Humane World for Animals
Save Ralph - A short film with Taika Waititi
updated
We found Ray J chained to the ground with a massive chest injury.
It took more than a year for him to recover both emotionally and physically. Despite all the obstacles, Ray J found a loving home.
For more information on dogfighting, please visit:
humaneworld.org/en/news/about-dogfighting
Since being rescued from neglect in a dark and decrepit barn, Magnolia the blind horse has been given a second chance at a beautiful life in warm and sunny pastures. Surrounded by the love of her new human caretakers and her blind best horse friend, Barbie, Magnolia will get to live out her days without fear of experiencing neglect ever again.
Your support makes this lifesaving work possible.
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Two decrepit barns, thick with dust and cobwebs, greeted rescuers when they arrived at a rural Ohio property on a cold fall morning. “It really, truly looked abandoned, except there were animals living in there,” says Laura Koivula, director of animal crimes and investigations for our Animal Rescue Team.
In November 2022, the Humane Society of the United States assisted the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office with the rescue of 16 horses, six goats and several cats and dogs from an alleged neglect situation in Ashland, Ohio. The Humane Society of Ashland County, Days End Farm Horse Rescue and Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary also assisted with the rescue.
Rescuers could see the severity of the situation as soon as they entered the first barn, says HSUS Ohio state director Mark Finneran, who was on scene helping our rescue team. Inside, responders found six goats with hooves so overgrown they started to curl upward, resembling elf shoes. A goat with a horn curling into his head attempted to climb the sides of his enclosure. His stall was so filled with waste it took several responders to pry the door open. “It was definitely a wake-up call and a reminder for what I was in for,” Finneran says.
In the second barn, the horses’ overgrown and damaged hooves sunk into several feet of manure. A blind mare with a ruptured eye that had scarred over paced around her pen as responders examined the scene.
The animals seemed scared and overwhelmed at the start of the day, says Finneran. But as responders carefully led them from their enclosures to the transport vehicles, Finneran felt “this sense of relief that permeated all of the animals.”
After the rescue, the animals went to safe locations to receive veterinary care.
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For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.
As senior director of the Animal Rescue Team for Humane World for Animals, Jessica has seen many cats in horrific circumstances. But Miles was different, and her family soon realized just what a special cat he is.
(Footage from 2022)
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For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.
Pigs and other animals deserve more than life in confinement. They deserve space to roam, feel the sun, and live freely. We're fighting for a more humane world. Will you join us?
https://hwfa.link/stop_florida_bear_hunt
If you live in Florida, attend the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Meeting with us on August 13 - 14, 2025! See the link below for details!
https://hwfa.link/stop_florida_bear_hunt_event
Florida is considering a bear hunt for the first time in 10 years! And this time, they're considering allowing hounding (using dogs to hunt) and the baiting of black bears, with feeding stations.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has proposed reopening a trophy hunt of Florida's iconic black bears. The last time Florida held a bear hunt was in 2015. Hunters exceeded the quota in two bear management units and the scheduled week-long hunt was shut down in 48 hours. More than 300 bears were killed in that time. The proposed 2025 hunt could be even worse. The FWC is proposing a month-long bear hunting season starting in December 2025 that would allow baiting and hounding (using dogs to hunt bears).
The proposal includes cruel hunting methods like using hounds to chase and bait to lure bears. Floridians overwhelmingly oppose these practices—81% oppose bear hunting altogether, with even higher percentages rejecting inhumane methods like hounding (89%) and baiting (86%). We cannot allow the FWC to bring back the destructive bear hunts of the past.
The property that Gambit was rescued from was horrific — there was a strong stench of ammonia and many of the animals were suffering from severe dental disease, painful ear infections, eye infections and fresh and old wounds. These living conditions made it all the more unthinkable that the residence was owned by a licensed veterinarian.
Once Gambit was rescued and examined, he was given proper veterinary care. While his eye issues are now under control, he will unfortunately be blind for the rest of his life. Thankfully, this hasn't dampened his spirit. Gambit is such a loving boy who loves to play, receive attention, and run on his wheel.
Most importantly, she will never know the cruelty that's involved with factory farming.
It's our mission to work towards a future where every pig gets to live the life Sunshine lives. Thank you for helping us get there.
