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Salmon are the most consumed fish in the world by value, and tuna are the most consumed by volume. (Jakub Rutkiewicz/Adobe Stock)

'Humane' and 'sustainable' fish labels may be misleading

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Coll…

Concentrated animal feeding operations often house thousands of cattle at a single location. (Lukas Vincour/Zv�rata Nej�me/We Animals Media)

Report: CA factory farms perilously close to your produce

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collab…

Agricultural interests from around the state are contributing to efforts to defeat Measure J in Sonoma County, which seeks to ban concentrated animal feeding operations. (Marcelo/Adobe Stock)

Sonoma County ballot measure would ban large livestock farms

This November, voters in Sonoma County will decide on a first-of-its-kind proposal, known as "Measure J," to ban large concentrated animal feeding …

Not only is the Ike Jime process considered more humane, it also keeps harvested fish fresh for a longer period of time. (Adobe Stock)

Fishing industry combines AI, ancient process for humane handling

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

Proposition 12 requires pork producers who want to sell meat in California to give the animals larger crates. (Humane Society of the United States)

CA farm animal cruelty law takes full effect

Pork sold in California will now have to comply with Proposition 12. The law bans some types of extreme confinement of farm animals, specifically …

A bobcat uses a culvert to travel underneath a highway. (National Park Service)

Bill to Build More CA Wildlife Crossings Gets Hearing Tomorrow

Between 2016 and 2020, more than 44,000 Californians reported hitting a wild animal with a vehicle. So tomorrow, state lawmakers will consider a …

In 2018 an unknown hunter killed and skinned one of the few remaining jaguars in Arizona, a male named Yo'oko. (Center for Biological Diversity)

Groups Look to Expand Jaguar Habitat After Victory Against Proposed Mine

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The battle against copper mining the Santa Rita Mountains outside of Tucson continues - even though the feds just handed a …

La poblaci�n occidental del abejorro se ha derrumbado desde finales de los a�os 90; ahora es candidata para ser incluida en la Ley de Especies en Peligro de California.

Los ciudadanos toman medidas para el Día de las Especies en Peligro de Extinción

Los Angeles, Calif. - Hay eventos planeados en todo el país en esta semana, para celebrar el 16º Día de las Especies en Peligro de …

Sea otters can weigh 45 to 65 pounds, and can be injured or killed by a boat strike. (Wikimedia Commons)

Otters at Risk for Boat Strikes as CA Salmon Season Opens

MONTEREY BAY, Calif. -- Salmon season starts this coming weekend, and it's expected to draw hundreds of fishing boats to the central coast. …

Gray whales are one of more than 70 species that get trapped in gillnets, which have a large percentage of incidental bycatch. (NOAA)

President Vetoes Bill to Ban Fishing Gear Harmful to Dolphins, Other Sealife

MONTEREY, Calif. -- Groups that fight for healthier oceans are vowing to fight on after President Donald Trump vetoed a bill to ban an outdated type …

The carcass of the rufous hummingbird is stuffed and sold as an amulet or love charm. It's one species on a new list of illegally trafficked wildlife. (Avia 5/Pixabay)

Report: Wildlife Trafficking Jeopardizes Vulnerable Species

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A new report calls for a crackdown on the booming illegal wildlife trade - activity that's been linked most recently to the …

Chickens are commonly kept in battery cages about the size of a large microwave that fits six to eight birds. (Colony Cages)

CA Law to Improve Conditions for Farm Animals Takes Effect

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A new California law to improve living conditions for certain farm animals goes into effect Wednesday - and it is expected to …

Long-beaked common dolphins are one species often caught in drift gillnets, which are being replaced on the West Coast with safer fishing gear. (Chad King/NOAA)

Safer Fishing Gear to Replace West Coast Drift Gillnets

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Dolphins, whales, sharks and sea lions on the West Coast may be less likely to die in fishing nets now that authorities have …

Many fashion lines already have stopped using real animal fur. (Monica Migielska/Pixabay)

Nation's First Ban on Sale of Fur Goes Before State Senate Today

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California would become the first state in the country to ban the sale of fur if a bill before the state Senate today …

The Pacific leatherback sea turtle is one of the species at risk if the Pacific Fishery Management Council authorizes shallow-set longline fishing gear. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Advisory Council Considers Bringing Back Long-Banned Fishing Gear

SAN DIEGO – Conservation and sportfishing groups will pack a meeting Thursday of the Pacific Fishery Management Council in San Diego to try to t…

$A judge cited the need to protect the California sea otter in his refusal to lift a moratorium on offshore fracking at existing wells. (kconnors/Morguefile)$

Judge Rejects Oil Company's Request to Frack Off SoCal Coast

LOS ANGELES – Environmental groups have won another round in the battle over fracking in federal waters off the coast of California. Late …

Traps set for wild animals often injure pets. Assembly Bill 273 would ban commercial trapping in California. (Wikimedia Commons)

CA Lawmakers Move Multiple Animal-Welfare Bills Forward

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A slew of animal protection bills moved forward in the California Legislature this week – including proposals to …

