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In a survey conducted by World Animal Protection, 80% of U.S. consumers said they were concerned about the treatment of factory-farmed pigs. (Adobe Stock)

Report calls on NC restaurant chains to end use of livestock gestation crates

Advocates for animal welfare are calling on restaurants in North Carolina to end the use of gestation crates for pregnant pigs in their supply chain…

Firsthand Foods collaborates with more than 20 farmers across 10 counties. (Adobe Stock)

Building a sustainable food system: Firsthand Foods' approach

Building a sustainable and fair food system benefiting people and the planet is becoming increasingly important and North Carolina businesses are answ…

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nationwide production value of broiler chickens, eggs, and turkeys in 2020 was $35.5 billion, down 11% from 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Pressure Builds on Costco to Commit to Better Poultry Practices

Watchdog groups say chickens used by Costco are bred to grow so quickly, many of them cannot stand under their own weight, and recent lawsuits …

In October 2018, Hurricane Michael inundated Surry County, N.C., increasing sediment in the Mitchell River Watershed. (Resource Institute)

Restoration Work Cleans Up Mitchell River’s Hurricane Michael Damage

ELKIN, N.C. - A Mitchell River watershed-restoration project has improved water quality and repaired damage from 2018's Hurricane Michael, as well as …

North Carolina is home to more than 2,000 hog farm operations. (Adobe Stock)

Change in Hog Slaughter Inspection Rules Cited as Reason to Buy Local Meat

RALEIGH, N.C. - In a few weeks, pork companies will be able to inspect their own slaughterhouses, due to recent changes to U.S. Department of …

A 600-pound bear died from a car collision east of Plymouth, N.C., this week. Law enforcement officials say the driver was unharmed. (Tom Harrison/NCBearFest.com)

Collisions With Bears Rise on North Carolina Highways

PLYMOUTH, N.C. — As the breeding season begins for North Carolina's black bears, so does the risk of collisions with the animals on highways in …

The Virginia big-eared bat consumes insects, with small moths making up a significant portion of its diet. (Larisa Bishop-Boros/Wikipedia)

Documentary Highlights Fight to Save Endangered Bats

LINVILLE, N.C. — Bats are among the most misunderstood mammals, and a documentary showing at The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum next month …

The red patches on either side of the head of male red-cockaded woodpeckers are rarely seen - the birds usually conceal them unless they're excited or agitated. (Chuck Hess/U.S. Forest Service)

Healthy Homes Needed for Endangered NC Birds

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Fourth National Climate Assessment released by the federal government outlined the impacts of severe weather on the …

Flooded areas in eastern North Carolina continue to impact water quality and endanger the health of humans and wildlife. (Waterkeeper Alliance/flickr)

NWF Releases Steps to Prevent Future Hurricane Damage

NEW BERN, N.C. — Eastern North Carolina communities still are cleaning up and drying out from up to 36 inches of rain dumped by Hurricane …

Ruby Red-throated hummingbirds are among the pollinators traveling through North Carolina during the fall in need of pollinating plants to help them survive their journey south. (Evangelio Gonzalez/Flickr)

NC a "Pitstop" for Pollinators in the Fall

NEBO, N.C. – Cooler temperatures and changing leaves in North Carolina can make it easy to forget that there's still some wildlife depending on …

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is taking public comment on the future of the Red Wolf Recovery Program. (Valerie/Flickr)

Howling Mad? Groups Fight for Protection of NC Red Wolf

COLUMBIA, N.C. — North Carolinians are being asked to weigh in on the future of a landmark program responsible for bringing an animal back from …

Other states in the Southeast are seeing cases of avian influenza, prompting the North Carolina agricultural community to remain vigilant. (IAEA Imagebank/flickr.com)

NC Braces for Bird Flu as Neighboring States See Cases

RALEIGH, N.C. — Another case of bird flu has been confirmed in the Southeast this week - this time in Georgia. It follows a reported case in …

