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. 🐾
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
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.
With the hubbub of the holidays upon us, taking the time to determine which food labels actually mean higher animal welfare can feel impossible.
Save our food label guide now so you can make more compassionate choices this holiday season: awionline.org/sites/defaul...
Save our food label guide now so you can make more compassionate choices this holiday season: awionline.org/sites/defaul...
December 19, 2025 at 5:56 PM
With the hubbub of the holidays upon us, taking the time to determine which food labels actually mean higher animal welfare can feel impossible.
Save our food label guide now so you can make more compassionate choices this holiday season: awionline.org/sites/defaul...
Save our food label guide now so you can make more compassionate choices this holiday season: awionline.org/sites/defaul...
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! ⬇️
Earlier this year, a @cbsnews.com and @insideedition.bsky.social investigation revealed a disturbing trend where baby spider monkeys are smuggled into the US to be sold as pets—after being taken from their mothers, who are shot and killed. www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F42...
Inside Edition & CBS News Investigation Finds Spider Monkeys For Sale
YouTube video by Inside Edition
www.youtube.com
December 14, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Earlier this year, a @cbsnews.com and @insideedition.bsky.social investigation revealed a disturbing trend where baby spider monkeys are smuggled into the US to be sold as pets—after being taken from their mothers, who are shot and killed. www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F42...
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.
Don't forget! Public comments on the Trump administration's proposed revisions to Endangered Species Act regulations are due by December 22. Take action today: www.congressweb.com/AWI/539?fram...
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 11, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Don't forget! Public comments on the Trump administration's proposed revisions to Endangered Species Act regulations are due by December 22. Take action today: www.congressweb.com/AWI/539?fram...