We must rethink our food systems. That's why, at Humane World for Animals, we're using science and advocacy to persuade corporations, financial institutions, food and food service companies, governments and producers to improve the lives of farmed animals raised for food and shift toward a more plant-forward, climate-friendly global food system.
Whole industries have been built on animal suffering, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Please speak up for animals suffering on factory farms.
https://hsus.link/farm_animals_2025
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For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.
The farmer Mr. Yu had bred dogs for human consumption for 40 years, also serving the meat at his restaurant next to the farm. While he sold the restaurant some years ago, he continued to farm dogs to supply slaughterhouses and markets elsewhere. His farm was closed down by Cheongju authorities in February for cruelty violations―he slaughtered dogs on the farm in breach of the Animal Protection Act―and Humane World for Animals Korea was asked to step in to help the dogs, including newborn puppies and pregnant moms. They had endured lives of almost total deprivation confined in barren, metal cages. The dogs did not receive adequate food; some have deformed bones due to rickets caused by nutritional deficiency.
But those days are behind them. Just 5 days after arriving at our Care and Rehabilitation Center, the difference in these dogs is astounding. We will continue to support them in whatever ways they need and help them move onwards as they heal and find their new loving homes.
Local authorities served a search and seizure warrant on a residential property at approximately 8 a.m. on Jan. 30 2024. Dozens of dogs, including many Great Dane-type dogs, and cats were found living in filthy, hazardous conditions throughout the debris-filled residence, with no apparent access to clean water. A responder observed a black cat perched on a feces-coated kitchen countertop, drinking dirty dishwater from the sink. Veterinarians noted many of the dogs are severely underweight and that some of the animals appear to be suffering from eye, skin and upper respiratory issues, including a dog with several apparent untreated tumors in her skin.
Sadie was one of the dogs on this property. After rescue and receiving the care she needed she was adopted and is now living the life she deserves!
Law enforcement officials served search and seizure warrants on two properties. Most of the dogs throughout the properties were found living outdoors, panting on heavy chains with rudimentary shelters as their only protection from the elements. Veterinarians noted that many of the dogs had scars consistent with dogfighting. One dog was found with open, untreated wounds and a fractured leg. Some had no access to water, including a nursing mother dog contained in a cage with a litter of six puppies so young their eyes are not yet open.
Responders noted a burial pit with bones and an apparent canine skull on one of the properties.
Despite their circumstances and inadequate living conditions, many of the dogs appeared eager for attention.
“Looking at the scars on these dogs, it’s clear they have been through a lot, yet they greeted us with wagging tails and hopeful eyes,” said Janell Gregory, South Carolina state director, Humane World for Animals. “No dog deserves to suffer from the cruelty of dogfighting—we are incredibly grateful to be able to help get them to safety, and to SLED for intervening in this situation.”
Green Dogs Unleashed (greendogsunleashed.org) was one of many placement partners we turned to for assistance giving these dogs a second chance at life. Erika Proctor leads GDU and found homes or fosters for 29 of the rescued pups. Erika also became Lumi's foster mom and personal trainer.
The assistance of Humane World for Animals was requested by the Hertford County Sheriff's Office after members of the community and individuals who reported buying sick puppies from the breeder raised concerns about the welfare of animals on the property.
Law enforcement, consumer protection agencies, and Humane World for Animals receive hundreds of complaints annually from consumers who have bought sick puppies from breeders and pet stores. These situations underscore the importance of choosing a responsible source when bringing home a new puppy. humaneworld.org/en/issue/stopping-puppy-mills
"Planned giving makes me feel like there’s not a great big period at the end of my life— my life is still kind of continuing here. I’m still having an influence." —Edye Lou
Naming Humane World for Animals in your will is an easy and flexible way to extend your support for animals far into the future. To learn more about this and other ways to create your humane legacy, please contact the Office of Planned Giving at legacy@humaneworld.org or 1-800-808-7858, or visit legacy.humaneworld.org/request
For more info: humanepro.org/page/all-about-catios
Love and compassion for animals can bring everyone together. ‘Humane Voices’ is the official podcast of Humane World for Animals. We’ll explore the issues facing animals, interview worldwide animal experts, and discuss what you can do to get involved and help. If you care about the welfare of animals, or have a special pet or two in your life, this is the podcast for you.
