The United States will resume imports of live cattle, bison and horses from Mexico after a two-month suspension imposed to stop the spread of the New World Screwworm. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said ports of entry along the southern border will reopen in phases, beginning 7 July with the Douglas/Agua Prieta crossing in Sonora.

Additional crossings are scheduled to follow on 14 July at Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, and 21 July at San Jerónimo, with officials aiming for a full reopening by mid-September. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the parasite is now “contained” and negotiations with Washington will continue to restore normal trade flows.

Read more

Texas officials and ranchers are bracing for the possible return of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating fly larvae that was declared eradicated in the United States in the 1960s but has been detected as close as 700 miles south of the Texas border. The parasite, which lays eggs in open wounds of livestock, pets and occasionally humans, is spreading north through Central America and into southern Mexico.

Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the formation of a Texas New World Screwworm Response Team to coordinate state, federal and industry efforts aimed at prevention, surveillance and rapid containment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, meanwhile, is preparing to open a sterile-male screwworm breeding facility later this year—only the second in the Western Hemisphere—to slow the insect’s advance.

An outbreak could threaten Texas’s $15 billion cattle industry and ripple through national meat markets, experts warn. Analysts say even the perception of risk could add upward pressure to already record-high beef prices, given the size of the state’s herd and its central role in U.S. beef supply.

A veterinarian in Mie Prefecture, Japan, has died after contracting severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne viral infection. The veterinarian had been treating cats infected with the SFTS virus, which is primarily transmitted through tick bites but can also spread via contact with the saliva, urine, or blood of infected animals such as cats and dogs. The exact route of infection in this case remains unclear, as the veterinarian showed no tick bite marks. Health authorities and veterinary associations have issued warnings about the risk of transmission from infected pets to humans. Pet owners are advised to monitor their animals for symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or unusually yellow urine, and to avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of potentially infected animals. The death marks one of the first suspected cases of animal-to-human transmission of SFTS in Japan, raising concerns about the virus's spread.

Raleigh Animal Control removed 101 dogs and 21 chickens from a single-family home in southeast Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday after inspectors found the animals living in what officials described as “egregious” and unsanitary conditions. The animals were reportedly crammed into cages amid accumulated waste and strong ammonia fumes, suggesting the property may have been operating as an unlicensed breeding operation.

Veterinarians and shelter staff are assessing the animals’ medical and behavioral needs. To relieve crowding at local facilities, 57 of the rescued dogs have already been transferred to partner rescue groups in South Carolina. Authorities said the animals will not be made available for adoption until they complete health evaluations and any necessary treatments.

No arrests have been announced, but the Wake County district attorney’s office is reviewing evidence for possible animal-cruelty charges. Officials added that the investigation remains open and further transfers of animals to accredited shelters may occur as space and resources allow.

A man was fatally shot while traveling in a pickup truck on the Mexico-Cuernavaca federal highway near kilometer 20 in the San Pedro Mártir area of Tlalpan, Mexico City. The victim, identified as a cattle rancher, was shot more than ten times during a targeted attack. A woman accompanying him in the vehicle was wounded. The assailants approached on a black motorcycle and fired directly at the truck. The incident occurred on June 9, 2025, and has been reported by multiple local news sources.

In Dordogne, France, local authorities have intervened in a farm where a group called "Vaches à défendre" (VAD), or "Cows to Defend," has established itself to oppose the culling of a cattle herd suspected of bovine tuberculosis. The situation escalated when a farmer refused to slaughter his herd, prompting police involvement and the blocking of access to the farm. This movement mirrors the concept of "Zones à défendre" (ZAD), which are areas occupied to prevent certain actions, with "VAD" representing a bovine-focused version of this form of protest.

The UK government faces criticism for its inadequate preparedness to manage a major outbreak of animal diseases, according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO). The watchdog highlighted significant deficiencies in contingency planning for diseases such as bird flu and foot and mouth disease. The report warns of a "very high risk" that Weybridge, the government’s biosecure containment laboratories responsible for testing animal diseases, would be overwhelmed by testing and tracing demands during a major outbreak. Additionally, only 5% of live animals entering the UK undergo physical checks, raising concerns about biosecurity and disease monitoring. The potential economic impact of such an outbreak could cost the UK billions of pounds. Shadow DEFRA Minister Neil Hudson emphasized that the government is "asleep on the job" regarding biosecurity and called for full funding of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) redevelopment to address these vulnerabilities.

