Author: Kristin Stone

Humane Society International

Dogs in cage at Langowan Market Indonesia
Dog Meat Free Indonesia

The dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia

Every year, millions of dogs and cats are captured and transported across Indonesia for the brutal dog and cat meat trade. Many are stolen family pets or strays snatched from city streets and rural areas. These animals are crammed into cages or sacks so tightly they can’t move, often with their mouths bound shut, barely able to breathe. Enduring excruciatingly long journeys on bikes or overcrowded trucks, they are taken to markets, slaughterhouses, and restaurants. Some die from suffocation, dehydration, or heatstroke before reaching their destination. For those who survive, their fate is even more horrific forced to witness others being killed before their own agonizing death. The terror and suffering they endure is unimaginable.

Donate now to help stop this cruel trade and protect all animals.

Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) coalition

HSI is a founding member of the Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) coalition, working alongside international and national organizations to end the dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia. The coalition works to expose the cruelty, raise awareness and push for legal reforms to stop the trade, protect animal welfare and prevent associated public health risks such as the spread of rabies.

A human health risk

DMFI investigations have exposed the severe animal cruelty and the significant threat to human health. The dog meat trade involves the mass movement of dogs of unknown disease status between provinces and islands. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted this trade as a major contributor to the spread of rabies in Indonesia. By moving rabies-positive dogs into densely populated areas, such as Jakarta, which has worked hard to achieve a rabies-free status, the trade undermines rabies control efforts across the country.

Unsanitary conditions at slaughterhouses and markets add another layer of concern. Traders, slaughterers, vendors and consumers are exposed to rabies and other zoonotic diseases. Evidence shows that rabies-positive dogs are being sold and slaughtered for consumption, particularly in North Sulawesi’s infamous traditional markets, where dogs and cats are sold alongside other animals such as chickens and wildlife.

In addition, when vaccinated dogs are taken from their communities for the dog meat trade, this reduces the overall number of immune dogs, lowering the population’s herd immunity. As a result, rabies can spread more easily among the remaining unvaccinated or partially vaccinated dogs in the community.

While only an estimated 4.5% of Indonesia’s population consumes dog meat, the trade puts the entire country at risk.

Who consumes dog and cat meat?

The vast majority of Indonesians (around 95%) do not eat dog meat. It is most consumed in certain areas, such as Manado and Medan, where it is considered a traditional food, particularly among Batak and Christian populations. Consumption often peaks during festive occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, weddings and baptisms.

Dog meat is also eaten in the mistaken belief that it offers health benefits, such as curing asthma or dengue fever, boosting the immune system, or improving male stamina. Contrary to popular belief, dog meat is not consumed because it is a cheap protein source—it is priced similarly to other meats. Cat meat is far less common, with around 1% of Indonesians consuming it. However, thousands of cats are traded every year, especially in North Sulawesi markets.

Growing opposition

Countries and regions across Asia—such as the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia—have banned the dog and cat meat trade due to the cruelty and health risks involved. In Indonesia, opposition to the trade is growing, especially among younger generations, thanks to rising pet ownership and increasing concern for animal welfare.

Call for a ban

Although Indonesia lacks explicit regulations banning the dog and cat meat trade, several existing laws could be enforced to curtail it. These laws cover consumer safety, public violence, livestock transportation, animal abuse, theft and quarantine. Strict enforcement of these regulations could dramatically reduce or even eliminate the dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia.

Through the Dog Meat Free Indonesia coalition, our campaigns have already achieved 50+ bans in cities, regencies and provinces across Indonesia and we are campaigning for an outright ban on the dog and cat meat trade. Add your voice by taking action now.

