Sport

Explainer

Is Bullfighting Cruel to the Bull?

Though bullfighting is often portrayed as a fair fight between man and animal, the bull experiences stress, physical pain and, ultimately, death.

Policy•8 min read

Explainer

Is Hunting a Sport?

Hunting is defined as the act of chasing another animal to kill, typically with a gun. Eight states have banned wildlife killing contests.

Policy•8 min read

Explainer

The Iditarod: How Long Is It and How Many Dogs Die in the Race?

Dogs who participate in the Iditarod sled race experience illness, injury and, in some cases, death.

Policy•9 min read

Reported

New Coalition Aims to Outlaw ‘Barbaric’ Wildlife Killing Contests

Hunters believe the killing contests help maintain balance in local ecosystems, but advocates say they are often used to protect farming interests.

Policy•6 min read

Reported

North Carolina Lifts Hunting Ban in Bear Sanctuaries

The decision was met with backlash from opponents, who favor interventions that address the human side of the problem.

Policy•5 min read

Reported

Britain’s Most Iconic Animal Is Under Attack

In 2021, 33,687 badgers were killed to protect cattle from the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis. By 2025, 140,000 more badgers could die.

Policy•10 min read

Perspective

The UK Must Cut Ties With Mass Slaughter of Dolphins

On September 21, 2021, thousands of dolphins were killed in the Faroe Islands. Former Sea Shepherd crew member Lex Rigby reflects on the tragedy.

Policy•8 min read

Reported

The Great American War on Wolves

Keegan Sentner takes us into the heart of a centuries-long conflict designed to eradicate wolves from the American West.

Policy•6 min read

Reported

Wildlife Killing Contests: The Pastime Putting America’s Coyotes at Risk

Wildlife killing contests are common across the U.S. Competitors kill coyotes and foxes for the thrill, often invoking the interests of the ranching industry to defend their conduct.

Policy•5 min read

Reported

Who Killed Cachou? Brown Bear’s Unusual Death Ignites Controversy

As with many other human-wildlife conflicts, this story involves the usual suspects: livestock farmers, environmental organizations, and a regional government caught in between.

Policy•7 min read

Perspective

Why Underground Dog Fighting Needs to End

Despite being classified as a felony in every U.S. state, dog fighting takes place in many parts of the country. Dogs are forced to fight each other almost daily, and…

Policy•7 min read

Perspective

Elephant Poaching Is a Humanitarian Crisis, Too

Most conservation efforts fail to address poverty as a primary cause of the poaching crisis. Poachers can make more money from one kill than most sub-Saharan Africans earn in an…

Policy•9 min read

Perspective

Coronavirus Pandemic Revitalizing Dispute Over Spanish Bullfighting

Public support for the bullfighting industry has been dwindling for years. The coronavirus pandemic is creating a novel opportunity for Spain to abolish the "sport" once and for all.

Policy•9 min read

Perspective

Condemning Indigenous Hunting Practices: Are We Throwing Stones from Glass Houses?

In Australia, indigenous hunters are using questionable methods to catch sea turtles and other wild animals. Cruel as some of these practices are, non-indigenous farming practices are equally inhumane.

Policy•4 min read

Perspective

Stop Treating Violence Against Animals as a Game

Gamifying violence does more than disrespect victims. It conditions perpetrators—and the public—to see victims as unworthy of respect and compassion.

Policy•5 min read

Perspective

The Plight of Canadian Sled Dogs

At the heart of the Canadian Rockies, hundreds of sled dogs – naturally energetic and free-spirited animals – spend their days tethered to a six-foot chain.

Policy•3 min read

Perspective

Summertime is the Cruelest Time for Sled Dogs

August is often the hottest month in the Northern hemisphere. Jessica Scott-Reid discusses what this means for sled dogs, who serve their owners' purpose only during the winter.

Policy•5 min read

Perspective

Trump’s Right: The Kentucky Derby Is SAD!

Trump didn't complain about the Kentucky Derby because he cares about animals. But anything that brings attention to the fact that the Kentucky Derby is a disgrace is a good…

Policy•4 min read