Two men were arrested in Polk County, Florida, on multiple counts of animal neglect after deputies found six dogs living in a 107-degree mobile home without food, water, power, or ventilation. The discovery has prompted public calls for greater oversight and accountability at Polk County Animal Control, following a recent ABC Action News report that brought attention to the facility's conditions. Separately, the Polk County Sheriff's Office received a tip regarding malnourished horses in a field, leading to concerns about animal welfare in the area. In Oklahoma City, deputies rescued 55 birds and two dogs from an abandoned home.

Additionally, in Lake Wales, Florida, authorities reported that a horse owner left animals malnourished and allowed chemicals to contaminate their drinking water. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Zoo is under scrutiny after a city audit revealed the zoo failed to provide key financial documents. The zoo has been described as uncooperative and has faced criticism from city officials and the zoo advisory committee, which has suggested removing the nonprofit organization that manages the facility. In St. Louis County, the animal shelter is facing subpoenas amid recent controversies.

A 12-year-old tabby cat named Mirage survived a 380-foot fall at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah on April 29, an incident that killed her owners, Matthew Nannen and Bailee Crane, after they climbed over a railing at Inspiration Point.

Mirage was discovered by rescue crews in a soft-sided pet carrier, suffering from bruises, fractured ribs, and fluid in her heart. She received emergency care at a specialty veterinary hospital in Las Vegas and made a full recovery.

Read more

Authorities in Coos County, Oregon, arrested Brian Tenney, the 52-year-old owner of the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, following a raid on May 15, 2025. The raid, part of a broader investigation into animal welfare and business practices at the facility, uncovered approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine, 8 grams of cocaine, 44 firearms including one modified as a machine gun, and $1.6 million in cash, cashier’s checks, bonds, and certificates.

During the four-day search, officials found over 300 animals at the safari park, with many in poor condition. Veterinary teams evaluated the animals, supplied fresh food, and ultimately relocated 310 animals to sanctuaries and rescue facilities. A camel, a chicken, and a kinkajou were euthanized due to poor health. The park has a history of regulatory violations, including repeated citations from the USDA. The West Coast Game Park Safari has been shut down.

Tenney faces charges of methamphetamine possession, manufacturing, and attempted distribution. The investigation into the facility and animal care is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Following severe storms on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, that caused widespread damage across Central Texas, Austin Wildlife Rescue reported taking in a record 160 animals in a single day, many of which were young. The Austin Animal Center also sustained damage to its facility and is currently seeking assistance from the public to foster animals in their care. The surge in animal intakes has placed significant stress on local shelters, prompting urgent calls for adoptions and foster care to alleviate overcrowding and support animal welfare efforts in the region.

Multiple sightings and interactions with black bears have been reported across various locations in the United States and Japan. In the U.S., black bears were tranquilized and removed from Prince George's County, Maryland, and Bentonville, Arkansas. Bears were also spotted in Mercer County, New Jersey, and Silver Spring, Maryland. In Auburn, California, a video captured a mother bear giving her cub a swimming lesson in a pool.

An orphaned bear cub, approximately two months old, was found weak and underweight in Southern California's Los Padres National Forest in April and is now under the care of the San Diego Humane Society, which is extending adoption hours this summer. In Washington state, a bear was seen high up in a tree in a neighborhood before rescuers intervened. In Japan, black bears have been observed near residential and commercial areas in Iwate Prefecture's Kitakami city, including near highways and shopping centers. The bears lingered near homes and climbed trees, sometimes feeding on honey before moving toward river areas. In Karuizawa, Japan, a region known as a summer resort, no human injuries from bears have been reported for 14 years due to the use of Karelian Bear Dogs that patrol nightly to deter bears from human settlements. These reports highlight ongoing encounters between bears and humans in both urban and rural settings, prompting wildlife management and community safety measures.

Moscow police have detained a 43-year-old local man on suspicion of attempting to poison animals at the Moscow Zoo by throwing dozens of pills into the enclosures of lynxes and leopards. The man told authorities that the pills contained valerian extract, which he claimed he administered to "heal" and "revive" the animals. A package of the substance was seized and sent for analysis. The incident prompted an investigation by the police to identify the individual responsible. The Moscow Zoo and the Interior Ministry have confirmed the ongoing inquiry. Meanwhile, separate reports from Australia and China mention other animal-related incidents, including a kangaroo involved in a physical altercation with a man and allegations of drugging kangaroos at a Chinese zoo, but these are unrelated to the Moscow case.