Rescued dogs at a temporary shelter in Indonesia
Ekky Bogor/AP Images for HSI

Progress so far:

      • 2017 – present: The province of Bali, Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination, tackles the dog meat trade; dog meat vendors have been closed down, with the authorities stating that they will take action against those who continue to trade in and sell dog meat.
      • September 2018: The Central Government issued a Directive to all provincial, regency and city authorities calling on them to take action to discourage dog and cat meat consumption and to implement measures to tackle the trades wherever they occur. This followed a statement by the Director of Veterinary Public Health describing the dog and cat meat trades as “torture for animals.”
      • June 2019: The Regency of Karanganyar (Central Java, a key dog meat-eating province), announced a ban on the dog meat trade in its jurisdiction, offering small financial compensation packages to those reliant on the dog meat trade to assist with their transition to alternative livelihoods.
      • December 2019: Following DMFI investigations exposing Central Java’s rampant dog meat trade, including Solo city where more than 13,700 dogs are slaughtered each month, Governor Ganjar Pranowo met with DMFI and publicly called on the Mayor of Solo city to take action to tackle the trade. The Head of Agriculture of Central Java also released a statement reminding those involved in the dog meat trade that dogs are not considered food animals under the law, and that transport of dogs for human consumption is punishable by law.
      • December 2019: In collaboration with DMFI, Yogyakarta (“Jogja”) city erected billboards in two prominent locations, explicitly stating that dogs are “Man’s best friend and not for consumption.”
      • April 2021: The Regency of Sukoharjo banned the dog meat trade.
      • May 2021: The city of Salatiga banned the dog meat trade.
      • May 2021: The first ever interception of dog meat traders in Indonesia took place in Kulon Progo Regency. The traders were transporting 78 dogs. The surviving 63 dogs are now being cared for at a local animal protection group’s shelter, and DMFI has sent vets and vaccinations, deworming treatment and other supplies to assist.
      • November 2021: DMFI members worked in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to successfully rescue dogs being trafficked to a slaughterhouse in Sukoharjo. Over 50 dogs were rescued and taken to DMFI’s purpose-built shelter for care and eventual adoption.
      • December 2021: DMFI documentary about North Sulawesi’s Live Animal Markets, featuring DMFI Ambassador, Peter Egan, wins Best Documentary Short at Cannes World Film Festival.
      • January 2022: Malang becomes the first city in East Java to pass local regulations prohibiting the dog meat trade city-wide, following lobbying by DMFI.
      • January 2022 (announced in February): Central Java’s provincial capital city, Semarang, becomes the first provincial capital and 5th region nationwide to pass regulations explicitly prohibiting the dog meat trade throughout its jurisdiction.
      • March 2022: Semarang Regency, Blora Regency, Brebes Regency and Purbalingga regency passed directives prohibiting dog meat in their jurisdictions.
      • April 2022: Magelang city, Jepara (both Central Java) and Blitar city, Mojokerto City and Mojokerto Regency (all East Java) passed directives prohibiting dog meat in their jurisdictions.
      • April 2022: The Animal Husbandry Department of East Java Province submitted documents calling on provincial mayors and regents to end the dog meat trade throughout their jurisdictions, and plans to request the governor to enact a province-wide ban.
      • May 2022: Magelang Regency and Temanggung Regency passed directives prohibiting dog meat in their jurisdictions.
      • June 2022: Medan becomes North Sumatra province’s first city to ban the dog meat trade. This is a huge breakthrough given that ~120 – 200 dogs are slaughtered in Medan city every day, and is considered the biggest dog trafficking hotspot in the country.
      • July 2022: Central Java Provincial Dept. of Animal Husbandry became the second provincial government to issue official recommendations to all regencies/ cities province-wide for them to pass Directives banning the dog meat trade, citing cruelty, the fact that dog meat is not recognized as “food” in Indonesia, and due to the rabies risk.
      • August 2022: Surabaya in East Java province became the 18th jurisdiction to pass a Directive prohibiting the dog meat trade, and the 3rd provincial capital to do so.
      • September 2022: Special Area of the city of (DKI) Jakarta – the most populous metropolitan area in Indonesia, comprising the capital as well as five satellite cities and three complete regencies, including parts of West Java and Banten provinces – issued a Directive banning dog meat trade. DMFI investigations suggest that in Jakarta, an estimated 9,520 dogs per month or around 340 dogs every day are killed for meat so this new Directive could save thousands of dogs each month.
      • October 2022: Kebumen Regency and Pekalongan city, both in Central Java, introduce regulations banning the dog meat trade.
      • July 2023: After negotiations with Humane Society International and Animal Friends Manado Indonesia, a permanent ban on the sale and slaughter or dogs and cats was secured at Tomohon Extreme Market in North Sulawesi province.
      • July 2023: Mayor of Magelang city (Muchamad Nur Aziz) and the head of the department of agriculture met with the DMFI coalition and committed to build on their existing directive to next introduce a “perda” (law), officially banning the trade.
      • July 2023: Yogyakarta city or “Jogja”, capital of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, made a formal commitment to the DMFI coalition to introduce a perda (law) to end the dog meat trade.
      • August 2023: Rembang Regency (Central Java) issued a Directive prohibiting the dog and cat meat trades.
      • September 2023: Jombang Regency (East Java) become the latest to pass a Directive banning the dog and cat meat trades.
      • October 2023: Sumedang Regency, Bandung Regency, Tasikmalaya City, Cirebon City and Banjar City (West Java) issued Directives to ban the dog met trade.
      • November 2023: West Java province, Banten province and Subang Regency, Karawang Regency and Purwakarta Regency in West Java issued a Directive to ban the dog meat trade.
      • December 2023: The province of the Special Region of Yogyakarta issued a provincial Directive against the dog meat trade.
      • February 2024: Surakarta (Solo city) issued a Directive against the dog meat trade.
      • July 2024: Bantul Regency (Special Region of Yogyakarta) passed a Directive against the dog meat trade.

