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.
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
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...
Just days after the first North Atlantic right whale calf of the 2025-26 calving season was spotted, another member of this critically endangered species—a juvenile named Division—was found so severely entangled in fishing gear that he is not expected to survive.
December 22, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Just days after the first North Atlantic right whale calf of the 2025-26 calving season was spotted, another member of this critically endangered species—a juvenile named Division—was found so severely entangled in fishing gear that he is not expected to survive.
As 2025 comes to a close, AWI wishes to thank you, our social media followers, for enhancing our efforts to help reduce animal suffering. Every like, reply, and repost helps spread awareness of important animal welfare issues in the United States and abroad.
December 18, 2025 at 5:26 PM
As 2025 comes to a close, AWI wishes to thank you, our social media followers, for enhancing our efforts to help reduce animal suffering. Every like, reply, and repost helps spread awareness of important animal welfare issues in the United States and abroad.
This month, over 100 threatened species received new or increased protections from commercial trade at #CITESCoP20. AWI is excited by the conference outcomes, which indicate widespread support for science-based conservation & wildlife protection. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...
December 17, 2025 at 6:51 PM
This month, over 100 threatened species received new or increased protections from commercial trade at #CITESCoP20. AWI is excited by the conference outcomes, which indicate widespread support for science-based conservation & wildlife protection. Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...
URGENT: This week, the House of Representatives will be considering two bills that would weaken Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for wildlife. Please urge your representatives to vote NO on these harmful measures! ⬇️
December 16, 2025 at 7:30 PM
URGENT: This week, the House of Representatives will be considering two bills that would weaken Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for wildlife. Please urge your representatives to vote NO on these harmful measures! ⬇️
Meet Elizabeth. Once a champion racehorse who won more than $53k, she was found last October nameless, neglected, and emaciated—but thanks to Homes for Horses Coalition member sanctuary This Old Horse, Elizabeth is safe and healthy today.
December 13, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Meet Elizabeth. Once a champion racehorse who won more than $53k, she was found last October nameless, neglected, and emaciated—but thanks to Homes for Horses Coalition member sanctuary This Old Horse, Elizabeth is safe and healthy today.
Imagine you are a week-old dairy calf, stuffed into an overcrowded trailer with little ventilation, unsure of your destination. Then you are trucked for more than 28 hours, with no breaks for food or water.
December 8, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Imagine you are a week-old dairy calf, stuffed into an overcrowded trailer with little ventilation, unsure of your destination. Then you are trucked for more than 28 hours, with no breaks for food or water.
Good news: Clearwater Marine Aquarium researchers have spotted the first critically endangered North Atlantic right whale calf of the season! 🐋🎉
The calf was spotted last Friday with their mother, 17-year-old Champagne, off the coast of North Carolina.
The calf was spotted last Friday with their mother, 17-year-old Champagne, off the coast of North Carolina.
December 4, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Good news: Clearwater Marine Aquarium researchers have spotted the first critically endangered North Atlantic right whale calf of the season! 🐋🎉
The calf was spotted last Friday with their mother, 17-year-old Champagne, off the coast of North Carolina.
The calf was spotted last Friday with their mother, 17-year-old Champagne, off the coast of North Carolina.
Millions of animals are used in research each year. Historically, non-animal options haven’t been sophisticated enough to replace live subjects.
However, new tech is bringing us closer to a more humane—and more scientifically relevant—future.
Learn more: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
However, new tech is bringing us closer to a more humane—and more scientifically relevant—future.
Learn more: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
December 3, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Millions of animals are used in research each year. Historically, non-animal options haven’t been sophisticated enough to replace live subjects.
However, new tech is bringing us closer to a more humane—and more scientifically relevant—future.
Learn more: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
However, new tech is bringing us closer to a more humane—and more scientifically relevant—future.
Learn more: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
TAKE ACTION: The federal government has proposed drastic revisions to Endangered Species Act regulations that would further jeopardize endangered and threatened species. Submit public comments opposing these changes by December 22!
www.congressweb.com/AWI/539?fram...
www.congressweb.com/AWI/539?fram...
December 2, 2025 at 9:43 PM
TAKE ACTION: The federal government has proposed drastic revisions to Endangered Species Act regulations that would further jeopardize endangered and threatened species. Submit public comments opposing these changes by December 22!
www.congressweb.com/AWI/539?fram...
www.congressweb.com/AWI/539?fram...
Today, AWI recognized eight individuals, organizations, & agencies with the Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award during #CITESCoP20. The award honors those who have excelled in protecting species through wildlife law enforcement.
Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...
Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...
December 2, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Today, AWI recognized eight individuals, organizations, & agencies with the Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award during #CITESCoP20. The award honors those who have excelled in protecting species through wildlife law enforcement.
Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...
Learn more: awionline.org/press-releas...
The 2026 Animal Welfare Institute Scholarship is now open! 🎓
The scholarship is open to US-based high school seniors who plan to pursue a career helping animals. Recipients will receive a one-time award of $3,000. Learn more and apply: awionline.org/scholarship
The scholarship is open to US-based high school seniors who plan to pursue a career helping animals. Recipients will receive a one-time award of $3,000. Learn more and apply: awionline.org/scholarship
November 24, 2025 at 8:47 PM
The 2026 Animal Welfare Institute Scholarship is now open! 🎓
The scholarship is open to US-based high school seniors who plan to pursue a career helping animals. Recipients will receive a one-time award of $3,000. Learn more and apply: awionline.org/scholarship
The scholarship is open to US-based high school seniors who plan to pursue a career helping animals. Recipients will receive a one-time award of $3,000. Learn more and apply: awionline.org/scholarship
Shopping for #Thanksgiving dinner? Deceptive food labels prey on our desire for better treatment of animals, but some labels are more meaningful than others. 🦃
Save our guide to common food labels for when you go shopping: awionline.org/sites/defaul...
Save our guide to common food labels for when you go shopping: awionline.org/sites/defaul...
November 21, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Shopping for #Thanksgiving dinner? Deceptive food labels prey on our desire for better treatment of animals, but some labels are more meaningful than others. 🦃
Save our guide to common food labels for when you go shopping: awionline.org/sites/defaul...
Save our guide to common food labels for when you go shopping: awionline.org/sites/defaul...
The Trump administration is, once again, proposing sweeping changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that would leave threatened and endangered wildlife at a heightened risk of extinction. We fought these rules during the first term, and we’re ready to fight them again.
November 20, 2025 at 9:40 PM
The Trump administration is, once again, proposing sweeping changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that would leave threatened and endangered wildlife at a heightened risk of extinction. We fought these rules during the first term, and we’re ready to fight them again.
AWI hosted an exhibition booth at this year’s American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (#AALAS) National Meeting in Long Beach! Animal care techs, vets, lab managers, and more stopped by to pick up materials and learn more about improving welfare for animals in labs.
November 19, 2025 at 10:42 PM
AWI hosted an exhibition booth at this year’s American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (#AALAS) National Meeting in Long Beach! Animal care techs, vets, lab managers, and more stopped by to pick up materials and learn more about improving welfare for animals in labs.
TAKE ACTION: Urge your US representative to oppose the SPEED Act, a bill that would disregard science and allow projects such as new power plants, oil and gas development, and logging to move forward without proper consideration of environmental impacts: www.congressweb.com/AWI/533?fram...
November 19, 2025 at 3:00 PM
TAKE ACTION: Urge your US representative to oppose the SPEED Act, a bill that would disregard science and allow projects such as new power plants, oil and gas development, and logging to move forward without proper consideration of environmental impacts: www.congressweb.com/AWI/533?fram...
Educators, visit our booth, #1308, at this week's Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching, presented by the Science Teachers Association of Texas, in Dallas!
We have free books, lesson plans, & more, all designed to help teachers incorporate more compassion in the classroom. #STATCAST25
We have free books, lesson plans, & more, all designed to help teachers incorporate more compassion in the classroom. #STATCAST25
November 13, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Educators, visit our booth, #1308, at this week's Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching, presented by the Science Teachers Association of Texas, in Dallas!
We have free books, lesson plans, & more, all designed to help teachers incorporate more compassion in the classroom. #STATCAST25
We have free books, lesson plans, & more, all designed to help teachers incorporate more compassion in the classroom. #STATCAST25
Meet Nancy Blaney. Your federal legislators probably have.
Nancy, AWI Government Affairs Program Director, has spent decades fighting for protections for animals. Read her profile in the AWI Quarterly: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
Nancy, AWI Government Affairs Program Director, has spent decades fighting for protections for animals. Read her profile in the AWI Quarterly: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
November 10, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Meet Nancy Blaney. Your federal legislators probably have.
Nancy, AWI Government Affairs Program Director, has spent decades fighting for protections for animals. Read her profile in the AWI Quarterly: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
Nancy, AWI Government Affairs Program Director, has spent decades fighting for protections for animals. Read her profile in the AWI Quarterly: awionline.org/awi-quarterl...
Last month, the Trump administration announced it had finalized plans to begin oil & gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Ironically, this announcement, which would impact 700+ species that call the refuge home, came just before #PolarBearWeek.
November 7, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Last month, the Trump administration announced it had finalized plans to begin oil & gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Ironically, this announcement, which would impact 700+ species that call the refuge home, came just before #PolarBearWeek.