Hundreds of thousands of animals are dissected each year in California schools, which have 6.2 million students in K-12. (Evan Amos/Wikimedia Commons)

Groundbreaking Bill Introduced to Ban Animal Dissection in CA Schools

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California could become the first state in the nation to ban the dissection of animals in K-12 schools if a bill just …

Sea lions and other animals can be injured or killed by lost or discarded fishing gear. (Tom Campbell/Marine Photobank)

Report: "Ghost" Fishing Gear Killing Whales, Seals

MONTEREY, Calif. – About 136,000 dolphins, sea lions, seals and whales are caught in lost or discarded fishing nets each year - and the problem …

Scientists say they've encountered many emaciated sea-lion pups in recent years due to dwindling anchovy and sardine fisheries, primary food sources for sea lions. (Oceana)

Court Rejects Federal Quotas, Rules Anchovy Overfished

MONTEREY, Calif. — A conservation group is declaring victory, as a U.S. District Court judge in Northern California has ruled that the federal …

The fate of the sage grouse is intertwined with hundreds of other high-desert species across the Great Basin, from California to Montana. (twildlife/IStockphoto)

Sage-Grouse Conservation Plans Threatened in Western States

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management holds a public hearing tonight in the Northern California town of Alturas, about potential …

The Monarch butterfly thrives among flowering plants like milkweed. (Pixabay)

Want to Help Save the World? It’s All About Bees and Butterflies

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Monarch butterflies have declined by 90 percent over 20 years, felled by pesticides, parasites and loss of habitat. They're …

Tilikum, the orca who died late last week, lived most of his life at SeaWorld. (Christian Benseler)

Tilikum’s Death Reminder of Problems Keeping Orcas in Captivity

SAN DIEGO -- Animal welfare advocates are calling for full public access to the official cause-of-death report in the passing of one of SeaWorld's old…

P-45, the male mountain lion suspected of killing several alpacas over the weekend. (National Park Service)

Massive Wildlife Crossing Inches Closer to Reality, Not Fast Enough for "P-45"

MALIBU, Calif. - The mountain lion known as "P-45" that is roaming the Los Angeles area now is in hunters' sights over the deaths last weekend of at …

Even small bits of plastic bags can get trapped in a turtle's stomach, causing an untimely death. <br />(NOAA)

Props 65 and 67: Clearing Up the Confusion

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California voters soon will decide if the state's ban on plastic shopping bags will stay or blow in the wind. The 2014 ban …

The U.S. House has voted to take the gray wolf off the endangered species list. (Renald Borque/iStockphoto)

House Votes to Weaken Endangered Species Act

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The U.S. House voted Wednesday to gut parts of the Endangered Species Act - approving multiple amendments to a must-pass …

Excursionistas disfrutan el Arroyo Creek en el Bosque Nacional Sierra, una �rea que ha sido dejada fuera de ls lista del Servicio Forestal de lugares por recomendar para protecci�n silvestre. (Steve Evans, Californig Wilderness Coalition)

Rara oportunidad para exigir protección para Bosques Nacionales de California

Los Angeles, CA – Por todo el estado surgen reuniones públicas para aportar ideas y que se incluyan en el proyecto de nuevos planes …

Conservation groups sent 105,000 petition signatures to the federal government asking that more waters be designated as critical habitat for the Southern Resident orca. (NOAA)

Groups Petition for Better Orca Habitat Protections

MONTEREY, Calif. - On Monday, a coalition of conservation groups sent more than 105,000 signatures to the National Marine Fisheries Service asking …

A biotech firm with labs in California has agreed to an unprecedented $3.5 million fine to settle federal allegations of animal cruelty. (maryhere/morguefile)

Calif. Biotech Firm to Pay $3.5 Million to Settle Animal Cruelty Charges

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - A biotech firm with facilities in California will pay $3.5 million in a settlement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for …

Workers toss bags of contaminated soil up from the beach after the oil spill at Refugio in May 2015. (Ashley Blacow/Oceana)

Environmental Groups Praise Criminal Indictments on Santa Barbara Oil Spill

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Environmental groups are applauding the criminal indictment Tuesday of the company blamed for the massive oil spill last May …

Conservation advocates rallied in Sacramento on Tuesday to ban certain kinds of rat poison, which also kills wild animals like bobcats. (sgarton/morguefile)

Conservation Groups Rally to Ban Highly Toxic Rat Poison

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Dozens of people rallied in Sacramento on Tuesday to support a bill that would ban certain kinds of rat poison. The protest …

The sardine population is continuing to collapse, according to a new assessment by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.(jasonwebber01/morguefile)

California Sardine Fishery Continues Collapse, Likely Won't Reopen This Year

LOS ANGELES - A new federal assessment shows the population of sardines off the West Coast has continued to plummet; it's a third lower than last spri…

This spay and neuter public service announcement is competing for Best Comedic Short at the Animal Film Festival on Saturday in Grass Valley, CA. (Laura MacLean)

Oscar Weekend Goes to the Dogs: Animal Film Festival in Calif.