Multiple black bear sightings have been reported across several U.S. states, including Utah, Minnesota, Maryland, New Jersey, and California. Law enforcement and wildlife agencies, such as Heber City Police Department and Utah Department of Natural Resources, have tracked and captured bears, releasing them back into the wild. In Maryland, a bear was found wandering in a residential area in a suburb, while another was spotted in Langley Park and Prince George's County.

Mercer County, New Jersey, also reported a black bear sighting. In California, an orphaned bear cub about two months old was found weak and underweight in Los Padres National Forest and is now receiving care at the San Diego Humane Society, which is extending its adoption hours this summer. Animal shelters nationwide are experiencing overcrowding, prompting calls for public assistance through fostering and adoption programs. Several organizations, including Miami-Dade Animal Services, Homeward Bound in Camden County, and the New York City Animal Care Centers, are offering promotions such as waived or reduced adoption fees to encourage pet adoption. The Charleston Animal Society is partnering with Berkeley County to help manage the local animal shelter, while the Kanawha County Humane Association reports over 500 animals available for adoption. These efforts aim to alleviate shelter stress and find homes for animals amid increased demand for foster care and adoption.

Several incidents of animal cruelty have been reported across the United States, involving multiple arrests and disturbing allegations. In Detroit, Jordan Love, a 29-year-old trans individual previously known as Jordan Colangelo, was charged with animal torture after allegedly stabbing a dog and a cat, live-streaming the attack, and keeping additional animals in squalid conditions. Love fled to South Carolina but was apprehended and extradited to Michigan, where they are being held on a $50,000 bond.

Read more

Authorities in South Carolina have dismantled a multi-county dog fighting ring in the Pee Dee region, seizing hundreds of animals, along with large quantities of drugs and weapons. The operation was carried out by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and involved multiple agencies.

Governor Henry McMaster and SLED Chief Mark Keel are set to address the state's ongoing efforts to combat dog fighting. This comes in the wake of the recent crackdown on illegal activities tied to animal cruelty.

Read more

The UK government is facing increasing pressure to implement a ban on trophy imports, particularly after the arrival of at least two cheetahs, which are among Africa's most endangered big cats, in the country over the past few years. The issue has sparked discussions regarding whether any future UK government will honor its pledge to prohibit such imports. Various media outlets are highlighting the urgency of this matter, with calls for accountability on the government's commitments to wildlife protection.

A Marlborough man, Andrew Sebastiano, has been charged with 192 felony counts of animal cruelty after authorities discovered 96 dead animals on a property he was renting in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The deceased animals included various species such as chickens, pigs, ducks, and rabbits. This incident has prompted calls for enhanced measures to address animal cruelty cases, as the Sturbridge Police Chief described the situation as 'devastating'. Sebastiano was previously arrested on similar charges, raising concerns about repeat offenses in animal welfare cases.

Yoko, a 38-year-old chimpanzee, has been relocated from Colombia to a sanctuary in Sorocaba, Brazil, marking a significant step in his rehabilitation after years of captivity. Rescued from illegal trafficking, Yoko was raised by a drug lord who subjected him to human-like treatment, including dressing him in clothing and feeding him junk food. Following his transfer on March 23, 2025, Yoko is now adapting to a new environment designed to provide him with privacy and space, totaling 5,000 square meters. The sanctuary aims to facilitate his socialization with other chimpanzees, as he had lived alone in a Colombian zoo for the past two years. Initial reports indicate that Yoko is still adjusting to his new habitat and has yet to explore the full extent of his new surroundings.

A Melbourne woman, Joanna Kathlyn Kinman, 48, has pleaded guilty to attempting to sell two human toes that had been regurgitated by dogs at the animal shelter where she worked. Kinman initially planned to sell the toes online for $400, but later reports indicate she hoped to receive $250. This incident follows her previous actions of selling stillborn kittens and puppies through a Facebook group. In court, it was revealed that Kinman retrieved the toes from a bin at the shelter, believing it was 'cool' to sell them. Despite the nature of her crime, she narrowly avoided jail time, with the judge stating, 'By the barest of possible margins you will not be going to jail today.'