The Dog Meat Free Indonesia coalition believes that strong actions must be extended to the whole of Indonesia in order to shut down the brutally cruel, unsanitary and unsafe dog meat trade. Speak out and donate now to help dogs and other animals in need.

Humane Society International

The Lo & Behold Group, a Singaporean hospitality company, is joining Humane Society International to improve animal welfare in its supply chain by committing to sourcing 100 percent cage-free eggs.

The Lo & Behold Group owns and operates restaurants, bars and a boutique hotel in Singapore. Their concepts, including Loof, The White Rabbit, OverEasy, Tanjong Beach Club, The Black Swan and Odette, will use exclusively cage-free eggs by 2020. With this commitment, The Lo & Behold Group will be the first Asian company to join the global cage-free egg movement.

HSI supports companies like The Lo & Behold Group throughout the world in the implementation of their animal welfare policies by providing technical resources and trainings on cage-free egg production.

Andrew Ing, chief operating officer of The Lo & Behold Group, said: “We are proud of our commitment to corporate social responsibility and responsible consumption, which includes animal welfare in our supply chain. There is a growing demand for higher welfare and quality products and cage-free eggs are a key example of high quality, sustainable ingredients. We look forward to continuing to work with Humane Society International on this and other animal welfare issues.”

Dawn Neo, corporate outreach manager for HSI Farm Animals in Asia, said: “We applaud The Lo & Behold Group for becoming the first Asian company to commit to a cage-free egg policy, and for leading the way towards a higher standard of corporate-social responsibility for animal welfare in the region. Consumers around the world care about the way animals who are raised for food are treated. The Lo & Behold Group’s praiseworthy commitment makes it clear that Asia’s future is cage-free. We are proud to work with them on this initiative, and look forward to working with more companies in Singapore and the region on similar policies.” 

In Asia, the vast majority of egg-laying hens are confined in wire battery cages, where each hen has less space than an A4-sized sheet of paper to spend her entire life. Battery cages are inherently cruel—hens are unable to move freely or express important natural behaviours like nesting, perching, and dustbathing. Cage-free systems generally offer hens higher levels of animal welfare than battery cage systems.

The Lo & Behold Group joins other multinational companies that have made similar global cage-free egg commitments that apply to Singapore and the rest of Asia, including AccorHotels, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Nestle, Sodexo, Compass Group and Unilever, among others.