Red wolves are being mistaken by some hunters for coyotes, a problem made worse as deer season picks up in North Carolina. (Land Between the Lakes/flickr.com)

Open Season: Deer Hunting Could Threaten Endangered Species

COLUMBIA, N.C. – Deer hunting, a sporting tradition enjoyed by thousands of people in North Carolina, is underway in most parts of the state…

Protections have been put in place to protect krill (seen here) and other forage fish, in Mid-Atlantic waters off the U.S. coast. (Tom Cliftonflickr.com)

Fishing for Protection: Move to Secure NC Atlantic Fish Population

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The health of many fish off North Carolina's coast could improve, following the approval of a plan this week by the Mid-…

Red wolf populations have been reduced in recent years because of policy changes, hunting and human threats. (B. Bartel/USFWS)

Howling for Attention: NC Red Wolf Population Struggles for Survival

COLUMBIA, N.C. - They're an animal often overlooked when considering the state's prized wildlife, but for decades the endangered red wolf has called …

North Carolina's butterflies and other pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds are impacted by industrial and agricultural development. (Angelique Hjarding)

Tar Heel State A-Flutter About Butterfly Highway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina's Butterfly Highway isn't going to shorten your nightly commute, but it will make it more scenic. The …

PHOTO: North Carolina wildlife groups are concerned a proposal to transfer management of captive deer and elk from the Wildlife Resources Commission to the Department of Agriculture could increase the risk of disease. Photo credit: Larry Smith/Flickr.

Who Should Manage North Carolina Captive Deer?

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina wildlife groups are urging lawmakers to hit the 'pause' button on legislation they say would change the …

Photo: A bill now sits on Gov. Pat McCrory's desk that critics say could impact undercover investigations at daycare and nursing home facilities, in addition to factory farms. Photo credit: anitapeppers/morguefile.com

North Carolina "Ag Gag" Bill Could Impact Daycare, Nursing Home Investigations

RALEIGH, N.C. – A bill (H405) commonly referred to as an ag gag bill now sits on Gov. Pat McCrory's desk, waiting on him to sign or veto the …

PHOTO: North Carolina lawmakers are considering legislation that would increase the number of habitats for honeybees in the state. Photo credit: cooee/Morguefile.

"Birds and the Bees": NC Works to Address Declining Bee Population

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - North Carolina lawmakers are considering a bill (SB 225) that would require state agencies to look for ways to increase public …

Photo: Proposed legislation in the State Assembly would allow property owners to pursue damages against whistleblowers. Photo courtesy: HSUS

Commercial Exposing Animal Cruelty at NC Farms Deemed "Too Graphic"

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Humane Society of the United States recently submitted a commercial to select TV stations across the state, highlighting …

Photo: The North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation is hosting informational sessions this year to help airports across North Carolina protect wildlife and passengers. Photo credit: Matthew Hull/Morguefile.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane...It's Wildlife Strikes on North Carolina Runways

RALEIGH, N.C. - Negotiating air traffic and unpredictable weather are just two of the concerns North Carolina airports face on a daily basis…

Video: Actress and activist Pamela Anderson shares what investigators found at the North Carolina Farm. Video courtesy: Mercy for Animals

"Slaughterhouse Rules": Animal Cruelty Uncovered at NC Poultry Farm

DOBSON, N.C. - A North Carolina poultry farm that supplies one of the largest food-service distributors in the United States is the subject of an …

PHOTO: The dogs pictured here were found at a farm owned by an American Kennel Club

Report Alleges American Kennel Club Lax on Puppy Mill Laws

RALEIGH, N.C. - Purebred dogs are the picture of perfection and their popularity was highlighted recently at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show…

PHOTO: Fast food chain McDonald's says it is updating its purchasing policies this year after the U.S. Public Interest Research Group called upon to the company to stop purchasing meat from animals raised using antibiotics. Photo credit: Elliot Lowe/Flickr.