The United States will resume imports of live cattle, bison and horses from Mexico after a two-month suspension imposed to stop the spread of the New World Screwworm. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said ports of entry along the southern border will reopen in phases, beginning 7 July with the Douglas/Agua Prieta crossing in Sonora.

Additional crossings are scheduled to follow on 14 July at Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, and 21 July at San Jerónimo, with officials aiming for a full reopening by mid-September. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the parasite is now “contained” and negotiations with Washington will continue to restore normal trade flows.

Read more

Texas officials and ranchers are bracing for the possible return of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating fly larvae that was declared eradicated in the United States in the 1960s but has been detected as close as 700 miles south of the Texas border. The parasite, which lays eggs in open wounds of livestock, pets and occasionally humans, is spreading north through Central America and into southern Mexico.

Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the formation of a Texas New World Screwworm Response Team to coordinate state, federal and industry efforts aimed at prevention, surveillance and rapid containment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, meanwhile, is preparing to open a sterile-male screwworm breeding facility later this year—only the second in the Western Hemisphere—to slow the insect’s advance.

An outbreak could threaten Texas’s $15 billion cattle industry and ripple through national meat markets, experts warn. Analysts say even the perception of risk could add upward pressure to already record-high beef prices, given the size of the state’s herd and its central role in U.S. beef supply.

A veterinarian in Mie Prefecture, Japan, has died after contracting severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne viral infection. The veterinarian had been treating cats infected with the SFTS virus, which is primarily transmitted through tick bites but can also spread via contact with the saliva, urine, or blood of infected animals such as cats and dogs. The exact route of infection in this case remains unclear, as the veterinarian showed no tick bite marks. Health authorities and veterinary associations have issued warnings about the risk of transmission from infected pets to humans. Pet owners are advised to monitor their animals for symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or unusually yellow urine, and to avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of potentially infected animals. The death marks one of the first suspected cases of animal-to-human transmission of SFTS in Japan, raising concerns about the virus's spread.

Raleigh Animal Control removed 101 dogs and 21 chickens from a single-family home in southeast Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday after inspectors found the animals living in what officials described as “egregious” and unsanitary conditions. The animals were reportedly crammed into cages amid accumulated waste and strong ammonia fumes, suggesting the property may have been operating as an unlicensed breeding operation.

Veterinarians and shelter staff are assessing the animals’ medical and behavioral needs. To relieve crowding at local facilities, 57 of the rescued dogs have already been transferred to partner rescue groups in South Carolina. Authorities said the animals will not be made available for adoption until they complete health evaluations and any necessary treatments.

No arrests have been announced, but the Wake County district attorney’s office is reviewing evidence for possible animal-cruelty charges. Officials added that the investigation remains open and further transfers of animals to accredited shelters may occur as space and resources allow.

A man was fatally shot while traveling in a pickup truck on the Mexico-Cuernavaca federal highway near kilometer 20 in the San Pedro Mártir area of Tlalpan, Mexico City. The victim, identified as a cattle rancher, was shot more than ten times during a targeted attack. A woman accompanying him in the vehicle was wounded. The assailants approached on a black motorcycle and fired directly at the truck. The incident occurred on June 9, 2025, and has been reported by multiple local news sources.

In Dordogne, France, local authorities have intervened in a farm where a group called "Vaches à défendre" (VAD), or "Cows to Defend," has established itself to oppose the culling of a cattle herd suspected of bovine tuberculosis. The situation escalated when a farmer refused to slaughter his herd, prompting police involvement and the blocking of access to the farm. This movement mirrors the concept of "Zones à défendre" (ZAD), which are areas occupied to prevent certain actions, with "VAD" representing a bovine-focused version of this form of protest.

The UK government faces criticism for its inadequate preparedness to manage a major outbreak of animal diseases, according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO). The watchdog highlighted significant deficiencies in contingency planning for diseases such as bird flu and foot and mouth disease. The report warns of a "very high risk" that Weybridge, the government’s biosecure containment laboratories responsible for testing animal diseases, would be overwhelmed by testing and tracing demands during a major outbreak. Additionally, only 5% of live animals entering the UK undergo physical checks, raising concerns about biosecurity and disease monitoring. The potential economic impact of such an outbreak could cost the UK billions of pounds. Shadow DEFRA Minister Neil Hudson emphasized that the government is "asleep on the job" regarding biosecurity and called for full funding of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) redevelopment to address these vulnerabilities.