Media contacts:

HSI:

Dawn Neo, dneo@hsi.org, +65 91999608

The Lo & Behold Group:

Tammi Lin, tammi.lin@lobehold.com, 9722 3638
Deborah Theseira, deborah.theseira@lobehold.com, 9007 9794

African and marine species likely to gain critical international treaty protections with overwhelming support

Humane Society International

  • Leopard. Bernd Zoller

Lions, leopards, giraffes, chimpanzees, sharks and other key species have received overwhelming support for critical international treaty level protections at the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, this year’s largest and most important conservation meeting.

African migratory species as well as marine wildlife have experienced dramatic declines in recent years. The Convention will now be able to facilitate the development of international conservation strategies, offer greater financial and institutional support, and increase exchange of best practices among the countries where these animals live. These listings are a culmination of years of joint effort by Humane Society International and partner organisations.

Masha Kalinina, international trade policy specialist for HSI, said “This has been a tremendously exciting meeting. Several mammal species facing major threats in the wild will be benefiting and Humane Society International is thrilled to be a part of it. We are pleased with the decision to list the lion, leopard, giraffe and chimpanzee as among the animals to gain these new protections. The listings signal that the international community is poised for strong, concerted action to protect them.”

Become a Wildlife Defender.

Mark Simmonds, senior marine scientist for HSI, added “We are pleased that a series of marine proposals have also been approved, including the proposals to protect the whale shark and other shark species as well as little known species such as the white spotted wedge fish and the Caspian seal that are important to their ecosystems but highly endangered. This is a real game changer.” 

The meeting tackled a series of proposals aimed at responding to urgent conservation issues; most have proposed to list species to the Convention’s appendices; others addressed particular threats such as marine plastic pollution and climate change. The parties meet every three years to foster international cooperation for species with an endangered or unfavourable conservation status. This is the first time in the history of the Convention that parties have considered whether to list a large number of African mammals such as the lion, chimpanzee, leopard and giraffe.

HSI has been taking part in the discussions between delegates and NGOs at the meeting by offering advice, information and encouragement to the countries here in support of the proposals for these and other animals.

Media contacts:
US: Raul Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org
UK: Harriet Barclay, HBarclay@HSI.org

Several samples contained high levels of clenbuterol, a substance given to horses that is not suitable for human consumption

Humane Society International

Researchers with the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico found horsemeat present in raw and cooked samples sold as beef or unclearly labeled in butcher shops, markets and informal selling points such as street stalls in six Mexican cities.

The study, commissioned by Humane Society International, also found high levels of clenbuterol in some raw meat samples. Clenbuterol, a veterinary drug commonly prescribed for horses, is not approved for food producing animals, and can be harmful to humans.

Researchers collected samples in the following cities: Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, Chihuahua, Mexico City, Pachuca and San Vicente Chicoloapan. The researchers studied 433 samples of cooked and raw meats, and surveyed 339 vendors. More than 40 of the samples collected tested positive for horsemeat. Researchers analyzed clenbuterol presence in 29 of the samples that tested positive for horsemeat (only raw meat could be analyzed for clenbuterol). They found significant clenbuterol concentrations in nearly all the tested samples.

The researchers also found that the majority of the vendors surveyed did not want to sell horsemeat and were unaware of the presence of horsemeat in the meat products they were selling.

Anton Aguilar, HSI/Mexico director, said: “The results of this study show that it is important for consumers to realize that meat mislabeling may occur and can be hazardous for their health, especially because the majority of vendors surveyed in the study were unaware that they were selling horsemeat as beef. We hope this study helps shed some light into the industry.”

The study only tested samples for the presence of clenbuterol, but other toxic substances may have been present. Horses often receive multiple chemical substances that are known to be dangerous to humans, are untested on humans, or are specifically prohibited for use in animals raised for human consumption.

In addition to the health effects involving the consumption of horses not raised for meat, the horse slaughter industry is inherently cruel. Unwanted horses, formerly used in racing or as riding companions, are sold to exporters who then pack them into semi-trucks and transport them long distances often under hot weather conditions with little or no food, water or veterinary care.