Contact us at podcast@humaneworld.org to offer feedback and suggest future episode topics.
Slick websites. Fancy storefronts. Designer breeds.
Don’t be fooled—many puppies sold online or in pet stores come from cruel puppy mills (even if the seller claims otherwise)! WATCH to learn how to spot the red flags before you bring home your new pet.
👉 SHARE or TAG a friend who’s thinking about getting a puppy!
humaneworld.org/en/blog/five-ways-tell-puppy-mill-puppy
Learn more at: humaneworld.org/puppymills
Love and compassion for animals can bring everyone together. ‘Humane Voices’ is the official podcast of Humane World for Animals. We’ll explore the issues facing animals, interview worldwide animal experts, and discuss what you can do to get involved and help. If you care about the welfare of animals, or have a special pet or two in your life, this is the podcast for you.
Contact us at podcast@humaneworld.org to offer feedback and suggest future episode topics.
Since her adoption in Canada, Sami has settled into her loving home. She loves to play, go on walks and make new friends — cats included!
This was the 18th dog meat farm permanently closed by Humane World for Animals, resulting in the rescue of more than 2,700 dogs since the program began. These dogs have found adoptive families in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and a small number in South Korea.
Thank you for supporting our lifesaving work!
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For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.
In puppy mills, mother dogs spend their entire lives in cramped cages with little to no personal attention. Due to poor sanitation, overbreeding and a lack of preventive veterinary care, the puppies frequently suffer from a variety of health issues, creating heartbreaking challenges for families who should be enjoying the delights of adopting a new family member.
Puppy mills are high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for profit, ignoring the needs of the pups and their mothers. They commonly sell through internet sales, online classified ads, flea markets and pet stores. Responsible breeders will be happy to meet you in person and show you where the puppy was born and raised—and where their mom lives too.
We're fighting to stop puppy mills on all possible levels, including supporting legislative changes, conducting investigations and litigation and promoting public awareness and education.
Now in the U.S. at our care and rehabilitation center, Ollie will receive a vet assessment and begin his rehabilitation journey.
Ahead of South Korea’s dog meat trade ban coming into force in February 2027, our Animal Rescue Team saved 67 dogs who were trapped on a dog meat farm. As the country’s estimated 1,500 dog meat farms begin to close ahead of the ban, Humane World for Animals took action at a farm in Cheongju to save the dogs and fly them to the United States to seek adoptive families.
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For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.
The farmer Mr. Yu had bred dogs for human consumption for 40 years, also serving the meat at his restaurant next to the farm. While he sold the restaurant some years ago, he continued to farm dogs to supply slaughterhouses and markets elsewhere. His farm was closed down by Cheongju authorities in February for cruelty violations―he slaughtered dogs on the farm in breach of the Animal Protection Act―and Humane World for Animals Korea was asked to step in to help the dogs, including newborn puppies and pregnant moms. They had endured lives of almost total deprivation confined in barren, metal cages. The dogs did not receive adequate food; some have deformed bones due to rickets caused by nutritional deficiency.
Now, the dogs are receiving the care they need with our team in the United States.
Thankfully, seven dogs managed to escape. Local animal rescue groups called upon us to assist in transporting them to the United States, to give them a chance to live the life of freedom they deserve.
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For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.
These animals were part of a massive removal operation in May 2023 following the closure of Puerto Rico’s only zoo, the Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo in Mayagüez. Humane World for Animals and several other organizations removed nearly 700 animals from the zoo and a nearby holding facility, Centro de Detención en Cambalache, which houses exotic species who are prohibited, confiscated or willingly surrendered on the island. Humane World for Animals experts spent a week on the ground there, working on care, evaluations and travel preparations for the animals who were then transported to their new homes across the U.S., including at Black Beauty Ranch.
According to Adam Parascandola, vice president of the animal rescue team for Humane World for Animals: “The zoo had fallen on hard times from hurricanes, economic woes, COVID and damaged infrastructure, alleged underfunding and reported complaints against them. The hundreds of animals were lacking nutritionally complete diets, were malnourished and had behavioral issues that were a result of overcrowded cages and lack of enrichment. The large-scale mission to help get them out safely and on their way to better lives was the focus of our work on the ground. The animals who we took in at Black Beauty Ranch and all of the others removed from these facilities now have a new lease on life.”
