for Animals” contest is now open for submissions! Students ages 14 to 18 from around the globe can win cash prizes for essays and ideas that explore strategies to protect animals. Learn more: apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/awih...
February 2, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Exciting news: The 36th annual “A Voice for Animals” contest is now open for submissions! Students ages 14 to 18 from around the globe can win cash prizes for essays and ideas that explore strategies to protect animals. Learn more: apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/awih...
During a recent House oversight hearing, retired US Fish and Wildlife Service special agent Ed Newcomer and Representative Mike Quigley highlighted the cruel and dangerous realities of the pet primate trade.
January 30, 2026 at 3:52 PM
During a recent House oversight hearing, retired US Fish and Wildlife Service special agent Ed Newcomer and Representative Mike Quigley highlighted the cruel and dangerous realities of the pet primate trade.
A new bill in Congress seeks to weaken the Big Cat Public Safety Act, lining the pockets of special interests at the expense of big cats. Please contact your federal representative and urge them to oppose H.R. 7159! www.congressweb.com/AWI/540?fram...
January 29, 2026 at 6:07 PM
A new bill in Congress seeks to weaken the Big Cat Public Safety Act, lining the pockets of special interests at the expense of big cats. Please contact your federal representative and urge them to oppose H.R. 7159! www.congressweb.com/AWI/540?fram...
AWI Scholarship recipient Madison Kossow followed her dreams of opening a dog rescue—and today, Mission Mutt Dog Rescue has saved 77 dogs in need. Madison’s efforts demonstrate the powerful role of today’s youth in creating a better world for animals. awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
January 27, 2026 at 4:43 PM
AWI Scholarship recipient Madison Kossow followed her dreams of opening a dog rescue—and today, Mission Mutt Dog Rescue has saved 77 dogs in need. Madison’s efforts demonstrate the powerful role of today’s youth in creating a better world for animals. awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
A winter storm is projected to bring snow, ice, and frigid temperatures to much of the United States this weekend. Ensure your pets are safe from the cold by keeping them indoors, preparing necessary supplies, and equipping them with an up-to-date ID tag and microchip.
January 23, 2026 at 6:04 PM
A winter storm is projected to bring snow, ice, and frigid temperatures to much of the United States this weekend. Ensure your pets are safe from the cold by keeping them indoors, preparing necessary supplies, and equipping them with an up-to-date ID tag and microchip.
Thanks to @dallasnews.com for speaking with AWI senior wildlife biologist DJ Schubert about bobcat and coyote activity in the Dallas-Fort Worth area—and what we can all do to be better neighbors to native wildlife: www.dallasnews.com/news/public-...
January 22, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Thanks to @dallasnews.com for speaking with AWI senior wildlife biologist DJ Schubert about bobcat and coyote activity in the Dallas-Fort Worth area—and what we can all do to be better neighbors to native wildlife: www.dallasnews.com/news/public-...
#NewYork residents: It is impossible to farm octopuses humanely. Please urge your state legislators to help establish New York as a leader in animal welfare and environmental protection by banning commercial octopus farming: www.congressweb.com/AWI/525?fram...
January 21, 2026 at 8:48 PM
#NewYork residents: It is impossible to farm octopuses humanely. Please urge your state legislators to help establish New York as a leader in animal welfare and environmental protection by banning commercial octopus farming: www.congressweb.com/AWI/525?fram...
TAKE ACTION: Current attempts to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in American waters put our country’s cherished wildlife, oceans, beaches, and people in peril.
Speak up against this plan using AWI’s Action Center by January 23: awionline.org/offshoredrilling
Speak up against this plan using AWI’s Action Center by January 23: awionline.org/offshoredrilling
January 20, 2026 at 5:07 PM
TAKE ACTION: Current attempts to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in American waters put our country’s cherished wildlife, oceans, beaches, and people in peril.
Speak up against this plan using AWI’s Action Center by January 23: awionline.org/offshoredrilling
Speak up against this plan using AWI’s Action Center by January 23: awionline.org/offshoredrilling
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.
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.
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...
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...
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