Mexico is the second largest horsemeat producer in the world, after China. According to the Mexican Ministry of Trade, in 2015 Mexico exported almost 3,000 tons of horsemeat worth almost $9 million, mainly to Vietnam and Russia. Many of the horses slaughtered in Mexico are imported from the United States – where horse slaughterhouses have been closed since 2007 following the withdrawal of funding for US Department of Agriculture slaughter plants inspections.

Media contact: Raúl Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org, +1-301-721-6440

Pedro Engel, Polo Ramirez and other celebs join NGO Te Protejo and Humane Society International in calling for action by Chilean lawmakers

Humane Society International

  • Neptune Keller, Vegan Trans Artist for #BeCrueltyFree Chile. Paulina Olivares

Today, the leading global campaign to end the cruelty of animal testing for cosmetics – #BeCrueltyFree – launched in Chile at a media event hosted by NGO Te Protejo and Humane Society International. #BeCrueltyFree Chile features support from a cross-party group of Chilean lawmakers, together with artists, musicians, actors and TV hosts, and leading cruelty-free beauty brand LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. #BeCrueltyFree Chile is calling on federal lawmakers to join with nearly 40 other countries that have already banned the use of animals in cosmetic testing by enacting similar measures contained in the bipartisan federal bill No10514-11.

In 2016, the bipartisan group PARDA (Parlamentarios por la dignidad animal en Chile) introduced bill No10514-11 to modify the Health Code to prohibit the use of animals in toxicity testing of cosmetic products or their individual ingredients in Chile, as well as the sale of cosmetics that been  tested on animals abroad after the law change takes effect. PARDA general coordinator, Deputy Vlado Mirosevic, said: “I celebrate and thank #BeCrueltyFree Chile for pushing this pro animal cause, which we in Congress have also promoted, although still with little success. I hope that with the support of civil society this will be possible.”

Chile is the second largest cosmetics market in South America, and a critical player in the global movement toward a cruelty-free model in the beauty industry. Already more than 600 successful beauty brands on sale in the Americas have made a “cruelty-free” commitment, and are able to produce new, safe and profitable cosmetics. They do so by choosing from among thousands of widely available raw ingredients that are known to be safe, instead of purchasing newly developed chemicals that will also have been newly animal-tested. Te Protejo publishes a list of cruelty-free brands available in Chile at teprotejo.cl and via the free app #ViveCrueltyFree.

Camila Cortínez, general director of NGO Te Protejo and spokesperson for #BeCrueltyFree Chile, said: “In Chile it remains perfectly legal for cosmetic chemicals to be dripped into rabbits’ eyes and spread on their delicate skin, all for the sake of a new lipstick and skin cream. Yet Chilean consumers are increasingly demanding beauty products that are free of animal cruelty. Approving this law is a great step for our country, as it places us at the same level as the European Union in the market for cosmetics and personal care products. The public can support this bill by signing our petition at becrueltyfreechile.org and help us demonstrate to the government that animal testing for cosmetic products is unnecessary and should be banned.”

Sign the Global Pledge to Be Cruelty-Free.

Facts:

  • Chilean law does not currently regulate animal testing for cosmetics. In 2016, the Institute of Public Health sold  235,510 animals for laboratory testing, of which an unknown number were used in tests for the cosmetic industry.
  • Animal testing for cosmetics has been fully or partially banned in 37 countries, including the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Israel, India, New Zealand, South Korea, Turkey, Taiwan, Guatemala, and five states in Brazil.
  • Chilean celebrities supporting the launch of #BeCrueltyFree Chile include Pedro Engel (TV host), Antonella Rios (actress), Neptune Keller (vegan trans artist), Mariana Montenegro (lead singer in Denver), Jennifer Boldt (TV host and singer), Elvira Cristi (actress), Paloma Jimenez (model and photograph), Polo Ramirez (TV journalist) and Tabatha Pacer (TV host). Photos of the celebs sporting #BeCrueltyFree t-shirts are available online.

Media contact: Nicole Valdebenito, +56 9 8937 6741, nicole@teprotejo.cl

Government adoption would make South Korea the last major economy to require the long term dog test for agrochemicals

Humane Society International

  • arenacreative/istock

Humane Society International welcomes the findings of a scientific report commissioned by the Japanese Food Safety Commission, indicating that there is sufficient evidence to waive the longstanding government requirement for one-year repeated dosing test in beagle dogs for pesticide assessment, under certain conditions.