Group: Big Macs, McNuggets Should Be Sold Without Antibiotics

RALEIGH, N.C. - The company known for its iconic "Golden Arches" is being asked to make its burgers, chicken nuggets and other menu items antibiotic-…

PHOTO: From the Christmas tree to the tinsel to a houseful of guests, the holidays pose potential dangers for curious pets, so their owners are advised to take some simple precautions to keep them safe. Photo courtesy: Christa Healy.

Planning for Pets: Keep Four-Legged Friends Safe This Holiday

RALEIGH, N.C. - With all the food and festivities, keeping Fluffy or Fido safe during the holidays can be a challenge. But furry family members will …

Photo: Devries captured images like this one with his camera equipped drone, which flew over several North Carolina pig farms which supply hogs to Smithfield. Photo courtesy: Devries

When Pigs Fly: Drone Captures Rarely Seen Images of NC Pig Farms

KENANSVILLE, N.C. – A documentary filmmaker calls it alarming – the birds-eye view he recorded of some large North Carolina pig farms…

Photo: Farmer Craig Watts and Leah Garces with the group Compassion in World Farming survey Watts' chickens he raises as a contractor for Perdue Farms. Photo courtesy: Compassion in World Farming

Enough is Enough: NC Chicken Farmer Fights Perdue Farms

FAIRMONT, N.C. – It's a real life case of David versus Goliath. A North Carolina chicken farmer is speaking out against the practices of one …

PHOTO: These goats (and a canine friend) are taking a break on a big job. Wells Farm rents them out to help eradicate invasive kudzu on protected lands. Photo courtesy of Pacolet Area Conservancy.

You've 'Goat' to be Kidding: Eradicating NC Kudzu

TRYON, N.C. - Goats are known for their insatiable appetite and love of climbing, which makes them the perfect candidates for the job of cleaning up …

PHOTO: The Humane Society of the United States is calling for greater protections for livestock on farms, in North Carolina and the rest of the country. The group says this year, more than 400,000 animals have died in fires on large, industrial farms. Photo courtesy of HSUS.

After NC Pig Farm Fire, a Plea for Protecting Farm Animals

EAGLE SPRINGS, N.C. – After more than 4,000 piglets died this month in a fire at a Moore County pig farm, the Humane Society of the United …

PHOTO: Although Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary was forced to close its Beech Mountain facility, it has continued to host educational programs, participating in events such as this one at Grandfather State Park. Photo courtesy Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary.

Judge Rules in Favor of NC Wildlife Sanctuary

BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C. - After a five-year fight, a North Carolina wildlife sanctuary has won the right to return to its home and also recover more …

PED (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea) sign informing public that the virus has been found on this North Carolina pig farm. Photo Courtesy of Waterkeeper Alliance.

Mysterious Pig Virus Concerns Environmentalists

NEW BERN, N.C. – Pigs continue to die in large numbers in North Carolina, and while pork producers work to stop the virus that's killing the …

PHOTO: North Carolina's deer population has not yet been affected by Chronic Wasting Disease, but wildlife conservationists say it could be at risk if not properly managed. Photo courtesy North Carolina Wildlife Federation

"Oh Deer" – NC Wildlife Federation says Deer Population at Risk

RALEIGH, N.C. - More than 1 million deer live in North Carolina and, unless you're a hunter or wildlife-watcher, your most common concern probably is …

Photo: Clearstream LLC, based in Harrisburg, applies its product to a variety of residential and commercial spaces. Courtesy: Clearstream, LLC

The Meat We Eat: NC Company Offers Alternative to Livestock Antibiotics

HARRISBURG, N.C. – North Carolina’s hundreds of livestock farms – including poultry and swine – soon will have to look for …

PHOTO: North Carolina's population of 100 red wolves on a small peninsula near Columbia, NC, are the only ones in the wild on the continent. Photo courtesy: Red Wolf Coalition

