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 Popcorn Park: Not Your Average Zoo
The Associated Humane Societies (AHS), founded in 1906, is the largest animal sheltering system in New Jersey. AHS cares for approximately 15,000 animals every year, including cats, dogs, wildlife, and farm animals. In addition to operating three shelters, the Associated Humane Societies also runs Popcorn Park Zoo – a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, or abused wildlife, exotic and farm animals. Read more >> © Photo credited to Associated Humane Societies
 Houston SPCA Cares for Over 1,000 Rescued Animals
On September 23, 2009, the Houston SPCA Cruelty Investigations Team rescued over 1,000 animals from a home in Northwest Houston. It was the largest animal rescue in the history of the Houston SPCA and one of the largest in the country. A variety of animals including birds, exotics, small mammals, farm animals, wildlife and companion animals were all found living in deplorable conditions, cruel confinement and lacking proper food, water and shelter. Read more >> © Photo credited to Houston SPCA
 Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals Hosts Animal Well Fair
On Sunday, October 11th the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals will host its second annual Animal Well Fair to celebrate the importance of animals in our lives. Animal welfare agencies and professionals will gather in the big barn at the River Road Farm facility to welcome the public, distribute information, provide demonstrations, and collaborate on ways to protect and provide for animals. Read more >> © Photo credited to Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals
 More than 60 Cities to Host Walk For Farm Animals Events
The animal advocacy event of the season is coming to your area this autumn, so lace up your comfiest sneakers and get ready to hit the streets during Farm Sanctuary’s annual Walk for Farm Animals. From September 19 through October 25, thousands of people in dozens of cities throughout the U.S. and Canada will attend Walk events — and you’re invited to be part of the action! Read More >> © Photo credited to Farm Sanctuary
 21st Annual Walk Benefiting the Providence Animal Rescue League
On Sunday, September 13, 2009, hundreds of Rhode Islanders and their pets will come together for the Providence Animal Rescue League’s signature event, Pet Walk Rhode Island. The walk features a scenic 3.5 mile (5K) walk through Roger Williams Park in Providence. There will be family fun activities, obedience demonstrations, and fabulous prizes! Read more >> © Photo credited to Providence Animal Rescue League
 SPCA Serving Erie County Hosts Paws in the Park 2009
On Saturday, September 12, the SPCA Serving Erie County will host its annual fundraising event, Paws in the Park, at Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island, NY. Last year, approximately 1200 people and 1000 dogs made the march to help sick, injured, and homeless animals at the SPCA. Read more >> © Photo credited to SPCA Serving Erie County
 Rancho Coastal Humane Society Helps Break Cycle of Domestic Violence
Rancho Coastal Humane Society created its award winning Animal Safehouse Program (ASP) in 1997 after numerous requests from domestic violence shelters seeking a place for their clients to house their pets. Since 1997, the ASP has helped hundreds of families and their pets break away from the cycle of domestic violence. Read more>> © Photo credited to Rancho Coastal Humane Society
Help Raise Funds for Animals in Need 
Join thousands of animal lovers and their four-footed companions for the 29th Annual MSPCA-Angell Walk for Animals on Sunday, September 13th in Boston, Hyannis or Newbury, Massachusetts. Read more >>
 Pet Trust Legislative Success in Connecticut
For the past ten years, the Connecticut Humane Society has been advocating for the creation of pet trust legislation, which would allow pet owners to include companion animals into new or existing estate plans. On July 7, 2009 their efforts paid off when Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell signed Senate Bill 650 “An Act Concerning the Creation of a Trust for the Care of An Animal” into law. Read more >>
 Hundreds Rescued in 8-State Dogfighting Raid
On July 8, 2009 the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and United Animal Nations (UAN) assisted in an operation to rescue hundreds of dogs from multiple organized dog fighting operations throughout the Midwest. It was the largest simultaneous dogfighting raid and rescue in United States history. Read more >>
 Michigan Humane Society Launches 'Certified Pre-Owned Cats' Program
Last month, the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) launched its “Certified Pre-Owned Cats” program as part of a strategic campaign to proactively address cat overpopulation and homelessness in southeast Michigan. Through the program, MHS hopes to “drive” more traffic to its three adoption centers. Read more>>
 Project Perry Celebrates Completion of African Grey Aviary
Project Perry recently celebrated the completion of its African Grey Aviary with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. One year of hard work and an incredible amount of support created a state of the art 3,600 sq.ft. aviary which allows its current 19 residents to live as naturally as possible while in captivity. Read more >> © Photo credited to Project Perry
 Women's Humane Society Celebrates 140 Years of Animal Protection
It’s been 140 years since the Women’s Humane Society began operating in borrowed office space in Philadelphia. Under the direction of the all-female board of directors, the Society became the first organization in the United States to offer unwanted animals a chance for a new home at its adoption center. Read more >>
 Investigation Reveals Supply Line of Dogs and Cats in Higher Education
Animalearn, the educational division of AAVS, has released a new report entitled “Dying to Learn: Exposing the Supply and Use of Dogs and Cats to Higher Education," which documents the hidden practices of higher education, proving that science lab students are using former pets at major colleges and universities. Read more >>
 Animal Legal Defense Fund Featured in O Magazine
In 2005, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) won the biggest civil action to stop animal cruelty in American history, rescuing more than 300 dogs from a North Carolina animal hoarder. In its June issue, O, The Oprah Magazine, catches up with a crew of the case's spunkiest survivors. Read more >>
A Multi-Organizational Walk for Our Four-Footed Friends 
Animal Shelter, Inc. is inviting everyone to attend the 2009 Whisker Walk - a fun day for families and their dogs to benefit animal shelters throughout New England. Read more >>
 Recognizing Cruelty: How Can You Tell if an Animal Has Been Abused?
