Animal Welfare Institute

@awionline.org

534 Followers 1 Following

Seeking to improve the welfare of animals everywhere: in agriculture, in commerce, in our homes and communities, in research, and in the wild.

An 'i'iwi, a distinctive red and black bird also known as the scarlet honeycreeper, perches on a branch. Text on the image reads, "Trump admin weakens the Endangered Species Act again."
A California sea lion looks backwards, their silhouette framed against the water in the background. Text on the image reads, "TAKE ACTION: Oppose new bills that would expand killing of seals and sea lions in the Pacific Northwest." Photo credit: Rhododendrites
AWI's Dr. Joanna Grossman gives testimony at the Wednesday hearing on Romanch's Law. A quote is included on the image: "The question is not whether horses can pull these carriages, but whether the circumstances pose too many risks. The answer, unequivocally, is yes." –Dr. Joanna Grossman, AWI's equine program director
A dead whale floats upside down in the water, multiple harpoons protruding from her body. Text on the image reads, "Take Action: Iceland resumes commercial whaling after multi-year hiatus." Photo credit: Arne Feuerhahn, Hard To Port
Four women stand in front of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Text on the image reads, "AWI and allies tell Congress: It's time to end the primate pet trade!"
An underwater video still shows the orca White Gladis depositing the head of a tuna at the hull of a boat. Text on the image reads, "So-called 'vengeful' orca, White Gladis, challenges misconceptions in new interaction." "World Orca Day" is displayed in text at the bottom of the graphic. Photo credit: WeWhale
A close-up of a whooping crane highlights the bird's striking features. Text on the image reads, "BREAKING: Trump admin finalizes rule to undermine Endangered Species Act"
A young Christine Stevens interacts with two puppies housed in a kennel. Text on the image reads, "On July 10, 1951, 75 years ago today, Christine Stevens founded the Animal Welfare Institute to take a stand against the cruel treatment of animals used in laboratories."
A beluga whale on display at Marineland peers at children through the tank glass. Text on the image reads, "Marineland Beluga Cooperative Agreement Omits Crucial Breeding Restriction" Photo credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals
A wild male lion looks into the distance. Text on the image reads, "Good News: Illinois bans use of primates, bears, exotic cats in traveling shows"
A smiling teenage girl embraces a panting tan dog. Text on the image reads, "AWI awards scholarships to 15 aspiring animal welfare leaders." Photo credit: The Yuri Arcurs Collection, Magnific
A large inflatable beaver rides through a parade in the back of a pickup truck. Text on the image reads, "This Month in 1986: AWI and Betsy Beaver begin campaign demanding lawmakers give a dam and ban steel traps." The AWI logo and text that says "Celebrating 75 Years" are at the bottom.
A hand holds a dog's paw. Text on the image reads, "'This could have been prevented. I really, truly, believe it could have been.' - Marie Marseille, whose dog Jameson was shot by a police officer in Los Angeles"
Pigs are pictured in filthy, dark gestation crates so narrow that they cannot turn around. Text on the image reads, "AWI calls on veterinary association to withdraw support for cruel 'Save Our Bacon Act' language" 📸: Jo-Anne McArthur / WeAnimals
Two prairie dogs stand face-to-face, nearly embracing. Text on the image reads, "Take Action: Tell the Forest Service to protect wildlife on the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands." Photo by Richard Reading.
A pig peeks over a fence and looks into the camera. Text on the image reads, "UPDATE: Senate Farm Bill draft omits cruel 'Save Our Bacon Act'—for now"
A cow stands in a dirty, dark, overcrowded trailer. Text on the image reads, "Take Action: Federal agency finds law fails to protect animals during transport."
A horse stands with a carriage on a New York City street, head down and ears back. Text on the image reads, "'It's high time for New York City to really reevaluate the situation, because the status quo just doesn't seem to be working.' - Dr. Joanna Grossman, AWI's equine program director."
An older man pets a black and white cat, who leans into his chest with their eyes closed. Text on the image reads, "When older adults suffer, their pets often do, too. / World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" Photo by creativefamily.
An adult emperor penguin and chick nuzzle each other. Text on the image reads, "Emperor penguins and Antarctic fur seals were recently classified as endangered species. / World Ocean Day"
A graphic includes a 1958 photo of House Agriculture Committee staff, overwhelmed by petitions urging humane slaughter of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, and mules used for food. Text reads, "Before online advocacy tools, people had to do their own research and hand-write and mail in their concerns."
Congresswoman Dina Titus speaks at the reception.
A group of people converse in a congressional office, including AWI's Dr. Joanna Grossman and Representative Steve Cohen.
A tiger pants, mouth wide. Text on the image reads, "The 2022 passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act marked a major win for animal welfare and human safety. But now, a new bill seeks to undermine these protections and line the pockets of special interests at the expense of big cats."
