There was a newfound awareness by the public in 2009 concerning Animal Rights.  Many of the major stories made their way to the mainstream news which in-turn led to a host of achievements on behalf of animals.  The following are some of my favorite victories and I hope you will share some of your favorite stories from 2009, as well.

1.Largest Dog Fighting Operation Rescue

In July a coordinated effort between humane organizations and law enforcement agencies led to the raid and closure of dog fighting operations in four states.  More than 20 people were arrested and nearly 500 dogs were rescued.

The raid was historic on many levels.  It was the largest multi-state raid in U.S. history and it was the first time the temperament of every dog was evaluated by experts to determine which pit bulls could be rehabilitated.  Two-thirds of the former fighting dogs were placed with rescue groups or in foster homes – with the goal of adopting them into new families. 

2.Two More States Added Puppy Mill Laws

Both Wisconsin and Pennsylvania were notorious for the large number of puppy mills in their states. Their lack of supervision for commercial breeders led to the suffering of many dogs. But this year both states implemented laws to protect the well-being of the dogs and put restrictions on the owners of puppy mills.  They joined Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington which already have laws in place. 

3.President Obama Reverses Change to Endangered Species Act

Before leaving office in 2008, President Bush made a last minute change to the Endangered Species Act. It enabled government agencies to decide on their own whether new dams, logging or mining operations posed a threat to endangered animals.  Prior to this amendment new projects had to have a “threat assessment” from government biologists.  President Obama reversed this modification keeping the Endangered Species Act straight on course.

4.California Bans Declawing

A funny thing happened in the State of California this year when a statewide law was passed that prohibited local municipalities from voting on bans to declaw cats.  Apparently the local cities and counties didn’t like being told what to do by the state, so during the small window of time when the law was passed and when it went into effect, many town boards quickly voted for local ordinances.  This led to an overwhelming number of new laws that will protect cats from the painful surgery – now and in the future.

5.Cockfighting Illegal in all 50 States

When the legislature in Louisiana voted this year to ban cockfighting, it happily brought all 50 states into compliance. Now cockfighting is an illegal activity in every state in the country.

6.Factory Farm Animals Get a Few Breaks

Both Maine and Michigan passed laws in 2009 that give animals on factory farms a little more breathing room.  The anti-confinement laws prohibit veal crates for cows and gestation crates for pigs.  In California a bill was passed that makes “tail docking” for cows an illegal act.  The procedure is typically performed without an anesthetic.  And a slaughterhouse in Vermont was closed after it was exposed for its cruel treatment of young calves.

7.Humane Puppy Stores Gain Momentum

More retail pet shops stopped selling puppies bought from puppy mills and began adopting homeless puppies rescued from animal shelters.  Spearheaded by Last Chance for Animals and other animal welfare organizations, the Humane Pet Shop movement gained support in 2009.  It is a win-win program because it doesn’t try to close down retail pet shops. Instead it shows shop owners a way to incorporate orphaned cats and dogs into their business.  The goals of program are two-fold: it saves the lives of animals at risk of being euthanized in city-operated shelters and it hopes that puppy mills will close because of less demand from retailers.

These were some of my favorite animal welfare achievements in 2009.  Happy New Year and I hope you will share some of your best local and national animal victories.