ARL Humane Action Network

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.

05/03/2026

IN THE NEWS: IA - Animal Rescue League of Iowa to care for beagles rescued from Wisconsin facility

"he Animal Rescue League of Iowa says it is preparing to take in beagles rescued from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin facility that bred dogs for research.

Ridglan Farms forfeited its license in October 2025 to avoid a potential criminal charge. Big Ranch Dog Rescue and the Center for Humane Economy purchased 1,500 dogs from the facility and began removing them today."

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is preparing to take in rescued beagles bred for testing.

05/02/2026

IN THE NEWS: WI - 1,500 beagles rescued from veterinary research facility after reaching deal with animal rescues

"Leaders with Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy shared details about the agreement this week, calling it one of the largest coordinated efforts of its kind.

'We are here to formally announce that we have reached an accord with Ridglan Farms to obtain 1,500 beagles from the company,' Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, said.

Ridglan Farms is described as a facility that has bred thousands of beagles for sale to scientific and medical research laboratories for nearly six decades. However, officials said it had been facing $55,000 in fines after inspectors cited over 300 violations."

Animal rescuers in Wisconsin have reached a deal to purchase over a thousand beagles from a veterinary research facility.

05/01/2026

JUST IN: Iowa lawmakers increase penalty for animal torture

"Criminal penalties in Iowa for animal torture would be elevated — to a felony on first offense, in some cases — under a bill on its way to Gov. Kim Reynolds for her consideration.

'This strengthens Iowa's commitment to protecting animals and ensuring that the most heinous acts are punished, rightfully so,' Republican state Rep. Samantha Fett, of Carlisle, the bill’s sponsor, said. "

Iowa lawmakers passed increased penalties for animal torture Thursday, sending the bill to the governor.

04/29/2026

THIS JUST IN: The Iowa Senate approved an amended version of the felony animal torture bill (SF2099/HF2348) unanimously today!

The amendment emphasizes the malicious nature of the act. Our thanks to Sen. Mike Bousselot (R-Polk) for getting this across the finish line in the Senate.

The bill now goes back to the House for approval in its amended form.

The Iowa Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to create new felony penalties for torture of companion animals.

04/29/2026

ALERT: Felony Animal Torture Vote is Set for Today

SF2099, the felony animal torture vote is back on the Senate agenda for today.

We're expecting an amendment to the bill if it moves forward today, but we haven't seen the language of any amendment yet, so don't know what changes might be coming.

We'll update as we learn more.

04/27/2026

IN THE NEWS: IA - Advocates seek Iowa felony charge for pet torture

"Iowa Sen. Mike Bousselot, a Republican from Ankeny, has been working on the legislation in the Senate.

'I think there’s broad support for the idea that we need to protect animals and especially pets, from heinous abuse,” Bousselot said. “There’s also the common sense perspective that a Class D felony needs to meet the crime and that it needs to be in balance with the entire perspective on criminal justice, which is to say protecting people and punishing violent crimes.'

Bousselot said he believes the bill is important — and is conveying that to his fellow Republican senators — to not only protect animals, but also Iowans, given the research that shows animal abuse can be a precursor to violence against humans."

Advocates say Iowa is the only state in which animal cruelty isn’t a felony on first offense; they hope support from law enforcement helps change that