If the Commission and pesticide regulators in the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries adopt the report’s recommendation, this controversial animal test would move one step closer to global abolition, having already been removed as a routine requirement in the United States, European Union, India, Brazil, Canada, Australia and China.

Troy Seidle, senior director of HSI’s Research & Toxicology Department, said, “The science has spoken, and clearly shows that the continued routine use of dogs in long-term pesticide poisoning tests is both inhumane and unnecessary for consumer protection. We commend the Japanese government for its foresight in commissioning this scientific review, and are hopeful that authorities will now take steps to implement the recommendations of this report.”

Be a lab animal defender.

Facts:

  • In this test, groups of beagle dogs are administered a daily dose of a pesticide chemical, either by force-feeding of a capsule or via food laced with a pesticide, for an entire year, after which the animals are killed and dissected to examine the chemical’s effects on their internal organs.
  • The commissioned report analyzed Japanese government safety assessments of 286 pesticides and found that in nearly 95 percent of cases, the long-term dog study did not contribute essential information to the determination of a safe dose for humans beyond what was available from other standard tests.
  • Registration of a single new pesticide “active ingredient” (the poisonous component that makes it effective) in Japan and other countries consumes as many as 10,000 rodents, fish, birds, rabbits and dogs in dozens of separate chemical-poisoning tests. Many of these tests are overtly redundant, repeating the same test procedure using two or more different animal species or routes of exposure (oral, inhalation, skin, etc.), the scientific value of which has come under intense scrutiny.

The report identified a few, extremely rare situations in which the long-term dog test could still be required by Japanese authorities, including cases in which dogs are substantially more sensitive to the pesticide chemical than other animal species.

The report “Research project no. 1501: A proposal on a new stepwise assessment method for toxicity tests that takes into account species differences in ’toxicity profiles’ and ’amounts causing toxicity onset’ for pesticide testing: the necessity of chronic toxicity tests on dogs and carcinogenicity tests on mice” is available online (Japanese).

Media Contact: Raul Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org

Veterinary team wraps up earthquake response efforts in Chiapas State this week

Humane Society International

Veterinarians and volunteers with Humane Society International/Mexico provided food, vaccines and emergency treatment to 2,645 animals, including companion and farm animals, in Chiapas State this week.

To date, HSI’s veterinarians and volunteers have helped care for more than 6,200 animals in Mexico in Mexico City and the states of Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla and Chiapas (the five entities affected by the earthquakes). In Chiapas, the teams visited Villaflores, Jiquipilas and Arriaga among other municipalities. over seven days.

Dr. Claudia Edwards, DVM, HSI/Mexico programs director, said: “Despite the geographical and transport issues facing many of the state’s residents, the people of Chiapas responded to our veterinary clinics. We are thankful for the support of 25 volunteer veterinarians from the Chiapas Veterinary College and veterinary students who helped people and their animals. It is sad to see so much devastation after the earthquakes, but it’s also very inspiring to see this amount of solidarity and eagerness to help. On the last day a little girl rushed towards me, gave me a big hug and said: ‘thanks so much for all you do for animals.´ It was so rewarding!” 

Support our International Disaster Relief Fund.

The earthquakes response since mid-September was a joint effort supported by Let’s Help Mexico (Ayudemos a Mexico, a platform through which various organizations collected food and supplies), IFAW, Mexico City Environment General Attorney and the Chiapas Civil Protection Agency. Several local organizations also supported the efforts, including Defensoría Animal, Koncientizando, Presencia Animal, Proyecto Nenuki, Centro de Rehabilitación para Perros y Gatos, Totem Animal, El Croquetón, AFAD, PRODAN, Cultura Perrona, Alianza Hope Mx, Adopciones AntyMob, Topos K9, Amigos Pro-Animal, independent activists, and volunteers from Guadalajara University, the Veterinary School of Chiapas Autonomous University and Chiapas Veterinary College (CONVEPECH), among others.