Recognizing signs of animal abuse is simple, right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. Animal cops and behaviorists share insider tips on how to tell if a pet has been abused—and what you can do to get that animal the help he needs. Read more >>
Free seminars to help your business thrive 
Join the management team of Helen Woodward Animal Center from June 17 - 19 as they share the "business of saving lives" with topics ranging from fund raising to animal care. This three-day seminar will leave your team inspired, motivated, and fully equipped to take on the challenges of creating an animal center for the future. Read more >>
 Henry finds peace at Chimp Haven
Henry was rescued by the Houston SPCA last fall, where animal control officers found him in a rusty cage in a garage. He was alone and surrounded by filth. For 15 years, he existed like this. Severely underweight and malnourished, he received intensive care from the local SPCA and Houston Zoo before he could travel to Louisiana. And now…Henry is home! He arrived at Chimp Haven at the end of February to a jubilant care staff who prepared a special place just for him. He will continue his physical recovery and, with the help of the Chimp Haven staff and chimpanzees, finally learn what it is like to be a chimpanzee. Read more >> © Photo credited to Chimp Haven
 21 Protected Birds Shot to Death
The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is asking people to praise the investigative work of Officer Dan Stermen and Lt. Wayne Maah of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) who recently arrested seven people for wantonly shooting and killing 21 protected birds, including ibises, herons and egrets. Read more >> © Photo credited to Animal Legal Defense Fund
 Big Cat Rescue: Providing sanctuary to exotic cats in Florida
Big Cat Rescue, a non profit educational sanctuary located in Tampa, Florida, is devoted to rescuing and caring for exotic cats who have been abused, abandoned, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats. Today the sanctuary is home to the most diverse population of exotic cats in the world, with 16 species and subspecies of wild cat represented among more than 100 residents. Read more >> © Photo credited to Big Cat Rescue
 Humane Education takes flight with the publication of LuckyThe Avian Welfare Coalition – a coalition of animal protection organizations, avian rescue groups, veterinarians and conservation organizations – together with WSPA and other animal welfare groups, is proud to announce the publication of Lucky by Monica Engebretson, an educational children’s book that gently awakens children to the plight of captive birds and birds captured in the wild. Read more >>
 Caribbean Spay/Neuter Initiatives Show Record Success on Grand Bahama
The Humane Society of Grand Bahama (HSGB), in partnership with The Kohn Foundation (TKF), recently completed another successful spay/neuter clinic on Grand Bahama in the Caribbean. For five days, fifteen U.S. vets and technicians, along with HSGB staff and volunteers, worked tirelessly to sterilize 277 dogs and cats. Read more >> © Photo credited to Bill Grimmer
 Ending the Ultimate Betrayal: AAVS fights to outlaw pound seizure
Cruella, a shepherd chow mix who wore a purple collar, was found, lost in a small town in Michigan. She may have thought that she was being rescued when workers from the county pound picked her up, but instead it was the start of a year-long nightmare, one in which she was handed over to an animal dealer who later sold her to a university for use in painful veterinary medical training exercises. Read more >> © Photo credited to AAVS
 HSUS Presents 15th Annual SPAY DAY USA
The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to announce that the 15th annual Spay Day USA takes place on Tuesday, February 24. Spay Day USA is the organization’s annual campaign to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets. More than 500 events in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are taking place on Spay Day USA 2009 and throughout the month of February. Read more >>
 Animal Disaster Response Training
Noah’s Wish, a California based non-profit organization whose singular mission is to keep animals alive during disasters, is presenting a two-day training program to recruit new volunteers. Read more >> © Photo credited to Noah's Wish
 New Hampshire SPCA - Overrun with Horses
The New Hampshire SPCA (NHSPCA) recently announced that it is seeking adopters, foster homes and support for the ten horses currently its care. The ten horses come from a variety of cases of animal cruelty and neglect. Read more >> © Photo credited to New Hampshire SPCA
2009 Michigan Humane Society Telethon 
For over 131 years, The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) has been at the forefront of providing hope to animals for whom all else was lost. Providing basic needs such as food, shelter and most of all hope! Each year, as one of the nation’s top animal welfare organizations, MHS not only directly touches the lives of over 100,000 companion animals in Michigan, but helps transforms the lives of our four legged friends all across the country, and even worldwide. Read more >>
 Houston SPCA Rescues Chimpanzee
The Houston SPCA recently seized a 23-year-old malnourished chimpanzee from a home in Southeast Texas. “Henry” was found living in a filthy cage littered with soda cans, cigarettes and trash. Investigators sadly discovered that he had been living in these deplorable conditions for the past 15 years. Read more >> © Photo credited to Houston SPCA