Two men were arrested in Polk County, Florida, on multiple counts of animal neglect after deputies found six dogs living in a 107-degree mobile home without food, water, power, or ventilation. The discovery has prompted public calls for greater oversight and accountability at Polk County Animal Control, following a recent ABC Action News report that brought attention to the facility's conditions. Separately, the Polk County Sheriff's Office received a tip regarding malnourished horses in a field, leading to concerns about animal welfare in the area. In Oklahoma City, deputies rescued 55 birds and two dogs from an abandoned home.

Additionally, in Lake Wales, Florida, authorities reported that a horse owner left animals malnourished and allowed chemicals to contaminate their drinking water. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Zoo is under scrutiny after a city audit revealed the zoo failed to provide key financial documents. The zoo has been described as uncooperative and has faced criticism from city officials and the zoo advisory committee, which has suggested removing the nonprofit organization that manages the facility. In St. Louis County, the animal shelter is facing subpoenas amid recent controversies.

A 12-year-old tabby cat named Mirage survived a 380-foot fall at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah on April 29, an incident that killed her owners, Matthew Nannen and Bailee Crane, after they climbed over a railing at Inspiration Point.

Mirage was discovered by rescue crews in a soft-sided pet carrier, suffering from bruises, fractured ribs, and fluid in her heart. She received emergency care at a specialty veterinary hospital in Las Vegas and made a full recovery.

Read more

Authorities in Coos County, Oregon, arrested Brian Tenney, the 52-year-old owner of the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, following a raid on May 15, 2025. The raid, part of a broader investigation into animal welfare and business practices at the facility, uncovered approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine, 8 grams of cocaine, 44 firearms including one modified as a machine gun, and $1.6 million in cash, cashier’s checks, bonds, and certificates.

During the four-day search, officials found over 300 animals at the safari park, with many in poor condition. Veterinary teams evaluated the animals, supplied fresh food, and ultimately relocated 310 animals to sanctuaries and rescue facilities. A camel, a chicken, and a kinkajou were euthanized due to poor health. The park has a history of regulatory violations, including repeated citations from the USDA. The West Coast Game Park Safari has been shut down.

Tenney faces charges of methamphetamine possession, manufacturing, and attempted distribution. The investigation into the facility and animal care is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Following severe storms on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, that caused widespread damage across Central Texas, Austin Wildlife Rescue reported taking in a record 160 animals in a single day, many of which were young. The Austin Animal Center also sustained damage to its facility and is currently seeking assistance from the public to foster animals in their care. The surge in animal intakes has placed significant stress on local shelters, prompting urgent calls for adoptions and foster care to alleviate overcrowding and support animal welfare efforts in the region.

Multiple sightings and interactions with black bears have been reported across various locations in the United States and Japan. In the U.S., black bears were tranquilized and removed from Prince George's County, Maryland, and Bentonville, Arkansas. Bears were also spotted in Mercer County, New Jersey, and Silver Spring, Maryland. In Auburn, California, a video captured a mother bear giving her cub a swimming lesson in a pool.

An orphaned bear cub, approximately two months old, was found weak and underweight in Southern California's Los Padres National Forest in April and is now under the care of the San Diego Humane Society, which is extending adoption hours this summer. In Washington state, a bear was seen high up in a tree in a neighborhood before rescuers intervened. In Japan, black bears have been observed near residential and commercial areas in Iwate Prefecture's Kitakami city, including near highways and shopping centers. The bears lingered near homes and climbed trees, sometimes feeding on honey before moving toward river areas. In Karuizawa, Japan, a region known as a summer resort, no human injuries from bears have been reported for 14 years due to the use of Karelian Bear Dogs that patrol nightly to deter bears from human settlements. These reports highlight ongoing encounters between bears and humans in both urban and rural settings, prompting wildlife management and community safety measures.

Moscow police have detained a 43-year-old local man on suspicion of attempting to poison animals at the Moscow Zoo by throwing dozens of pills into the enclosures of lynxes and leopards. The man told authorities that the pills contained valerian extract, which he claimed he administered to "heal" and "revive" the animals. A package of the substance was seized and sent for analysis. The incident prompted an investigation by the police to identify the individual responsible. The Moscow Zoo and the Interior Ministry have confirmed the ongoing inquiry. Meanwhile, separate reports from Australia and China mention other animal-related incidents, including a kangaroo involved in a physical altercation with a man and allegations of drugging kangaroos at a Chinese zoo, but these are unrelated to the Moscow case.