Since the powerful September 7 earthquake shook Oaxaca and the subsequent September 19 earthquake hit Mexico City, HSI/Mexico set up temporary veterinary clinics in cities and towns throughout the affected areas that had the highest need for emergency veterinary care. Petsy, Mars and Cargill donated 14 tons of animal food, which HSI distributed in the affected areas. Salud y Bienestar Animal, CEVA, BIOFARVET, PISA, MERIAL and APALCHEM donated veterinary supplies. Bimbo and Estafeta helped with transportation of both animal food and vet supplies.

The geographical distribution of animals helped is:

  • Mexico City: 1,321
  • Oaxaca: 1,350
  • Puebla: 147
  • Morelos: 805
  • Chiapas: 2,645
  • Total since Sept. 16: 6,268

 Media Contact: Raul Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org, +1 240-620-3263

Humane Society International

Frimesa, Brazil’s fourth largest pig processor, has announced their commitment to end the confinement of pregnant pigs in gestation crates by 2026. The company will be transitioning all of their sows to group housing systems that offer higher animal welfare.  The company raises 80,000 sows in their farms across Brazil. This policy follows discussions with Humane Society International, which welcomed the announcement.

Pigs are highly intelligent, active and social animals. Yet, in Brazil, as in many countries, most breeding sows are confined in individual gestation crates during pregnancy, which typically amounts to a lifetime of confinement as they are repeatedly impregnated. These crates are barely larger than the animals’ bodies and prevent them from turning around or taking more than a few steps forward or backward. Extensive scientific research has proven that such extreme confinement causes significant emotional distress and physical problems, such as urinary infections and lameness.

Fernanda Vieira, corporate policy and program manager for HSI in Brazil, said: “We welcome Frimesa’s commitment to switching to more humane crate-free housing systems for their breeding sows. Consumers care about the way animals are treated in food production and oppose the cruel, lifelong confinement of sows in gestation crates. The trend is growing clear that Brazil and the rest of the world are moving away from gestation crates. We will continue to work with other pork producers on similar policies.”  

Support Farm Animals.

Frimesa joins Brazil’s three largest pork processors – BRF, JBS and Aurora Alimentos, as well as other leading global pork producers, including Smithfield Foods, Cargill, Maple Leaf Foods and Hormel – that have already transitioned or are transitioning to crate-free group housing systems. Leading food corporations are also eliminating pork from producers that use gestation crates from their Latin American supply chains, including Arcos Dorados, the largest McDonald’s franchise in Latin America and the Caribbean, Subway, Burger King, Royal Caribbean, Marriot International, Hilton Worldwide, Nestle and others.

The European Union and several states in the United States have banned the continuous confinement of breeding sows in gestation crates. New Zealand and Australia have also begun phasing out gestation crates. The South Africa Pork Producers Organization expects to phase out the practice by 2020.

Media contact: Fernanda Vieira, fvieira@hsi.org, 11 9 8905 3848

Humane Society International

  • Help ensure that the Festival of Lights is a safe one for all pets. iStock

Diwali is around the corner and the high-decibel noise during the festival can be traumatic for animals. The sudden burst of crackers, sight of fireworks or abrupt loud sounds is a nightmare for pets; often leaving them trembling, shaking, barking and being injured by fireworks.

Every year, animal shelters witness a tremendous increase in the number of run-away and lost pets; who are scared, anxious, nervous and often burnt.

“Everyone loves the festival of light; but, for our beloved pets, the festival comes with a lot of stress, fear and darkness. However, we can ensure that this year, Diwali is less traumatic for animals around us by not bursting crackers or simply choosing sparklers.” says N. G Jayasimha, Humane Society International/India managing director.

