Shark Finning in Latin America
Shark finning—cutting off a shark’s fins and throwing its body overboard to die—occurs because the value of fins outweighs that of shark meat. In 2005, Humane Society International began working with concerned organizations, local advocates and governments to combat shark finning. Today
Wild Animals in British Circuses
HSI UK does not believe that a licensing and inspection system can adequately protect the welfare of wild animals in British circuses, for the following reasons: A licensing system will not prevent new animals or new species of animals from being introduced
The British Circus Debate: A Timeline
In March 2006 the then Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Minister responsible for Animal Welfare, Ben Bradshaw, announced his intention to introduce Regulations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to ban the use of certain non-domesticated species in travelling
Shark Finning in Europe: A Timeline for Change
2006: The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Commission to strengthen the EU shark finning legislation [ 1]. The Parliament noted that the information supplied by Member States on their fishing fleets’ activities was very poor, enforcement of the
Street Dogs in Bhutan
In September 2009, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Department of Livestock of the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) and Humane Society International (HSI) formed a unique partnership. With the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, the two entities embarked on a

Marine mammals and noise
In recent years, whale strandings associated with nearby naval sonar use have increased public concern about the impacts of human-caused noise on marine mammals, especially sound-sensitive whales and dolphins. Whales and dolphins rely heavily on their sense of hearing to navigate, locate
Orcas Belong in the Wild
by Naomi Rose Since 1964, killer whales, also known as orcas, have been entertaining people in theme park performances, showing off their dramatic black and white markings and beautiful acrobatics. But the glamor of the show has hidden what goes on behind
Generosity and Compassion
by Rebecca Aldworth Every day at the shelter gets better, because of you. As our dedicated team of staff and volunteers faces the tremendous challenge of caring for well over 500 rescued dogs and puppies, we are making major improvements each day
Rescued Animals Receive Buddhist Blessings
by Iris Ho Humane Society International has been working with Buddhist communities in both the U.S. and Asia since 2009 to address our concerns about the Buddhist practice of “ mercy release.” The release ritual, based on the Buddhist belief that freeing
Working toward a Humane World
"A Humane World" is the official blog of Humane World for Animals—a first-hand account of our ongoing efforts to protect animals, as told by our president and CEO, Kitty Block. Subscribe for regular updates.
Jean Chung/HSI