ARL Humane Action Network

06/20/2026

IN THE NEWS: IA - Man charged with animal torture for allegedly dragging dog on leash from vehicle

"A Des Moines man has been accused of dragging his dog for several blocks while she was hanging out the window of his vehicle by her leash."

A Des Moines man has been accused of dragging his dog for several blocks while she was hanging out the window of his vehicle by her leash.

06/19/2026

IN THE NEWS: IA - Marshalltown Animal Rescue League pauses cat intakes, cites overcrowding and contract dispute with county

"The Marshalltown Animal Rescue League has paused all cat intakes and stopped responding to animal-related calls outside city limits, saying overcrowded kennels, mounting costs and an ongoing contract dispute with Marshall County have pushed the shelter to its limits."

Marshalltown Animal Rescue League has paused cat intakes, saying overcrowding, $12,000 in costs and a county contract dispute have pushed it to the limit.

06/19/2026

IN THE NEWS: DE - Delaware bill would require veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty

"Under the proposal, veterinarians who make reports in good faith would be protected from civil and criminal liability. They would also be shielded from professional disciplinary action by the Delaware Board of Veterinary Medicine for filing a report.

The legislation would require all veterinarians practicing in Delaware to complete one hour of training on mandatory reporting requirements before renewing their licenses. New veterinarians seeking an initial state license would also have to complete the training before receiving a license. Additional training would be required every six years."

Delaware lawmakers are considering legislation that would require veterinarians to report suspected cases of animal cruelty and complete specialized training on recognizing signs of abuse.

06/18/2026

IN THE NEWS: DC - Congress Revisits Horse Slaughter Debate With Proposed Transport Ban

"An amendment to a five-year transportation reauthorization bill would prohibit transporting horses and other equines with the purpose of slaughter for human consumption. It would also ban equine transport in multi-level trailers."

An amendment to a five-year transportation reauthorization bill would prohibit transporting horses and other equines with the purpose of slaughter for human consumption. Supporters call it a humane safeguard, while critics warn fewer culling options may lead to neglect.

06/17/2026

IN THE NEWS: IL - Illinois Senate Passes Landmark Bill To Ban Big Cats, Primates, And Bears In Traveling Acts

"The bill would prohibit the use of big cats, primates, and bears in traveling acts across Illinois and now heads to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law."

Historic news today as the Illinois State Senate has officially passed HB 4255, landmark legislation that would expand Illinois’ ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, traveling acts, fairs, and other live performances. The bill would prohibit the use of big cats, primates, and bears in trave...

06/09/2026

IN THE NEWS: Council Bluffs City Council votes to keep pit bull ban in place despite pushback from residents

"The Council Bluffs City Council voted 4-1 Monday night to keep the city's pit bull ban in place, rejecting a repeal effort backed by residents and the mayor. Cole Button is the one council member who voted in favor of lifting the ban."

The Council Bluffs City Council voted 4-1 to keep its pit bull ban in place, rejecting a repeal effort supported by residents and the city's mayor. Neighbors spoke out against the ban for two hours.

05/21/2026

IN THE NEWS: DC - Controversial Farm Bill measure targeting state animal laws heads to Senate showdown

"Animal welfare advocates are preparing for a fight in the US Senate where the new Farm Bill will be taken up in the next couple months, bringing with it a contentious provision that would undo state measures to protect livestock."

https://www.thenewlede.org/2026/05/farm-bill-save-our-bacon-livestock-cafos/

05/21/2026

IN THE NEWS: DC - Greyhound Racing Nears End in US After Historic House Vote

'The US House has passed a measure that would effectively end greyhound racing in America if enacted.

The Greyhound Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 5017) was tagged onto the must-pass Farm Bill, approved by the House on Thursday, now heading to the Senate."

The U.S. House has passed a landmark bill that could end greyhound racing nationwide, targeting betting, breeding, and training as part of the 2025 Farm Bill. The measure now faces a crucial Senate battle.

05/11/2026

THIS JUST IN: Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signs first-offense felony animal torture bill into law.

"Reynolds, joined by lawmakers and advocates, signed House File 2348 into law at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa shelter in Des Moines. The law establishes a Class D felony charge for animal torture, defined as when a person 'intentionally, willfully, and maliciously mutilates, burns, poisons, drowns, starves or causes intensive or prolonged pain or death to a companion animal, or provides anything of value to another person to do the same.'"

Gov. Kim Reynolds signing the measure into law makes Iowa the 50th state to have felony charges in place for animal torture.

05/09/2026

IN THE NEWS: CT - Connecticut bill aims to provide safe housing options for domestic violence victims and their pets

"A Connecticut Senate bill aims to remove barriers for domestic violence victims by creating a network of options for pets when leaving abusive situations. "

One Senate bill is aiming to create space for victims and their pets to leave safely and together.