Take precautions by following these simple tips:

  • Keep your pets indoors and in a familiar room. Pets have a heightened sense of hearing so the jolts and loud noises cause many animals to flee in search of safe haven.
  • Keep all doors and windows closed and draw the curtains to reduce the noise and light. Supply pets with enough food and water and ensure someone can stay with them to comfort them.
  • Store fireworks safely in a closed box, somewhere cool and dry, and out of reach of pets. Do not keep fireworks containers under stairs or exposed in passages.
  • Decorate with lights, lamps and diyas that are friendlier to the environment and animals by giving off less smoke and noise.
  • Refrain from bursting crackers near an animal shelter or zoo. Noise can cause panic and fear. Pollution from burning firecrackers is also harmful to their health.
  • Take dogs for a walk during the daytime before the celebrations begin. Never walk them near where others are lighting firecrackers.
  • Consult a veterinarian if pets are prone to acute anxiety or distress from loud noises. Check their availability during Diwali in case of emergency.
  • If you feed stray animals around your neighborhood, make sure that they are wearing tags labeled with their names and your phone numbers. In case they run away because of the merry-making, people who find them will be able to contact you.
  • Make a first aid kit in preparation for helping injured animals. Have a bucket full of water handy for emergency and for putting used sparklers into.
  • Ensure pets are wearing collars and identification tags with current contact information. All pets, even those kept indoors, should wear collars with identification tags at all times.
  • Keep contact information for local municipal corporations and surrounding shelters handy and approach them immediately in cases of lost pets. If you find a lost pet, either take her to the address on the tag or a local animal shelter.

Happy festival to you!

Organization mobilizing with SENASA and local partners to help animals in hard-hit, difficult to reach areas in Costa Rica due to Tropical Storm Nate

Humane Society International

  • HSI’s Amanda Chaves treating a dog in Bebedero de Canas, in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Kent Gilbert/AP Images for HSI

  • HSI’s Grettel Delgadillo coaxes a dog out of flood-damaged house. Kent Gilbert/AP Images for HSI

  • Working with Senasa and veterinary school volunteers to hand out animal food to pet owners in Sardinal de Carrilo. Kent Gilbert/AP Images for HSI

  • Checking on a cat in Obandito. Kent Gilbert/AP Images for HSI

  • Checking on a horse in Obandito. Kent Gilbert/AP Images for HSI

  • HSI’s Grettel Delgadillo deployed to hard hit, rural areas of Costa Rica to deliver veterinary medicine and animal care supplies on 11 Oct. 2017. HSI

  • Inspecting a partially damaged farm. HSI

Animal protection organization Humane Society International/Latin America is sending staff and delivering rescue supplies, including animal food and veterinary medicine, to areas in Costa Rica impacted by Tropical Storm Nate. Working alongside Costa Rica’s Animal Health Department (SENASA) and the National Council of Animal Welfare the teams will focus on bringing relief to animals in rural communities that remain cut off and that lack supplies of water and electricity due to the storm.

Tropical Storm Nate has caused the deaths of at least 32,000 animals and displaced approximately 5,000 animals, according to SENASA, which is still completing its storm assessment.

Grettel Delgadillo, deputy director of HSI/LA, who will be in the field with SENSASA, said: “Most of the areas damaged by Tropical Storm Nate are still isolated, and in dire need of support. We have received reports of many lost, injured, hungry and dehydrated animals in need of immediate care. Humane Society International/Latin America will collaborate with the Costa Rican Government, especially SENASA, during this emergency to help animals in these hard hit communities.”

Support our International Disaster Relief Fund.

The government and HSI/LA team will distribute boxes of emergency relief supplies donated by the public that include cat and dog food, blankets, beds, leashes and collars. HSI/LA is providing kennels, folding tables, gloves, cleaning supplies and medicine kits with veterinary and animal care supplies.

SENASA is urging Costa Ricans to donate animal food and supplies at their offices throughout Costa Rica. People can also deliver their in kind donations in response to the government request to HSI/LA’s office in San Jose (Barrio Escalante, de la esquina este de la Iglesia de Santa Teresita, 100mts Este y 50 Norte, Casa #951). HSI is also accepting donations to support its work in this and other disasters via its International Disaster Relief Fund.

Media contacts:
In Costa Rica: Amanda Chaves, achaves@hsi.org, (506) 22 33 03 03
In the USA: Raúl Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org, +1 (301) 721-6440

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