Howling for March Madness: Report Highlights NC Red Wolves

COLUMBIA, N.C. - The North Carolina State Wolfpacks basketball team has no shortage of fans, especially as March Madness approaches. But a new report …

Photo: HSUS and other groups argue the use of gestation crates in pork production is inhumane. Courtesy: HSUS

NC Grocery Chain Going Whole Hog in Protecting Pigs

SALISBURY, N.C. - This week, Salisbury-based Delhaize America announced it will require its pork suppliers to produce reports regarding their …

PHOTO: A bear at a North Carolina roadside zoo in a barren cage. The group PETA is asking the USDA to enforce humane standards for bears in captivity. Photo courtesy PETA.

A Gift for Captive Bears: Your Voice

RALEIGH, N.C. - Hundreds of bears in captivity in North Carolina and around the country are held in small, concrete pits and cages without anything …

Photo: Bridges on her Shelby dairy farm. Courtesy: RAFI USA

This Holiday, Farmers Report Consumers Are Shopping Locally for Food

SHELBY, N.C. – Shelby dairy farmer Ashley Bridges has a welcome problem this holiday season – she can't keep enough product on the …

Photo: North Carolina's black bears can be found from the mountains to the coast. Courtesy: USFWS Headquarters

North Carolina Hunters Fight to Protect Big Game

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina's signature black bear and equally well-known white tailed deer are threatened by climate change, according to a …

PHOTO: Hungry black bears will go just about anywhere to find acorns. This one was spotted in an East Asheville community. Courtesy Paperblog.com

NC's Bear Population Going "Nuts"

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Tales of black bears walking residential and city streets are becoming more common in parts of North Carolina. What's to …

Bears pace in concrete pits bereft of anything that is natural to them.

Group Urges Roadside Zoo in Cherokee to "Free the Bears"

CHEROKEE, N.C. - It's been a very good summer for 11 bears that were released from captivity last month from Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Cherokee…

Photo: HSHS bus wrap ads publicizing gestation crate concerns in Washington, DC. Courtesy: HSUS

First Amendment Fight Brews in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Raleigh Transit Authority is not "on board" with ads the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) wants to run. The Humane …

PHOTO: Sows lined up in crates. An undercover HSUS investigation in spring 2012 revealed cruelty and unsanitary conditions at a Wyoming pig breeding facility owned by a pork supplier. Courtesy of HSUS.<br />

Issues in Farm Bill Have the Attention of Animal Advocates

RALEIGH, N.C. - Animal-rights advocates are perched on the edges of their seats as members of the U.S. House and Senate evaluate legislation to …

PHOTO: Chimpanzees at Chimp Haven, a sanctuary for chimpanzees retired from research, are often seen grooming and playing with one another. Courtesy: Chimp Haven.

National Institutes of Health to Retire Majority of Research Chimpanzees

RALEIGH, N.C. - There is hope for chimpanzees used for laboratory research now that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced the …

NWF: Climate Change Threatens North Carolina Birds

RALEIGH, N.C. – Migratory birds in North Carolina are tweeting a sad song these days, according to a report released by the National Wildlife …

Farm Bill Amendment Could Impact Animal Treatment in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. - Lawmakers are putting many "eggs" in the Farm Bill "basket" in Washington, one of which could affect the welfare of farm animals…

NC Chamber of Commerce Under Fire for Support of Ag Gag Bill

RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina's Chamber of Commerce is taking heat this week for its support of legislation that would make undercover …

Photo: Wolf rescued by Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary. Courtesy: Genesis

Beech Mountain, Wildlife Sanctuary Debate Continues

BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C. - A western North Carolina animal sanctuary is celebrating a small victory in its fight against the town it has called home…

PHOTO: This cow, unable to walk, was discovered in a Humane Society of the United States investigation. Courtesy HSUS

Effort to Limit Undercover Investigations at NC Farms

RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina is the 11th state this year to consider legislation that would make it illegal to conduct private investigations into …

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NC: Animal Welfare