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For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.
Elsa was someone’s “pet” and wearing a harness when she was rescued in freezing temperatures by Bexar County authorities. They placed her at a local wildlife rehabilitation center until the temperatures warmed up enough for her to be safely transported to the sanctuary.
Noelle Almrud, senior director of Black Beauty, said, “Elsa is a rambunctious young wild animal and appears to be playful and active. Sadly, she spent her first few months of life as someone’s pet. The dog harness she was wearing is a harsh reminder of the unnatural life wild animals are forced to endure in captivity. Elsa has a raw area on her forehead from rubbing on her cage from stress, and fur missing where the harness once was. She was on an inappropriate diet that would have caused severe health damage, but luckily, we got her early enough and will be able to remedy that. We expect her to quickly acclimate to her large, natural habitat and start behaving more like a tiger than a pet. We will provide everything she needs to have all of her physical and emotional needs met and give her the fairytale ending she deserves.”
The Humane Society of the United States' Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch is one of the largest sanctuaries in the United States. Their goal is to provide humane, lifetime care and dignity to a wide range of species of animals.
Donate to Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch's Amazon wishlist:
https://hsus.link/elsa_black_beauty_w...
Dozens of dogs are settling in at our care and rehabilitation center in Maryland after arriving last week from an illegal dog meat farm in South Korea. Members of our staff accompanied them on their flight, greeted them at JFK International Airport, rode with them to our rehabilitation center in Maryland, and witnessed the moments they took their first steps out of their crates, their first steps into a new life.
This is just the latest chapter in a longer story about ending the dog meat industry in South Korea, a goal we’ve held for over a decade and one that we were told, in the early days, would be impossible. But we and our local partners are in the business of achieving the impossible for animals.
About 40% of dog farms in South Korea have closed since the ban on dog meat farming was passed in January 2024. The Ministry of Agriculture anticipates that ratio will reach 60% by the end of this year. And the latest opinion surveys show that most South Koreans (86%) don’t have any interest in eating dog meat.
As South Korea continues to shut down its dog meat farms, restaurants and slaughterhouses, we are also working in Viet Nam, India and through local partner groups in China and Indonesia to end the dog and cat meat trade. It is profoundly difficult work, but we will not rest until we see such cruelty finally abolished.
The farmer Mr. Yu had bred dogs for human consumption for 40 years, also serving the meat at his restaurant next to the farm. While he sold the restaurant some years ago, he continued to farm dogs to supply slaughterhouses and markets elsewhere. His farm was closed down by Cheongju authorities in February for cruelty violations―he slaughtered dogs on the farm in breach of the Animal Protection Act―and Humane World for Animals Korea was asked to step in to help the dogs, including newborn puppies and pregnant moms. They had endured lives of almost total deprivation confined in barren, metal cages. The dogs did not receive adequate food; some have deformed bones due to rickets caused by nutritional deficiency.
Ollie and Misty were the last two dogs removed from this farm and are now getting a new start at life in the United States.
Thank you for supporting our lifesaving work!
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For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.
This video underscores the brutal nature of the practice of horse “soring”, used to create the grotesque, manufactured, pain-based “Big Lick” gait of the Tennessee walking horse and related breeds.
The abuse has gone on for far too long - and only passage of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act will end it. Please join us by contacting your U.S. representative and two U.S. senators today to urge that they do all they can to enact this vital horse protection legislation in this Congress.
ACT NOW: Donate to help all animals!
secure.humaneworld.org/page/160634/action/1/?ea.tracking.id=redirect_116132
For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.
In March 2024, our Animal Rescue Team rescued about 250 dogs from alleged neglect at two puppy mills in Johnston County, OK.
These innocent souls were forced to endure living conditions that would break your heart—cramped, barren, unsanitary and ripe for the spread of deadly infections.
Your donation can make all the difference in helping us care for these dogs and continue all our lifesaving work. 🙏 Please GIVE today.
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For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.
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For over 70 years, we’ve been working to create a better world for animals. You’ve known us as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Now, as we look to our future as Humane World for Animals, we will continue our lifesaving work to tackle the root causes of suffering for animals everywhere.