Alley Cat Allies Brings "Every Kitty - Every City" Program to New Orleans Alley Cat Allies, a national advocate for stray and feral cats, announced that it has chosen New Orleans, LA for its “Every Kitty—Every City” program. New Orleans will join Atlantic City, Baltimore, metropolitan Washington, D.C. and Chicago in the program. Read more >> © Photo credited to Molly Wald
Celebrate National Bird Day on January 5, 2009 
Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute in coordination with the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) is calling on activists around the U.S. to take action on behalf of captive birds on January 5 - National Bird Day. Read more >>
 Project Perry opens African Grey Aviary
In early 2008, an avian rescue organization located in the heart of Virginia rescued fifteen birds from a neglectful breeding situation. Twelve of the birds were African Greys and almost all were wild caught. They had been serving the pet trade for decades and living in unnatural environments with nothing to do but breed and pluck themselves or each other. Read more >>
IBBR welcomes blonde beauty
 When cubs arrive at Idaho Black Bear Rehab (IBBR), they are often weak, wounded, and starving. They need emergency medical attention as well as months of dedicated care. According to Sally Maughan, Director of IBBR, the physical trauma is great, but what is most troubling in her mind is the mental trauma. “You can see the fear in their eyes,” says Sally, “and the acute awareness that their whole world has just been turned upside down.” Read more >>
 A sanctuary for exotic animals fights to secure land
When the Stoner's established Peace River Refuge & Ranch in 1998, they never expected that in ten years, the area would become one of the fastest growing housing markets in Florida. With the recent approval of an 8,000 acre subdivision just south of the sanctuary, along with several other housing developments popping up around them, it will only be a matter of time before the animals at Peace River are forced to move - even though they were there first. The good news is that Kurt and Lisa have a plan. They just need help implementing it. Read more >>
$25 million offered for non-surgical sterilization for dogs and cats Billionaire surgeon, entrepreneur and inventor Dr. Gary Michelson recenlty announced that he is offering $25 million to the person or group who can come up with a safe, non-surgical, single dose sterilization method for male and female cats and dogs. Read more >>
 A summer update from Appalachian Bear Rescue
I'd like to share ABR's summer news with all of you. Our bear cub season started a little late this year. The current residents at ABR are two cubs from Louisiana and two cubs from Arkansas (the Fiesty Foursome!) that were admitted in May and June, respectively. When the cubs were introduced to each other in the weaning pen, the Louisiana cubs came out of their den offering bear hugs and kisses (literally!). Read more >> © Photo credited to Appalachian Bear Rescue
 Pigs rescued from midwest floodwaters
WSPA member societies - American Humane Association, Animal Rescue League of Boston, and Farm Sanctuary - along with the International Fund for Animal Welfare have returned from an unprecedented disaster relief effort in the Midwest. After nearly three weeks on the ground, the animal protection groups rescued 69 starving pigs that had been stranded on a levee without food, fresh drinking water or protection from the sun. Read more >>
 New beginnings for bear cubs
Hunting activity, accidents and abandonments leave cubs orphaned, often injured, and unable to fend for themselves. Idaho Black Bear Rehabilitation Center (IBBR) provides a safe home where young bears can learn the skills a parent would teach; the sanctuary has man-made dens, tree trunks and a swim tub, mirroring the wild environment. In June 2008, 21 bears - cared for since they were cubs by IBBR - were the latest to be released at safe sites to live natural lives. The sanctuary's success is such that their methods are being adopted by bear rehabilitators throughout the world. Read more >> © Photo credited to Ray J. Gadd
WSPA USA hosts global outreach round table Leaders of animal welfare organizations of all sizes came from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands to participate in the first Global Outreach Round Table hosted by WSPA's US office in Boston, MA on May 7 - 9. Through presentations, small group discussions and networking, participants explored ways to create effective collaborations and partnerships. Read more >>
Foster Parrots spreads its wings  Foster Parrots, a WSPA Member Society, has recently launched a new endeavor - the New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary - which opened its doors last summer to a flock of abused, abandoned, and unwanted exotic animals, including hundreds of parrots, several African Sulcata tortoises, African Crested Porcupines, and a Patagonian cavy - an Argentinean rodent that resembles a hare.
Foster Parrots is a parrot rescue and sanctuary organization in Rockland, MA. In their no-kill shelter, they currently care for over 300 abused or abandoned parrots. They are also active in avian advocacy and are an effective educational resource for schools and bird guardians. WSPA is delighted to share Foster Parrots' remarkable story with our supporters. Read more >>
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