A chestnut horse with a white blaze stands by a paddock fence with mountains in the background. Text on the image reads, "BREAKING: Amendment to end horse slaughter passes out of committee, onto House vote." Photo by Alisha.
A young woman pets a senior black Labrador Retriever. Text on the image reads, "A dog friend is a friend forever." Photo by JPRFphotos.
An entangled seal, one of hundreds of thousands of marine mammals who are caught and killed in fishing gear around the globe each year. Photo by Ian Dyball. Text on the image reads, "BREAKING: We're suing to halt seafood imports from nations killing thousands of marine mammals in fishing gear."
Two coyote pups perch atop a log. Text on the image reads, "Take action: Oppose the Trump admin's decision to allow use of chemical "bombs" on public lands."
An endangered Karner blue butterfly perches on a plant. Text on the image reads, "Just Introduced: Federal bill would bolster conservation efforts for several of country's most imperiled species." 📸: Jill Utrup/USFWS
A booth at the conference labeled, "Vegan Fisherman."
A red wolf gazes into the distance. Text reads, "The Endangered Species Act has helped save 99% of listed species from extinction. These were some of the first animals to receive protections."
Several racehorses gallop down a turf racetrack. Text on the image reads, "Good News: Maryland Passes Law to Prohibit Slaughter of Racehorses."
A North Atlantic right whale and her calf, barely visible, rest in a busy shipping lane with a large vessel in the background. Photo by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, taken under NOAA permit 20556-01. Text on image reads "How long did it take you to find both whales in this photo?"
A reddish brown octopus swims along the ocean floor. Text on the image reads, "Octopuses are remarkably bright creatures... and they need your help."
A young donkey is pictured. Text on the image reads, "Take Action: Donkeys Don't Deserve to Be Turned into Beauty Products."
A young woman holds a kitten. Text on the graphic below reads, "2026 A Voice for Animals Contest: Submissions Due May 25."
Panelists are pictured together following the presentation.
A pig sits in a gestation crate. Text on the image reads, "Farm Bill Passes House in a Missed Opportunity to Help Animals." Photo credit: acceptphoto.
Two mink are pictured in a cage on a filthy fur farm. A quote below reads: “There’s a real chance that the next pandemic could be incubated within the cramped confines of a fur farm, and banning the cruel and senseless practice could be one of the most consequential public-health measures in decades.” - Dr. Neil Vora
The image shows an upside-down tarantula crawling on a leaf. Text on the image reads, "The exotic pet trade is trouble for tarantulas. However, this growing crisis has been largely overlooked."
A horse peers out of the slats on a trailer. Text on the image reads, "Take Action: Horses Deserve Safe Transportation."
A sea otter swims on their back with their mouth open, which makes it appear like they're smiling. Text on the image reads, "Good News: Bill that would have dismantled the Endangered Species Act pulled from floor vote."
Six people give peace signs. They have collected many bags of trash.
A bay and white paint horse stands in an open field. Text on the image reads, "Take Action: Tell Congress: Mustangs Aren't Meals!"
A dog leans across the center console of a law enforcement vehicle while an officer strokes their head. At the bottom, text reads, "Celebrating 75 Years" next to the AWI logo.
A Canada lynx walks in snow. Text on the image reads, "Take Action: Speak Up for Public Lands and the Animals Who Call Them Home." Photo by Jillian Cooper.
This graphic includes the AWI and NSTA logos. It reads, "Presenting: 'From Classroom to Lab: Preparing Students for New Approach Methodologies a.k.a. Non-Animal Methods (NAMs) in Science.'"
A minke whale's dorsal fin is seen breaking through the ocean's surface. Text on the image reads, "BREAKING: Norway has killed its first whale of the 2026 season." Photo by Lillian Tveit.
A black-footed ferret stands at attention. Photo by Ryan Hagerty / USFWS.
A Rice's whale swims at the ocean's surface. Text on the image reads, "Take Action: Oppose the Trump Admin's Decision to Play God with Endangered Species." Photo credit: NOAA
A cat sits in their guardian's lap. Text on the image reads, "AWI grant helping to expand resources for domestic violence survivors and their pets in Illinois."
A tiger snarls while performing in a show. Text on the image reads, "Illinois Residents: Tell State Legislators That Wild Animals Don't Belong in Circuses."
A beaver wetland is green and wet in the middle of scorched land. Text on the image reads, "Amid wildlife destruction, one species has helped to preserve this green oasis and keep life thriving..."
Attendees at the rally hold homemade signs that read, "Pass the SAFE Act, End Horse Slaughter."
Several copies of "Refinements for Rodents and Rabbits in Research Institutions" are pictured in a box.
An octopus hovers near the ocean floor. Text on the image reads, "¡Protejamos a los pulpos!: World Aquatic Animal Day."
AWI staff member Ericca Gandolfo attends the 3/31 rally and holds a sign that reads "Protect Endangered Species!"