Move over, Oscars! The movie business is going the dogs - and cats and birds, horses, and even lobsters - once the third annual Animal Film Festival …

SeaWorld has admitted sending employee Paul McComb to pose as an activist. (April Cruz/PETA)

SeaWorld Faces Criticism After Admitting Spying on PETA

Animal-rights advocates with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are speaking out in the wake of revelations that SeaWorld sent some of its em…

Conservation groups are criticizing aspects of a new proposed federal rule to protect captive marine mammals like dolphins. (Jade/morguefile)

New Federal Rules to Protect Captive Whales and Dolphins

SAN DIEGO - Wildlife conservation groups are speaking out against a new federal rule that is supposed to improve conditions for captive marine mammals…

There are mixed reactions in the animal rights community about SeaWorld San Diego's decision to change its orca shows by next year. Credit: Stacey Newman/iStockphoto.

Amid Criticism, SeaWorld San Diego to End Orca Shows

SAN DIEGO – Wildlife advocates are praising SeaWorld San Diego's decision to let Shamu retire, so to speak, but they have reservations about …

Gray whales can drown when caught in a drift gillnet. Monday, the feds put swordfishermen who use the nets on notice. Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Feds Move to Protect Endangered Species from Fishing Nets

SAN DIEGO – The federal government put California swordfishermen on notice Monday, warning they'll be banned if they continue to inadvertently …

This gray wolf is part of the first known pack in California in almost 90 years. Credit: California Department of Fish and Game.

Gray Wolf Returns to California

MOUNT SHASTA, Calif. - The wolf pack is back - literally! A pack of gray wolves has been discovered in California for the first time since they were …

Scientists say Dungeness crab is one of dozens of marine species along the west coast affected by excess carbon dioxide in ocean water, the result of a warming climate. Credit: MConnors/morguefile.

Climate Change Causing Ocean Acidification, Low Oxygen

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Climate change is turning ocean water more acidic and creating low-oxygen "dead zones" – issues that have serious …

A new survey shows a majority of voters of all political stripes like the idea of preserving sagebrush landscapes where greater sage-grouse reside. Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service.

Poll Finds Most Voters Support Sage-Grouse Habitat

INDEPENDENCE, Calif. – Westerners have a soft spot for greater sage-grouse, according to a new poll released today. A majority of voters …

Animal advocates advise caution with animals on the Fourth of July. Credit kasana88/morguefile

Fourth of July, Summer Safety Tips for Family Pets

FRESNO, Calif. - It's the Fourth of July weekend, and that means picnics, barbecues, and of course, fireworks. The American Society for the …

PHOTO: The California red-legged frog is at the center of a controversy at Sharp Park Golf Course in Pacifica, which now is the subject of a lawsuit. Photo courtesy of Wild Equity Institute.

Environmental Group Sues San Francisco Over Golf Course in Wetlands

PACIFICA, Calif. – An environmental group is suing the California Coastal Commission and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to …

PHOTO: The fisher is a medium-sized carnivore that is on the brink of extinction partly because of vehicle collisions. Californians can help biologists protect them by reporting roadkill to wildlifecrossing.net.

Californians Urged to Report Roadkill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - About 1 million animals are killed on America's roads every day, pushing some species to the brink of extinction. The problem is …

PHOTO: There is a rising number of pet thefts across the nation.

California Dognapping Scam Highlights Growing Problem

LOS ANGELES - Police are warning pet owners about a dog-napping scam, one that highlights a sharp national increase in stolen pets. Recently…

PHOTO: Environmental groups and beekeepers are in court this month in California, challenging state and federal regulators' approvals of pesticides the groups say are harmful to bees. Photo courtesy of Pesticide Action Network.

"Fight to Save Bees" Waged in California Courtrooms

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Save the bees! That's the battle cry in two ongoing court cases in California where beekeepers and environmental groups are …

PHOTO: A California animal-rights group aims to raise awareness of cruelty involved in the dog meat trade in the United States and abroad. Photo courtesy: No To Dog Meat.

Group Works to Stop Dog and Cat Meat Trade in CA

While the thought of eating the family dog or cat may sound repulsive to most Americans, in some cultures it is considered quite normal. One …

PHOTO: A handful of organizations are taking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to court, demanding action on pollution from the country's 20,000 livestock operations. Photo credit: Humane Society of the United States.

Coalition Takes EPA to Court Over Factory Farm Pollution

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is being taken to court over the pollution from so called factory farms in a …

PHOTO: Taxpayer-funded farm animal abuse is at the center of public outrage, and an investigation regarding what has been happening at a USDA Meat Research Center in Nebraska. Photo credit: Farm Sanctuary.

Public Outrage over Taxpayer-Funded USDA Animal Abuse

LOS ANGELES - An undercover investigation by a New York Times reporter at a USDA Meat Research Center in Nebraska has sparked outrage from animal welf…

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CA: Animal Welfare