Multiple black bear sightings have been reported across several U.S. states, including Utah, Minnesota, Maryland, New Jersey, and California. Law enforcement and wildlife agencies, such as Heber City Police Department and Utah Department of Natural Resources, have tracked and captured bears, releasing them back into the wild. In Maryland, a bear was found wandering in a residential area in a suburb, while another was spotted in Langley Park and Prince George's County.

Mercer County, New Jersey, also reported a black bear sighting. In California, an orphaned bear cub about two months old was found weak and underweight in Los Padres National Forest and is now receiving care at the San Diego Humane Society, which is extending its adoption hours this summer. Animal shelters nationwide are experiencing overcrowding, prompting calls for public assistance through fostering and adoption programs. Several organizations, including Miami-Dade Animal Services, Homeward Bound in Camden County, and the New York City Animal Care Centers, are offering promotions such as waived or reduced adoption fees to encourage pet adoption. The Charleston Animal Society is partnering with Berkeley County to help manage the local animal shelter, while the Kanawha County Humane Association reports over 500 animals available for adoption. These efforts aim to alleviate shelter stress and find homes for animals amid increased demand for foster care and adoption.

Several incidents of animal cruelty have been reported across the United States, involving multiple arrests and disturbing allegations. In Detroit, Jordan Love, a 29-year-old trans individual previously known as Jordan Colangelo, was charged with animal torture after allegedly stabbing a dog and a cat, live-streaming the attack, and keeping additional animals in squalid conditions. Love fled to South Carolina but was apprehended and extradited to Michigan, where they are being held on a $50,000 bond.

Read more

Authorities in South Carolina have dismantled a multi-county dog fighting ring in the Pee Dee region, seizing hundreds of animals, along with large quantities of drugs and weapons. The operation was carried out by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and involved multiple agencies.

Governor Henry McMaster and SLED Chief Mark Keel are set to address the state's ongoing efforts to combat dog fighting. This comes in the wake of the recent crackdown on illegal activities tied to animal cruelty.

Read more

The UK government is facing increasing pressure to implement a ban on trophy imports, particularly after the arrival of at least two cheetahs, which are among Africa's most endangered big cats, in the country over the past few years. The issue has sparked discussions regarding whether any future UK government will honor its pledge to prohibit such imports. Various media outlets are highlighting the urgency of this matter, with calls for accountability on the government's commitments to wildlife protection.

A Marlborough man, Andrew Sebastiano, has been charged with 192 felony counts of animal cruelty after authorities discovered 96 dead animals on a property he was renting in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The deceased animals included various species such as chickens, pigs, ducks, and rabbits. This incident has prompted calls for enhanced measures to address animal cruelty cases, as the Sturbridge Police Chief described the situation as 'devastating'. Sebastiano was previously arrested on similar charges, raising concerns about repeat offenses in animal welfare cases.

Yoko, a 38-year-old chimpanzee, has been relocated from Colombia to a sanctuary in Sorocaba, Brazil, marking a significant step in his rehabilitation after years of captivity. Rescued from illegal trafficking, Yoko was raised by a drug lord who subjected him to human-like treatment, including dressing him in clothing and feeding him junk food. Following his transfer on March 23, 2025, Yoko is now adapting to a new environment designed to provide him with privacy and space, totaling 5,000 square meters. The sanctuary aims to facilitate his socialization with other chimpanzees, as he had lived alone in a Colombian zoo for the past two years. Initial reports indicate that Yoko is still adjusting to his new habitat and has yet to explore the full extent of his new surroundings.

A Melbourne woman, Joanna Kathlyn Kinman, 48, has pleaded guilty to attempting to sell two human toes that had been regurgitated by dogs at the animal shelter where she worked. Kinman initially planned to sell the toes online for $400, but later reports indicate she hoped to receive $250. This incident follows her previous actions of selling stillborn kittens and puppies through a Facebook group. In court, it was revealed that Kinman retrieved the toes from a bin at the shelter, believing it was 'cool' to sell them. Despite the nature of her crime, she narrowly avoided jail time, with the judge stating, 'By the barest of possible margins you will not be going to jail today.'