New Discovery About the Teeth of Endangered Komodo Dragons May Help Us Learn About Dinosaurs
The Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard, usually tips the scales at around 150 pounds, though they have been observed at more than twice that size. They are also predatory, eating a wide variety of animals, from tiny bite-sized rodents to water buffalo. Scientists recently conducted a study to see how their powerful teeth can manage to take down all this prey, and the findings may help us understand how larger extinct reptiles – dinosaurs – managed their diets. Researchers at King’s College London used chemical and...
Weak Laws Leave Ohio Animals in Terrible Conditions
Ohio has garnered unwanted attention as a hotspot for poor animal welfare practices, particularly in the context of puppy mills. The Humane Society’s “Horrible Hundred” report, which highlights the worst puppy breeders in the United States, places Ohio as the second-worst state, surpassed only by Missouri. This report, among others, underscores the severe gaps in Ohio’s animal protection laws and the resulting dire conditions for animals in the state. Photo: PexelsOhio ranks second in the nation for problematic puppy...
Over 300 Dogs Rescued From Frontlines Have Full Bellies, Thanks to You
Courageous rescuers continue to enter heavily bombed areas in Ukraine to save abandoned animals left without food or water. The terrified and traumatized animals are brought back to shelters who feed them nutritious food, thanks to your donations. A truckload of dog food was distributed across Ukraine to help feed over 300 dogs rescued from the frontlines. Photo: United for Animals Greater Good Charities’ partner, United for Animals (UfA), shared with us the current situation and how your donations are making a huge difference in the...
Venezuelans Battle to Ban Bullfighting Amidst Cruelty Concerns
Bullfighting, a tradition deeply rooted in Venezuela’s history, has become a focal point of controversy and debate. In cities like Mérida, this practice, part of the annual Feria del Sol festival, continues to draw both fierce support and vehement opposition. As the nation wrestles with its identity and values, the movement to ban bullfighting is gaining strength, pushing for a break from a tradition many see as cruel and outdated. Photo: PexelsBullfighting in Venezuela is a contentious tradition with deep colonial roots. A...
‘Ugly Last Cat in the Cage’ Finds Forever Home
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! “She’s the last cat in the cage. I think she’s too ugly,” my friend said. That was all it took. I dashed to the pet shop and bought her. And so Strudel, the ugly cat with a beautiful heart, came home with me. PHOTO: PIXABAY / ENGIN AKYURT This beautiful soul lived with me for 20 years. And every night for twenty years, she patted me on the nose, and I would lift...
Orphaned Weeks-Old Walrus is Getting Round-the-Clock Care to Help Her Survive
Pacific walruses can grow up to 12 feet long and weigh up to 4,000 pounds. One substantially smaller than that, though, was just rescued in Alaska. In a series of social media posts, Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward has been chronicling the care of a tiny orphaned female Pacific walrus calf. She was found alone, malnourished, and dehydrated in Utqiagvik, Alaska, in late July and is believed to be no more than a few weeks old. To help her survive, a rescue team provided emergency fluids and stabilizing treatment before getting her to safety....
Ukrainian Dog Severely Abused While Held Hostage for Months is Recovering Alongside His Mom
A sweet dog named Adik and his owner, Irina, have endured unimaginable abuse while being held hostage for eight months by Russian forces in Ukraine. United for Animals (UfA) shared the heartbreaking story with Greater Good Charities and asked for support to help Adik get around. Adik was viewed by the Russians as a “trophy” of war and severely mistreated. UfA said, “This enemy shows no mercy even towards such defenseless creatures like animals.” Photo: United for Animals When Adik was finally released along with his...
Toxic Dust Storms Loom as Great Salt Lake Faces Environmental Collapse
The Great Salt Lake, a unique and vital ecosystem in Utah, faces unprecedented threats. As it continues to shrink, the repercussions for both the environment and local communities are becoming increasingly severe. Multiple factors contribute to this crisis and there are dire consequences if no action is taken. Photo: PexelsThe Great Salt Lake has lost two-thirds of its water since the 1980s. Dwindling Waters and Its Impact Once a vast saline sea, the Great Salt Lake has shrunk dramatically, losing two-thirds of its size since the 1980s. This...
Animal Welfare Concerns Ignored as Iceland Greenlights Whale Hunt
In a surprising and controversial decision, Iceland’s government granted a whale hunting license to the country’s last remaining whaling company, Hvalur hf., for the 2024 season. The permit allows for the hunting of 128 fin whales, a move that has sparked significant backlash from animal welfare groups and conservationists alike. This decision contrasts with recent global efforts aimed at protecting marine life and highlights the ongoing debate over the ethics and necessity of commercial whaling. Photo: PexelsIceland has granted a...
Littermates, One of Them a ‘Secret Service Agent’, Warm Home of New Empty-Nester
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! One September, I lost my best friend, Tiggy, to chronic renal failure. He died 10 days before his 20th birthday. I was devastated. This cat had grown up with my son and had comforted me as he left home for college and I became an empty-nester. I knew when Tiggy passed away that I would get another cat, but I needed to grieve first. PHOTO: PIXABAY I soon found myself on the internet...
